Whilst costume styles have their place in fun fashion outfits, when you’re shopping for jewellery to give as a gift or seeking designs for yourself that are built to last, you’ll be in the market for an ‘investment piece’. Jewellery that falls into this category should be made from precious metals and stones – think gold, silver and platinum set with gems such as rubies, sapphires, pearls and diamonds, all of which are durable enough for daily wear. Investment pieces will offer more longevity than frivolous fashion jewellery and can even go on to become heirlooms.
Another consideration when shopping for an investment piece is design. Here at YCB, we seek a story behind a piece of jewellery. Was it crafted in a workshop by an independent designer or maker? What was their inspiration behind the piece? Did they spend hours at the workbench bringing this piece of wearable art to life? Or is a precious antique with years of untold secrets sourced from a knowledgeable dealer? It’s really quite interesting!
To dispel a common myth, investment pieces do not have to be prohibitively expensive. If solid gold and platinum pieces are out of your price range, look for more affordable silver designs or vermeil jewellery. Vermeil is a term given to sterling silver pieces which are plated with thick yellow gold, offering a substantially lower price tag than the solid stuff. Don’t overlook lesser-known gemstones when you’re shopping for an investment piece, either. Whilst white diamonds may be the most desirable of stones, colourful gems can be just as durable and offer more scale and impact for your budget. Spinels, garnets, tourmalines and freshwater pearls are just some of the precious alternatives to conventional diamonds that offer all of the wow factor with less of the expense.
A new brand on our radar creating investment pieces to treasure is Copenhagen-based Inel Jewelry. Founded in December 2023 (yes, this is an entirely new brand, folks!), by independent designer Line Thomson, Inel Jewelry specialises in contemporary jewellery with organic, modern shapes and free-flowing lines. Line Thomson lovingly crafts her pieces at the workbench by hand, creating wearable art pieces inspired by nature and the natural world around her.
Inel is the culmination of the Founder’s passion for design and jewellery. With a background in Industrial Design from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and four years of experience working as the Head Designer of a Swiss jewellery company, Line embarked on a journey to create her very own jewellery brand – which makes total sense after so much experience in the industry!
When we spoke with the Founder, Line told us that Inel is so much more than just a brand. “It’s my playground where I shape, craft and play with ideas.” She told YCB. “I believe that jewellery has the power to evoke emotions and elevate confidence. It’s about completing a look and empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves.”
Line said, “I like to work with contrast in shape, and find organic shapes very appealing. Fit and comfort will always be on my agenda.
“I believe in the importance of knowing where our jewellery comes from, who crafts it, and ensuring that their happiness resonates with every creation.
“In Inel’s case, it is simple, because everything is made by me in my Copenhagen-based studio, and crafting resonates with my life. Balancing my dedication to Inel, I also work part-time as a creative multidisciplinary designer, I am a mother of 2 beautiful daughters and have lived together with their father (my boyfriend) for 23 wonderful years now.”
A signature piece in the collection are the ‘Bubble Bug’ stud earrings, which are designed to elegantly ‘crawl’ up the wearer’s ear. Blending feminity with a contemporary edge, Line crafts this design in both silver and yellow gold for differing tastes.
Add these studs to your tailored outfits for the office and enjoy the daily pleasure of wearing a miniature piece of art on your lobes.
Our stand-out style in Inel’s collection are the Bubble Bug Pearl earrings which feature baroque pearls.
If you’re unfamiliar with them, baroque pearls are freshwater pearls that are typically irregular in shape – perfectly imperfect, if you will. Whilst spherical pearls were once the most coveted variety, freshwater pearls have been trending in the world of jewellery thanks to their organic shapes that complement contemporary designs.
The beauty of baroque pearls is in their uniqueness, no two pairs of Inel’s Bubble Bug Pearl earrings will be identical. Keep these earrings in your jewellery arsenal for those moments when you want to elevate an outfit for a special occasion – that wedding invite, romantic dinner or upcoming cocktail party.
Whilst solid cuffs and bangles are trending in jewellery at present, that doesn’t mean to say they won’t make a fabulous investment piece. Drawing inspiration from the flowing motion of open seas, Inel’s Ocean Waves solid bracelet features beautifully feminine curved lines.
During the making of this piece, Line carefully bent each wave to complement her own wrist, ensuring the design is exceptionally comfortable to wear. Worlds away from heavy and clunky bangles. Available in both silver and gold plated designs, this bracelet will elegantly complement any cuff and become a piece you reach for time and time again.
Inel Jewelry promise handcrafted jewellery, that is built to last and the epitome of sophistication. You can’t want anything more from a true investment piece.
You can get in touch with the brand & Line via Instagram to get your hands on these timeless gems, sure to be treasured and worn forever.
