Milestone birthday jewellery - where to look?!

[Domino07]

Looking for some recommendations.... i am turning 40 imminently and my family wanted to get me some jewellery.
I would say I am hard to buy for so they are not confident picking something out and would rather I selected something.
I feel very lucky but as would never buy 'real' jewellery for myself I am a bit stuck with where to look.
I don't have a great track record with losing earrings so am looking for a ring/bracelet/necklace that I can wear every day forever - much like you would an engagement/wedding ring I suppose.
I quite like simple and delicate looking (gold) and do love a diamond - which happens to be my birthstone - but it can't be too delicate as I have been known to snap dainty chains 😬. Though I am no fan of Meghan Markle, I do like her simple/delicate jewellery style - but we can't afford Cartier prices round here!! Budget is £500.
Any recommendations with where I can look and get something which is not stupidly priced for the brand name?!
Thank you!

Monica Vinander has some lovely pieces in that budget. I love her chunkier stuff but the delicate bracelets are beautiful too.

*Vinader

Liberty has lovely jewellery, Dinny Hall, Shaun Leane etc.

Hi @Domino07 Mappin and Webb has an 18ct yellow gold 0.7 diamond necklace in its sale for 500.00 - Gossamer. Otherwise, worth trying Liberty or perhaps Alex Monroe.

If you have form for losing earrings and snapping fine chains, I'd go for a ring or a bangle. A set of fine stacking rings?

Have a look in John Lewis as they have lots of different designers and then you'll get an idea of styles and designers you like.

Do you wear a bangle or bracelet now? I have a Tiffany bead bracelet I wear all the time and it doesn't bother me at work but a bangle would.

Couer de Lion has beautiful jewellery.

I'd second looking at Liberty or any of the department stores actually as they stock a range of brands other than their own.

Alternatively; Monica Vinader, Rachel Jackson, Alighieri, Astley Clarke, Missoma, Daphine, Astrid & Miyu, Mejuri, Daisy Jewellery, Susan Caplan Vintage, Alex Monroe or Wolf and Moon if you're after something quirkier, V by Lauren Vann, Tada & Toy, Lily & Roo, Edge of Ember, Omi woods, By Pariah, Ania Haie.

There's a lot of choice in the demi-fine jewellery bracket these days. I'd recommend also lookin on Etsy or Instagram for independent small businesses.

Another one for Monica Vinader, Dinny Hall or Tiffany.

Where in the country are you? If you are anywhere near Brighton, there is a fantastic choice in the Lanes and I would definitely consider pre-loved or second hand as you will get a lot more for your money (markup on jewellery is about 50% or more)

Or Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

Or Hatton Garden in London

Both have loads of choices and if you want value for money, stay away from the big brand names

On case you didn't know, apologies if you do, a ruby is the gem stones for 40 years.

Thank you so much for all those suggestions, that's really so helpful and I definitely have lots to look at now! I am NW London so will take a trip to Liberty and JL where the have a few brands and also there are some other stores mentioned in comments which I can hit on the same day.
I also love the idea of looking on Etsy as I also run a small online retail business so would love to get something from an independent - I just feel I would need to see something in person when spending that much, but perhaps some of them have a returns policy as long as I'm not getting something bespoke made.

I had better get researching and planning a trip into town.
Thanks so much again everyone! xxx

Have a look at Jeremy Heber, beautiful pieces.

I would look for real gold for a special piece of jewellery. Lots of the brand names mentioned just sell gold plated, which won’t last very long.

Some lovely bangles here

https://dd2.co.uk/product-category/rogues-gallery/bangles-rogues-gallery/

@Domino07 you could also look at Tomfoolery jewellery in Muswell Hill. And there is another jeweller called Angela Rose on the other side of the road.

Look up Annette Gabbeday too.

What about a Tiffany T ring?

https://www.tiffany.co.uk/jewelry/rings/tiffany-t-wide-ring-GRP09235/

https://www.monicavinader.com/diamond-essential-bangle/sterling-silver-diamond-essential-bangle-diamond

https://www.monicavinader.com/signature-thin-diamond-bangle/sterling-silver-signature-thin-diamond-bangle-diamond

https://www.monicavinader.com/nura-pebble-stacking-diamond-ring/sterling-silver-nura-pebble-stacking-diamond-ring-diamond

https://www.monicavinader.com/riva-waterfall-cocktail-diamond-ring/sterling-silver-riva-waterfall-cocktail-diamond-ring-diamond

https://www.johnlewis.com/georg-jensen-torun-diamond-bangle-silver/p3326970

@Domino07 if you can get to St Albans, I highly recommend Christopher Wharton and also Galio.

@Tarantellah you are right actually. I guess gold plated will eventually wear off after a time and as I say, i really want this to be something I can wear forever. Apart from my wedding rings and another ring my husband got me, all my other stuff is not solid so this is an opportunity to get something that will last. Any ideas of best places for solid gold without brand name price tags?!

If you’re looking for super cheap you can buy 9ct gold from shops like Argos or Chapelle for under £100.

If you want something a bit more “designer” I have this gold necklace which is £300 https://www.alighieri.com/collections/all-products/products/baby-lion-cub-necklace-1

We buy from Truman's at

88-90 Hatton Garden
London
EC1N 8PN
UK

Really good quality, based on the metal and/or stones.

Be clear about your budget and requirements up front. We receive a picture of the possible stones or colour of metal and agreed a setting

We have purchased in a very wide range, from around £10 to four figures. We knew up front what different things would cost.

Enjoy. You will have something of real value. Our contact is Wendy but anyone at Truman's will provide a really good quality service.