Who said jewellery has to be all about precious metals and gemstones? Sure, we all love the glitter of diamonds, but let me tell you — there is a whole world of contemporary ornaments out there, crafted from materials far beyond the usual suspects. Think semiprecious stones, ceramics, and even glass. Yes, glass! Once confined to the realm of vases and chandeliers, it is now taking over the jewellery scene, proving it can be just as captivating as any gem. Curious? I have rounded up some of the coolest brands redefining what glass jewellery can be — time to refresh your wishlist!

Founded by Carlota Martin in Barcelona, NAR is a jewellery brand that combines the artistry of craftsmanship with a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices. The brand sources recycled glass from France, transforming it into stunning wearable art. Because of the intricacies of working with borosilicate glass, each piece carries slight variations in shape, making all these rings, necklaces and bracelets truly one-of-a-kind.

Also born in Barcelona, Cajal specialises in handcrafted, avant-garde jewellery designed for everyday wear. The label’s collections showcase a variety of objects, shapes, and silhouettes, all inspired by nature, heritage, self-expression, and memories. Each piece is made-to-order, ensuring there is no stock — and, consequently, no waste.

Kitsch Kiosk, a small Hamburg-based studio, weaves modern fairytales by blending traditional glassworking techniques with bold, contemporary design. The duo behind the brand, Lisa Nagel and Jonas Kammers, call their creations ‘Kandys’ — and it is easy to see why. In Kitsch Kiosk’s collection, you will find whimsical, statement rings, ear cuffs, and a variety of pendants in different shapes and sizes that can be layered to create your own unique signature pieces.

A demi-fine brand from Magdeburg, Germany, Reaso draws inspiration from simple pleasures of daily life, nature, modern art, and creative people, experimenting with different materials and shapes, creating playfull handcrafted pieces. The label’s glass collection features handblown rings that can be mixed and matched on your fingers, worn as necklaces or even put on your earrings.