Monica Vinader: Why We're Obsessed With This Jewellery Brand

last updated 30 May 2018

If you’re partial to a little bling, however understated, you’ve likely already heard of jewellery designer Monica Vinader. If not, get your credit card at the ready because there’s a reason everyone from fashion bloggers and A-listers to even the Duchess of Cambridge is totally obsessed with her jewels right now. The short of it? We’re talking considered, luxe designs at a more affordable price point than you might imagine. Stand by for the full DL on why the entire fashion industry is totally hooked.

Starting the line at her kitchen table in Norfolk back in 2008, the Spanish-born designer has managed to hit that incredibly sweet spot between pricey fine jewellery and high-street fashion baubles. Despite high-end appearances, the core Monica Vinader offering sits nicely between the £65 entry point to the designer’s immensely popular stacking rings—a fashion-blogger favourite, by the way—and the £395 price tag of her chunkiest take on the sleek Signature Bangle.

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On Jessica Hamilton: Monica Vinader Signature Thin Bangle (£225)

While some more elaborate diamond decked pieces, namely in the Riva collection favoured by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton, can climb up to the four-figure mark, it’s that wallet-friendly take on fine jewellery that’s secured Monica a legion of loyal fans.

Not to mention the fact that her colourful stones are super Instagrammable and that everything from her pendants to bracelets can be stacked or layered with multiple versions of each piece—think rose gold, silver and shiny yellow gold finishes. Trust us on this; It’s really hard to buy just one item when you’re shopping MV.

So how did big-time success come about? It’s an inspiring story. After dabbling with different designs and selling her wares at craft fairs circa 2006, Monica, who studied arts at college in London, hit on something that worked. Easy pieces inspired by her travels around South America and the Far East were resonating with her customers while the fact that she kept prices down by using vermeil (gold coated silver) instead of solid gold saw her shoppers coming back for more.

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On Gwyneth Paltrow: Monica Vinader Riva Diamond Cluster Cuff (£2450)

By 2008, and with only a small workshop attached to her house as a base, Monica had recruited Gaby, her sister, as COO, remortgaged the home she shared with her husband and then infant daughter, and launched Monica Vinader Ltd as a full-fledged business. The recession might have been in full swing, but Monica’s now-cult Fiji bracelets sold out the very same year nonetheless.

Cut to 2014, and sales shot through the roof when none other than Kate Middleton attended a gala wearing a Dolce & Gabbana gown paired with Monica Vinader diamond earrings, plus a matching necklace. Clearly a fan, the duchess later stepped out again while on tour in Canada, wearing a pair of the now iconic Siren Wire Earrings.

Naturally, the Kate effect kicked in. A-listers from Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Palermo to Emma Watson, Kate Winslet and more soon followed suit, turning Monica’s Fiji Friendship Bracelets (now celebrating their 10th birthday), stackable Siren Rings, Signature Bangles and Riva diamond rings into cult pieces. The brand—once a mere kitchen table–based side hustle—managed to score revenue of a whopping £25 million by 2016.

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On Kate Middleton: Monica Vinader Siren Wire Earrings in Green Onyx (£135)

With boutiques now in Hong Kong, Australia, the States, South Korea and more, it’s little surprise that fashion influencers the world over are all stocking up on Monica’s cult buys. So if you’re keen to get in on the action—and honestly, why wouldn’t you be?—keep scrolling to see the pieces loved by the fashion pack, plus our pick of the best Monica Vinader jewellery to buy now.