London Jewellery Week is a bling thing

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10 April 2012

To cash-strapped shoppers, London Jewellery Week sounds as appetising as one of Iceland's chicken tikka lasagnes. Or so Karen Dacre thought before getting to grips with this year's exhibitors. From bunny-heads cut from Perspex to cocktail rings inspired by giant killing birds, here, without a £10,000 diamond in sight, is a guide to some of the most affordable gems in town.

Michael Milloy
Something of a nonconformist where jewellery design is concerned, Michael Milloy launched his own label in 1997 and went on to collaborate with the likes of Marc Jacobs and Antonio Berardi. His current collection, a twist on the current preoccupation with colour blocking, features cuffs detailed with panels of Perspex in lavender and yellow. (£300, econe.co.uk)

Tina Lilienthal
After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2003, Tina Lilienthal quickly established herself as contemporary jewellery designer with a quirky, unconventional edge. Her most interesting work - a selection of insect charms and a collection dedicated entirely to raspberries - has generated interest from the fashion press and praise from LA brand American Apparel, which featured the work of the German-born designer in a recent campaign. (Rabbit head earrings, £79, econe.co.uk)

Peter Lang
Despite being a relative newcomer to the British jewellery scene, Peter Lang has a wealth of experience in the field. The designer responsible for the jewelled headdress Kylie wore to close the Sydney Olympic Games, Lang is the southern hemisphere's king of affordable bling. Go to him for a rock that's neither shy nor retiring. (peterlang.com.au)

Alex Monroe
A favourite among fashion editors, Alex Monroe's designs combine cute, countryside-inspired ideals with grown-up sophistication. Since establishing his own label in 1986, Monroe's vision has remained unchanged: he creates jewellery of supreme quality at staggeringly low prices. This juicy apple necklace (£108) is from the designer's Daisy Bell collection. (econe.co.uk)

Joseph Altuzarra
Following a liberal arts education in Philadelphia, Joseph Altuzarra went on to work with Proenza Shouler and Givenchy before setting up his own ready-to-wear label in 2007. This year marks his first jewellery collaboration with Atelier Swarovski, for whom he has created a collection focused around clear resin structures. (£290, Joseph Altuzarra for atelierswarovski.com)

Jewel Heritage
Tired of not being able to afford the jewellery that appealed to them, sisters Amina and Zorra Khan set up Jewel Heritage - a high-quality, low-priced label with a decidedly sinister twist. Inspired by all things macabre, the Khan sisters best work includes the eerie looking "four skulls" ring and this cheery creature: The Harbinger of Death. If you like Jordan Askill and Alexander McQueen, you'll love their pieces. (£45). (jewelheritage.com)

London Jewellery Week runs from
June 6-12. For more information, visit londonjewelleryweek.co.uk

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