This Gold Jewellery Looks More Expensive Than It Really Is

Do you ever get hyper-fixated on fashion pieces? It happens all the time for me but usually it’s a short-lived affair, over before it ever really began. With one exception: Chloé’s Femininities necklace. A gold pendant of a female figure inspired by ancient fertility goddesses and the Venus de Milo, it's been on my wish list for years now. The problem is, it’s £291: far more than I would ever feel comfortable spending on a piece of jewellery.

So when I discovered Ottoman Hands, an artisanal British brand that specialises in handcrafted, gold-plated jewellery set with semi-precious gems, I was instantly hooked. Their designs are rich with reference, whether they draw from Greek mythology, pay homage to the brand's Turkish heritage or honour other traditional crafts, like their Afghan-inspired collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, handmade in Kabul. Here you’ll find pendants to rival Chloé's, intricately engraved coin earrings, delicate beaded necklaces and statement rings set with mother of pearl or lapis. Best of all, prices range from just £19 to £175.

I know, it almost sounds too good to be true. To find out whether the quality is on par with the brand’s aesthetic, I tested out 16 Ottoman Hands bestsellers (spoiler: I’m even more impressed than before). Read on for my thoughts.