In search of the perfect hoop earrings

This quest has occupied more time than it really should. But it's raining outside and the only option is to listen to folk-punk music, eat marmalade toast and continue the search.

You could do as my stylish friend has done and go to Elizabeth Duke (aka Argos) to score yourself some ghetto fabulous bling, but I prefer these:

Urchin hoops by Alexis Dove, a top choice - they come in either silver or gold vermeil, and two sizes: 42mm or 56mm and cost between £85 and £155 depending on the size and finish.  Alexis is based in Lewes, Sussex, where she has a showroom in The Needlemakers.

Graulated hoops by Hannah Bedford, based at Cockpit Arts Studios in London.  They are available in silver, oxidized silver and gold plated, and they are priced between £100 and £170 depending on the size and finish.  

(NB The design of these hoops has slightly changed so that they are easier to put in, with a butterfly fixing at the back.)

Gypsy Hoop earrings by Caroline Watson, featuring swallows, flowers and hearts (£60) - 18ct earwire, and sterling silver hoop, measuring 2cm by 2cm. Caroline is based in London, and her jewellery can be bought by contacting her through her website, or online retailer Damson Jewellery which stocks a range of her jewellery.

Abigail Percy is originally from Glasgow, and now lives in Belfast. Her work features semi-precious stones and silhouettes of leaves and flowers, such as these Eucalyptus Hoop Earrings (£140) - which are available from her Big Cartel shop.

(there is a 30% discount on her jewellery as she has decided to close down this side of the business, and focus on her company abigail*ryan homewares - to get a discount on her jewellery, type in code FAREWELL at checkout at her Big Cartel shop).

jewellery good enough to eat from Alex Monroe

Who cannot resist these pretty jewels by Alex Monroe that are good enough to eat?

Apple and green tourmaline necklace £108

Juicy Pear necklace £120 - a personal favourite, perhaps because of pear-almond-chocolate cake, which is 'cake of the month' chez Osborn

Peapod earrings £114, which I love because even though my twins are not identical, they are like 'two peas in a pod'

Strawberry and pink tourmaline earrings £99 - June is just around the corner, and so is strawberry cake

Heather Stowell's button jewellery

I spotted Heather Stowell's jewellery at the Christmas Primrose Hill Designer Fair, and I was much tempted by her vintage button earrings - this is recycling at its finest.

I particularly love this pair of earrings which are made with Victorian glass and metal drops - 'in line' earrings start at £92, although ones with a a thick bezel setting like these cost more. And earrings with just one button start at £48.

Necklaces such as this one with five buttons start at £147.

Each piece of jewellery that Heather makes is a one-off, and she also takes commissions to set your favourite buttons in silver. If you haven't got any vintage buttons of your own, you could stop by The Button Queen in London - located at 76 Marylebone Lane - and pick out your own.

Heather will be at RHS Wisley over the Royal Wedding weekend (29th April to 2nd May) for the Craft and Design Fair.

birdies

The early bird catches the jewellery.
Becky Crow's silver and copper pheasant earrings

Tatty Devine's etched leather brooch £24

Family Tree's mini bird brooches - Japanese rice paper encased in resin and perspex £8 each

Antoinette's perspex 'rubber duck' brooches for £5 each

Buddug's enamel brooch £30