I've been a fan of the jewellery brand Alex Monroe since I clapped eyes on the apple and serpent locket. The brand mixes luxury metals with a quirky design. The pieces feel expensive, they feel valuable, but they're not so pricey that you'll be scared to wear them everyday.
It turns out that Alex Monroe has a studio in London, and it's just around the corner from Domestic Sluttery HQ. Sitting in Snowsfield, a little street just off the busier Bermondsey Street, the Alex Monroe shop is exactly as you'd hope: pale blue façade, tiny little details to complement the tiny little details in the jewellery.
It's a bit like walking into a fabulous dressing room, which happens to have an amazing jewellery box on every surface.
And a stuffed bird in a tree. Obviously.
Alex Monroe's work is different in the flesh. I can spend ages looking at it online and never quite been tempted to splash my cash. At around £170 for silver necklaces and £225 for gold, it's still something of an investment. But when you see how delicate and special each piece is (hello scale model sailing boat, let's be best friends). Somewhere, hidden away or with very lucky people, are the original pieces that Alex makes by hand. There's also a bespoke service but I think the simplicity of the jewellery is what makes it special. Alex Monroe manages to bridge the gap between expensive bling and wearable jewellery better than anyone.
You can shop online for Alex Monroe jewellery, or head to the boutique at 37 Snowsfield in London Bridge to see it in the flesh. The shop is definitely worth a visit.
I've been umming and aahing about her stuff for ages. On the one hand: kinda pricey. On the other: SO BEAUTIFUL.
ReplyDeleteAlex is actually a man!
DeleteHeh, our comments crossed! Well, I have learned something today.
Delete"Her" is right, isn't it? I've skimmed the post but you've carefully avoided gendered pronouns.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same for a long time - interesting that we see delicate design work for a female market and assume the designer must be female as well!
ReplyDeleteSee, I even thought I'd looked it up and found out Alex was female. I was all pleased with myself for remembering.
Deletenope, it's a bloke. Which is nice. I'm a metalsmith, and a girl, but I like it when men make delicate jewellery. No reason why they shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteJust had a look at your work on your blog - I love the platinum and diamond ring.
Deleteaw, thanks! it's really due an update, but i'm in the middle of moving house so it's been a little neglected recently.
DeleteI'm spoilt because my lovely boyfriend has bought me lots of things from here. I'd never heard of him until I was presented with a gold filigree locket with a tiny bird inside, which is EXACTLY the sort of thing I love.
ReplyDeleteBest boyfriend EVER. That's setting the bar quite high when it's your turn to buy gifts though.
DeleteBeautiful pieces. Love the Jay too! Anna, Two Red Trees. x
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those lucky people! I've got two - yes TWO - very early Alex Monroe pieces. They must be from about 18 years ago when his studio was somewhere off the Kennington Road. My favourite is a silver locket, that opens to reveal a flower, a message, and a gold bee on a chain. I'm a jeweller myself now and still hanker after more of his work to add to my small collection!
ReplyDeleteOh you ARE lucky! Everyone loves the bees, don't they?
DeleteMy friend sells Alex Munroe on her website, I've had the silver bee for years. Its my favourite thing, I don't say that lightly. My boyfriend colluded with my as an anniversary present and it kind of embodies my style now.
ReplyDeleteMy friend even.
ReplyDeleteI wear my silver swallow necklace from Alex Munroe almost everyday. My lovely husband asked them to change the gem droplet to a dark blue sapphire one, to remind me of our first holiday together where we watched swallows swooping over the pool every night. He's given me other necklaces from AM which I love, (tiny butterfly and a blossom one), but my little silver bird is my favourite.
ReplyDelete