fashion

The best gold jewellery to buy from female-founded jewellery brands.

Wearing jewellery is part of my personality. And I know I'm not the only one who relates to this absolute love and adoration for a fabulous necklace or a good pair of earrings

But often what makes jewellery extra special is when the brand behind it has a powerful backstory. And this particularly rings true for female founders in Australia's jewellery industry.

To spread the love and celebrate quality designs by awesome women, we've rounded up some of our all-time favourite female-founded jewellery brands.

Happy shopping!

Watch: Engagement ring trends throughout the decades. Post continues below. 


Video via Mamamia. 

Saint Valentine Jewellery.

In 2016, Georgia Wyrill launched her jewellery brand, starting at markets around Australia before opening her first boutique and growing Saint Valentine's wholesale and online business. 

She tells Mamamia it's been "exciting, surreal and scary" to watch her company grow and to gain newfound responsibilities as a founder.

"I love watching new designs come to life from ideas to samples, campaign shoots and then seeing sales. Also seeing repeat purchases, customers loving their pieces and brides choosing to wear our jewellery on their special day is very touching. I am very proud and excited to see how we continue to grow in Australia and internationally."

ADVERTISEMENT

Another plus - they have a recycling program. You can return your pre-loved Saint Valentine Jewellery to one of their boutiques and receive up to 50 per cent store credit* in exchange (which we love). Where possible they then recycle the raw materials.

Georgia's favourite piece of jewellery: Her Wabi Sabi Hoops and matching ring.

Our favourite pieces from their new collection:

Aspen Tennis Bracelet Gold, $150.

Image: Saint Valentine Jewellery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Relic Pearl Earrings Gold, $150.

Image: Saint Valentine Jewellery.

Valentine Necklace Gold, $105.

ADVERTISEMENT

Image: Saint Valentine Jewellery.

Arms of Eve.

Kerryn Langer started her brand amidst the vibrant markets of Sydney's Paddington and Bondi in 2018. Building on its success, the business expanded its reach, venturing into the online realm.

She says it's special to see where Arms of Eve is today, grateful for her team and customers for "their dedication and loyalty".

ADVERTISEMENT

"I love being able to adorn myself and others, as well as the ability to make individuals feel extraordinary," she says to Mamamia. "It brings me immense satisfaction to provide accessible options for people to express their individuality without breaking the bank."

Kerryn's favourite piece of jewellery: She recently bought a vintage bracelet from Italy that holds a lot of unforgettable holiday memories. A current favourite is her Casablanca Gold Ring as well.

Our favourite pieces:

Arms of Eve Mimi Necklace, $140.

Image: Arms of Eve.

ADVERTISEMENT

Arms of Eve Sofia Bracelet, $79.

Image: Arms of Eve.

Arms of Eve Stassia Gold Earrings, $110.

Image: Arms of Eve.

ADVERTISEMENT

Najo.

Jo Tory is proud to be one of Australia's pioneering female founders. Jewellery label Najo was born in 1986 when Jo returned to Australia after living in Mexico.

"When I discovered the superb craftsmanship of the silversmiths in Mexico I knew my calling was to design jewellery and work with them. They are an inspiration! All Najo jewellery is 925 sterling silver, and the overlay of 18ct and 14ct gold plating brings a richness to the high polish silver," she explains. 

ADVERTISEMENT

And it's been extra special to watch her business grow into what it is today.

"It's been a delightful journey, and a creative process," she tells Mamamia. "It's not only creative from a design perspective, but also in the way that all the parts of a business work together as a whole. Najo continues to develop and expand, and through the process I am learning all the time."

Jo's favourite piece of jewellery: Her absolute favourite is a Najo bangle that has been in the collection for 20 years. Handcrafted in Mexico, she loves the superb design and quality of the piece, saying it will never date.

Our favourite pieces:

Najo Weeping Woman Earring, $129.

Image: Najo/The Iconic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chia Yellow Gold Hoop Earring, $89.99.

Image: Najo/The Iconic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Najo Weave Yellow Gold Ring, $169.

Image: Najo/The Iconic.

Alana Maria Jewellery.

When Alana Ellis was in primary school, she made her first piece of jewellery and began selling beaded bracelets to her friends. 10 years later in 2018, she opened her business Alana Maria Jewellery.

Alana tells Mamamia it's been "truly amazing" to see her business grow into a thriving brand. Not to mention, having an outlet for her creativity and vision.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I have so many pinch-me moments such as seeing Alana Maria on one of the largest billboards on Times Square, arranging a pop-up store on Melrose Avenue in LA, and cutting the ribbon for our flagship store in Bondi," she says.

"It is very empowering to work with a young, all-female team. We support and inspire each other, and I am constantly impressed with what we're able to achieve together."

Alana's favourite piece of jewellery: The very first ring she made from scratch — a silver ring with a polished finish. She hasn't ever taken it off, calling it her lucky charm. 

Our favourite pieces:

Alana Maria Jewellery Tara Beaded Earrings Gold, $69.

Image: Alana Maria Jewellery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Alana Maria Jewellery Rita Necklace Gold, $239.

Image: Alana Maria Jewellery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Alana Maria Jewellery Hannah Necklace Gold, $119.

Image: Alana Maria Jewellery.

Jackie Mack Designs.

Established in 2018, Jackie tells Mamamia that it's been an incredible journey starting her own jewellery brand. Jewellery is an absolute artistry she says, and it's a creative journey for her as a designer too. 

