Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they rarely are a treat for the wallet. These gemstones come with whopping price tags, only to be reserved for the few-to-come formal events and are often too out of place for everyday use.
But in recent years, new jewellery studios are coming up with contemporary pieces that are creating a fresh appreciation of classic diamonds without breaking the bank. Accessible enough to be worn daily, these ‘everyday diamonds’ are a breakaway from traditional designs that still offer a spark to any outfit.
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1 /5
This Belgium-based jeweller aims to make real diamonds affordable for all. Its jewellery collections take notes from recent trends, often simple and easy to pull off. Only white diamonds — ethically-sourced of course — are used in nearly every piece of jewellery here. But rather than having the diamond standout, Diamanti Per Tutti chooses to use small cuts as sparkly accents flanking coloured gems and gold-plated sterling silver. Diamond-fronted classics are also reinterpreted in new ways. For instance, a tennis bracelet is reinterpreted as a thin, flexible silver bangle with 78 small white diamonds totalling 0.312 carats.
2 /5
Monica Vinader demi-fine jewellery collections are typically driven by charms and semi-precious gems. When it comes to working with diamonds, the jeweller goes for pave-set pieces. Monica Vinader’s signature organic-looking designs are outlined with champagne or white diamonds. The collection is a lot more diverse. There’s a mix of casual accessories, such as heart-shaped charms and bar bracelets, as well as more statement-making pieces like a fully-paved diamond ring and matching pair of earrings. The Duchess of Cambridge has also shown favour for some of these pieces at past official engagements.
3 /5
Copenhagen’s Georg Jensen is better known for silverware and home decor. This eye for Scandinavian design has also expanded to the realm of jewellery design. Georg Jensen’s fine jewellery is defined by undulating lines, sculpted from yellow gold and sterling silver. Gems are uncommon in the jewellery house’s minimalist aesthetic, but brilliant-cut diamonds are infused in unexpected ways, punctuating the ends of a ring or a bracelet. The pieces are understated and sensuous, perfect for daily wear.
4 /5
This local jewellery brand has been popular on Instagram for their thin-band rings which see small clusters of diamonds. Their minimalist, yet romantic, designs are preferred as well as a stackable alternative to chunky wedding bands and engagement rings. Instead of just offering white diamonds, Lucy & Mui also offers customers a chance to customise their pieces with pink and yellow diamonds too. Solitaire rings are some of the best-sellers here.
5 /5
If you’re on the lookout for casual, yet timeless, accessories, Aurate has you covered. The Toronto-based brand appeals to the millennial woman while still upholding high standards when it comes to materials. Only solid gold, quality pearls and diamonds are used by Aurate’s artisans. Even then, prices are kept at very reasonable prices. An eternity ring here, a typically costly affair, is interpreted as a bezel-set number with 0.05 carats of diamonds: still a classic look perfect for everyday wear and friendly on the wallet.
Jasmine Tay
Senior Writer
Jasmine Tay is the dining, culture and jewellery writer. She makes fine silver jewellery and causes mini-explosions in the kitchen when she can't afford fancy dinners. Sometimes she tells people what she thinks about art, and binges on the music of Danzig when they don’t agree.
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