Alex Monroe. The ironic pieces. Wardrobe essentials

British jewellery designer Alex Monroe grew up in Suffolk surrounded by fields, rivers and the plants and creatures which inhabit them.

He trained at Sir John Cass School Of Art in London, and uses nature to inspire his whimsical, intricately beautiful jewellery.

Established in 1986, his core aspirations remain unchanged; to make great quality, wearable jewellery, which is originally designed and well priced.

Nature has always been Alex’s greatest inspiration. Whether from travels in Pakistan, walks along the hedgerows of Suffolk or even the Tuscan hills, his designs always remain inherently English.

Alex always makes the original by hand in sterling silver, which gives his work its distinctive signature of such exquisite detail.

He uses his skills to craft jewellery that is slightly quirky, sometimes cute, but always very feminine. The jewellery is both pretty and humorous, but consistently wearable. Japan has long been a important market for Alex Monroe, and we even have a dedicated Japanese Alex Monroe site, but the appeal of Alex Monroe jewellery can be seen all over the world. For example, there are strong following of fans in Australia and Germany in particular.

But back in the UK, there are over 100 shops selling Alex Monroe jewellery. From high-end boutiques in London to sweet little shops in the Orkney Islands, the jewellery has won over fans young and old and become a firm favourite. 

In addition to producing four collections every year, Alex also embarks on numerous collaborative ventures, working with such luminaries as the Victoria & Albert Museum, who asked Alex to design a limited edition commemorative Locket.  These diverse projects have also included an 18ct Gold Poppy for the British Legion, a 250th anniversary range for Kew Gardens, a bottle for the classic British perfumiers Penhaligon’s and a set of sensual and erotic pieces for Coco De Mer.

Alex’s distinctive designs have earned him many admirers in the press, as they are always a firm favourite with the girls working at the glossies! The result of this is that the jewellery is now “must-have” and when Sophie Dahl was pictured wearing the Bee, stockists reported instant sell-outs, with boutiques across the country clamouring for Alex’s classic designs.  Despite this, the brand does not rely on celebrity ‘endorsement’, all clients are genuine fans – Sienna Miller, Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan, Emilia Fox, Thandie Newton, Lisa Snowdon and Jo Whiley to name a few.

In the middle of all this, Alex’s original objectives stay true. Rather than compromise quality and have the jewellery produced in a factory, everything is still hand made in Alex’s London studios by skilled craftspeople.

In 2008 Alex was awarded the prestigious ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the UK Jewellery Awards 2008, saying ‘‘His quality is perfect and his style is so consistent.’ Alex has also made the shortlist for this award in 2009 and 2010.

Alex Monroe: ‘I like people who like my jewellery. they are not slaves to fashion; they tend to be more concerned about personality and craftsmanship. They care about quality and they like things that are quirky and individual.’