Costume jewellery and fine jewellery both have a part to play in any contemporary wardrobe, yet with affordable costume pieces filling the high street, many people ask whether fine jewellery is still fashionable. In Hatton Garden, EC1N, the answer is a clear yes. London's diamond quarter, tucked between Greville Street and Leather Lane, has always prized quality over quantity, and fine jewellery remains a cornerstone of how stylish Londoners dress. A single beautifully made piece, crafted from solid gold or platinum and set with a certified diamond, carries a value that fast fashion never will. Explore the local contemporary jewellery and the case for fine pieces speaks for itself.
Bold new designers
Some of Britain's brightest young designers are creating fine jewellery with real personality. Bespoke pieces crafted from 18ct rose gold or white gold and inlaid with diamonds are seen adorning wrists and necks across the country.
These makers prove that fine jewellery is far from stuffy. Clean, modern lines and unexpected stone settings keep the category fresh and relevant for a younger audience.
Leading brands and unusual metals
Many contemporary brands champion less traditional metals such as rose gold, creating stylish pieces that feel luxurious yet remain attainable for special occasions.
Hatton Garden, a short stroll from Chancery Lane and Farringdon stations, is filled with both traditional and modern boutiques. You will find everything from sapphire pendants to vintage diamond rings, much of it worked in gold and platinum jewellery.
Why quality endures
In large cities where people invest in pieces they will keep, fine jewellery will always have a place. A well-made diamond pendant can last a lifetime and pass to the next generation.
Costume jewellery tarnishes, breaks and is quickly discarded. Fine jewellery, by contrast, is repairable, insurable and often appreciates in sentimental and material worth.
Buying with confidence
When you buy fine jewellery, ask for certification from the GIA or IGI, and check any precious metal carries a London Assay Office hallmark. These marks confirm exactly what you are paying for.
If you ever wish to update an heirloom, the workshops behind jewellery repair can restore or remodel a treasured piece beautifully.
Fun fact: Rose gold gets its warm blush from copper, which is alloyed with pure gold to create the soft pink hue.
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