ADVERTISEMENT

"Seeing our jewellery designs being appreciated and cherished by customers brings me immense joy and reaffirms our commitment to creating high-quality pieces and designs they love. It's truly rewarding to know that our products have become a part of people's special moments and memories," she says.

"Seeing the company grow from its humble beginnings to where we are today, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and excitement for what's yet to come."

Jackie's favourite piece of jewellery: Hard to choose because there are many pieces that are very sentimental, particularly the ones her late husband gave her. But a recent favourite is her Allure Wavy Earrings.

Our favourite pieces:

Jackie Mack Allure Gold Wavy Earrings, $118.

Image: The Iconic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jackie Mack Fuchsia Artic Huggies, $115.

Image: The Iconic.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jackie Mack Allure Necklace, $85.

Image: The Iconic.

Christie Nicolaides.

It started with a little pop-up store in 2014, Christie Nicolaides tells MamamiaWatching her business grow since officially launching online in 2015 has been a "wonderful experience", she says. 

ADVERTISEMENT

"I never anticipated that it would become what it is today. It has been my baby for close to 10 years and I am extremely proud of it. I just love the design process — from immersing myself in research and sketches on a piece of paper to then seeing the end result."

Christie's favourite piece of jewellery: If she had to choose a favourite piece in her collection, it would be the Ariadne and Daphne earrings, named after her daughters.

Our favourite pieces:

Christie Nicolaides Amalita Earrings in Blue Crystal, $399.

Image: The Iconic

ADVERTISEMENT

Christie Nicolaides Bambina Earrings in White, $399.

Image: The Iconic

Christie Nicolaides Amalia Hoops Chocolate-hued Crystals, $169.

Image: The Iconic

ADVERTISEMENT

by charlotte.

It was after a yoga retreat in Bali back in 2012 that Charlotte Blakeney decided to start her jewellery company by charlotte. 

She was a makeup artist at the time and would take her jewellery to fashion photoshoots for it to be styled on models and celebrities. That's when their iconic lotus necklace debuted on the cover of Harper's Bazaar with Rosie Huntington Whiteley.

"My heart is filled with pride each day watching our amazing team bring the magic of by charlotte to life," she tells Mamamia. "There's been a lot of hurdles and life lessons learnt over the past 11 years, but it has been the most incredible journey, and I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends and team along the way.

ADVERTISEMENT

Charlotte's favourite piece of jewellery: She doesn't go a day without wearing her 14k Gold Heart Lotus Locket Pendant. Captured inside is a special moment shared between Charlotte and her five-year-old daughter Estelle.

Our favourite pieces:

by charlotte Gold Divine Grace Bracelet, $139.

Image: The Iconic.

ADVERTISEMENT

by charlotte Gold Starlight Pearl Choker, $199.

Image: The Iconic.

by charlotte Gold Desert Sky Hoops, $149.

Image: The Iconic

ADVERTISEMENT

Azal Studio.

Azal Studio was inspired by founder Azal Khan's Indian and Pakistani heritage. Founded in 2018, she was at the time working as a journalist and studying an MBA. Nowadays, she still loves working in media and simultaneously running her successful jewellery business. 

There's nothing Azal loves more than seeing her pieces on customers, particularly happy brides. 

"It's been incredible and a lesson in self-confidence. During the early years I felt so much imposter syndrome thinking I'm not good enough to have my own brand because I don't have any formal design training or qualification. But I'm so proud of where the brand is today," she tells Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It's been so rewarding to see all that work come to fruition as Azal Studio has taken that journey of a side hustle and growing into an established brand."

Azal's favourite piece of jewellery: A gold bangle her mum designed and gifted to her for the birth of Azal's daughter, and also her pink diamond engagement ring. 

Our favourite pieces:

Azal Studio Selini Earrings, $180.

Image: Azal Studio.

ADVERTISEMENT

Azal Studio Tutti Fruiti Necklace, $160.

Image: Azal Studio.

Azal Studio Angkor Ear Jacket in Gold, $140.

ADVERTISEMENT

Image: Azal Studio.






Amber Sceats.

Launched over a decade ago, Amber Sceats founded her self-titled accessories company with the vision to "always be authentic" to their ethos and vision.

"The best piece of advice I can pass on to any person who is thinking about launching their own brand, is to never look at other brands and try to follow them. If you stay true to your aesthetic and follow your gut you will always have a strong identity," Amber tells Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

"That's how Amber Sceats jewellery has been able to grow, which is incredibly humbling. I just love having the freedom to express my creativity on my terms and the bonds created with the team."

Amber's favourite piece of jewellery: She's currently into large statement baroque pearl jewellery, favourites being the Giselle Necklace and the Audrey Earrings with jeans and a shirt. "Classic and so chic."

 Our favourite pieces:

Amber Sceats x Steph Claire Smith Harvey Earrings, $112.

Image: The Iconic

ADVERTISEMENT

Amber Sceats Fonda Bracelet, $99.

Image: The Iconic.

Amber Sceats x Steph Claire Smith Laura Earrings, $112.

ADVERTISEMENT

Image: The Iconic

Are you a jewellery person? If so, what's your favourite style of jewellery? Do you prefer fine or chunky styles? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Mamamia. 

Calling all Shopaholics, Retail Therapy Enthusiast & Glamour Gurus ! Take this short survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher!