Orelia jewellery has been on our list of the best affordable jewellery brands for a while now. Founded in 2008 and spotted on the lobes of Kate Middleton, Tess Daly, Frankie Bridge, and Georgia Steele, the Brighton-based brand creates beautiful, high-quality jewellery that doesn’t make you wince when you check the price tag.
Not only is its range of jewels and gems crafted with care and consideration for our wallets, but it also has a vast selection of tarnish-free, waterproof pieces that will bring the luxe factor to your jewellery box without discolouring.
Technically, this isn’t my first time trying Orelia. Back in 2022, I bought my mum a pair of gorgeous panther earrings from its pop-up stall at Stylist Live’s marketplace, and its range has expanded tenfold since I first dabbled in the brand. Collections span from the refined elegance of the LUXE line to the charm-studded splendour of the Sunset collection, but it’s the latest launch that’s caught my attention.
Shop Orelia: The Upper East Side Collection
Dripping with ‘80s glamour, the Upper East Side collection taps into the vintage revival that’s dominating autumn/winter 2025 trends, and as a fashion writer on a mission to curate a capsule wardrobe filled with understated opulence – I was more than happy to put it to the test.
Orelia The Upper East Side Collection
Whether you’ve clocked the brown suede jackets our fave fashion girlies can’t seem to get enough of or admired the never-ending stream of Bohemian looks filing down the Chloé catwalk, there’s no denying vintage vibes are at the crux of what’s hot in the fashion world right now. But if, like me, your idea of vintage is more Holly Golightly (AKA: extra AF) than The Breakfast Club, Orelia’s Upper East Side collection might help you nail your desired aesthetic.
So, what exactly does a collection dedicated to the Upper East Side entail? From signet rings and stud earrings set with semi-precious tiger’s eye and jade, to pearl-bezeled necklaces, chain details, and interlocking hoops, the edit exudes the allure and old money charm of New York’s most coveted neighbourhood.
Orelia Semi-Precious Tiger's Eye Square Stud Earrings
Orelia Semi-Precious Green Jade Pendant Necklace
Orelia Statement Semi-Precious & Pearl Drop Earrings
Orelia Baguette & Infinity Crystal Ring Stacking Set
The essence of the collection is heritage icons with a contemporary twist, practically catnip to me because if there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s the chance to deck myself in jewels that look like they could be heirlooms but cost less than my weekly shop. As a collector of mixed-metal trinkets, I was also delighted to see pieces plated in both the finest 18k gold and 925 sterling silver.
Ever a sucker for a statement gem, I’ll be slotting the Tiger's Eye Statement Ring into my daily stack and debuting the Pearl Drop Earrings with an LBD and kitten heels for a friend’s birthday dinner at the end of the month. And, with the gifting season practically upon us, I could hardly pass up the opportunity to get some early shopping in. I’m not big on chains or T-bars, but the Mariner Chain T-Bar Bracelet will be glinting in my sister’s Christmas Eve stocking this year.
SHOP THE UPPER EAST SIDE COLLECTION
Orelia LUXE Collection
Where the Upper East Side Collection leans into decadence and bold sophistication, Orelia’s LUXE line showcases the premium pieces made to be treasured every day. If we’re still considering ‘quiet luxury’ as an aspirational aesthetic, the collection delivers exactly that.
Again, pieces are plated in 18k gold and 925 sterling silver, but this line also has the added benefit of being waterproof and tarnish-resistant. I’m usually methodical about my evening routine, but de-jewelling after a night out or every time I wash my hands isn't always a prio. So, the fact that Orelia’s jewellery has the power to withstand a lil’ soak from time to time is music to my ears.
Orelia LUXE Polished Bamboo Open Bangle
Orelia LUXE Polished Linear Chunky Hoop Earrings
Orelia LUXE S Initial Necklace
Orelia LUXE Linear Link T-Bar Necklace
I loved that some of the pieces in this range were made from recycled gold and silver, so it’s clear to see that sustainability is a big consideration for the brand. The Flat Curb T-bar Necklace is totally trending right now, and would look super-cute with an oversized leather jacket and capris, while the LUXE letter or Medallion Coin charms are perfect for a gal that loves to accessorise with a charm bracelet. I prefer simplistic and relatively pared-back pieces, but I can still appreciate the range of designs featured in this collection.
TL; DR: In short, this collection does exactly what it says on the tin — it’s shimmering with investment pieces designed to brighten your everyday. The verdict? When it comes to jewellery, diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but Orelia is mine.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
