London’s best jewellery shops

This expensive-looking Islington store is in fact full of highly affordable, but beautifully designed, women’s and men’s pieces by London jeweller Maya Magal. The shop’s minimalist-luxe feel reflects the similarly clean, simple nature of the jewellery, whose designs draw on Magal’s time spent in menswear, and have been seen on the likes of Alexa Chung. The Islington branch is the flagship store, but the brand also has shops in Marylebone and Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross.

Housed in a shipping container, this small but perfectly formed studio-cum-shop is one of Netil Market’s permanent residents. Pop in on Saturday each week to browse the work of founder Tatiana Andrea, much of which is created by casting organic forms like tomato seeds and sprigs of rosemary – resulting in heaps of knobbly, delicate, wabi-sabi charm.

This delightful boutique in Kentish Town is the first for jeweller Jessica de Lotz (recognise that name? Her sister runs Mouse & de Lotz café in Dalston). Every detail of its interior design – from the porthole shaped like a pocket watch, to the taxidermy animals – has been put together with love – it's like stepping into a teeny tiny curiosity shop. De Lotz’s jewellery has a distinctive, antiquey feel, thanks to the use of stamps, wax seals and ornate metalwork.

Tatty Devine’s acrylic pieces have never been for the faint hearted, but rather for those who like their accessories unashamedly kitsch and bold. So whether you’re after a giant bejewelled lobster to wear round your neck or a sparkly brooch in the shape of a banana, this is your place. The Covent Garden store (the original’s in Brick Lane) can create personalised name necklaces while you wait.

Inside her multicoloured flagship, Solange Azagury-Partridge’s exquisitely barmy trinkets are guaranteed conversation starters (so much so that her pieces are on show at the V&A). There’s a fabulous touch of the occult about her luxurious collections – think gemstones gripped by jewelled talons, glittering eye rings, and pendants shaped like drops of blood.

Roadkill isn’t something we’d normally think to decorate ourselves with – but it’s exactly what Hackney-born Tessa Metcalfe draws her inspiration from. By casting bird claws (including pigeon feet) in precious metals, the designer transforms them into things of dark beauty. Look out for the rough pearl pieces, which are a newer addition to the range.

Quintessentially British designer Alex Monroe is known for his nostalgic, nature-inspired designs (including those famous golden bumble bee pendants). Head to the newly refurbished London Bridge boutique to snap up delicate flowers, acorns, ferns and more on rings, earrings and necklaces – plus some in-store exclusives. Every piece is handmade in London.

EC One has been kicking around in Clerkenwell since the nineties. Its staying power owes to the fact that there’s much to love here, from the broad, unpretentious range of designers it stocks (something for every style) to its championing of new talent via its annual ‘Unsigned’ jewellery awards. EC One is also renowned for its bespoke pieces, that are handmade in the workshop out back.

Hand-crafted in their London workshop, Laura Lee Jewellery make one-of-a-kind pieces that’ll have strangers on the tube asking where you got your ring. From luxurious bridal jewels to everyday personalised pendants, the experts behind this women-led brand know their stuff. Drop in to chat all things jewels at their boutique in Covent Garden.