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About Us

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.

The appeal of Alex Monroe jewellery can be seen worldwide. Japan has long been a strong market and the jewellery sells well across America, Europe and Asia. The brand is now very popular in Australia, and China, and in Europe it sells from Norway to Greece.

In 2001, Alex decided to turn his sights on home and concentrate on building his brand in the UK. There are now over 100 shops selling Alex Monroe jewellery across the UK and Ireland. From little shops in the Orkney Islands, to the V&A Museum shop, the jewellery has become a firm favourite. Alex’s designs are now the top-selling brand in many outlets, including Liberty in London.

For his 20th Anniversary celebrations Alex held a fabulous party in the British Embassy in Tokyo. Back in London, Alex got together with Liberty to design a special collection of jewellery, with a posh breakfast for the press and a VIP evening in store. This was accompanied by a beautiful biographical booklet for customers.

What Liberty said:

“The 20:20 collection, exclusive at Liberty, reworks the best of Alex Monroe’s classic heritage designs. His feminine and quirky collections have long been a favourite with Liberty customers. Together with Alex Monroe, Liberty has collaborated on the 20:20 collection which includes filigree gold butterfly pendants and charm bracelets that sit along side fruits dangling on chains studded with semi-precious stones, with the hero design of a diamond encrusted bumble bee pendant. We are delighted to collaborate with such an individual and eclectic designer who truly embodies Liberty’s ethos and artistic heritage”

Alex’s distinctive designs have earned him many admirers in the press. Always a firm favourite with the girls working at Vogue, one of Alex’s Feather necklaces recently appeared on the cover of the magazine! Elle, Marie Claire, The Times, Guardian and Telegraph also regularly feature Alex’s pieces. But it’s not just in the UK! Alex Monroe jewellery appears in magazines around the world, from Vingtaine & Madame Figaro in Japan to Vogue in Germany and Australia.

Alex Monroe

Alex Monroe has long been a jeweller of choice to the stars, Kate Moss, Thandie Newton, Britney Spears, Lisa Snowdon and Amy Winehouse are all fans, to name a few! His designs may also be seen in television dramas and films, as Alex enjoys working on a variety of design projects. He was recently asked to design a special piece for the Victoria and Albert Museum, to commemorate the re-opening of their jewellery gallery. From Tea services for Fortnums, Poppies for the British Legion and saucy jewellery for Coco de Mer, the enthusiasm for new projects remains.

Another aspect of Alex’s business is his website, where customers can chose their jewellery on-line. This has been a huge success, giving people access to Alex Monroe jewellery right around the globe, with jewellery being sent to some very far-flung places - one necklace went to an ice station on the South Pole! In the few years that it has been running, ‘alexmonroe.com’ has now become an important part of the business, with sales ever increasing.

Yoko and Ulrikke working hard at their jewellery benches in our London StudioOver the last two years, Alex’s business has expanded very quickly. The order books are full to capacity, and where and how the jewellery is sold is being carefully monitored. Many shops, such as Liberty, now have long waiting lists of customers eager to get the latest design from Alex Monroe.

 

And 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 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.’

 

Quotes from our customers:

‘Hi
I just wanted to write you a short note to let you know that I collected the bee necklace from Liberty this week. My sister absolutely adores it and it looks really beautiful on her. Thank you for making such gorgeous pieces of jewellery!
Rachael’

‘Dear Alex,
I had to tell you how totally thrilled I am with my Humming Bird necklace which I bought at your Kennington sale.
I am ultra fussy when it comes to jewellery and hardly ever buy a thing but have had my eye on your beautiful collections for ages.
I couldn't be happier - just love it.
Thank you and all the best,
Hatty’

Alex Monroe