Alex Monroe, the eponymous British jewelry brand revered for its whimsical, nature-inspired creations, and yours truly have something in common for 2026—we’re both turning 40.
My plans to celebrate include a pack of fellow moms cutting loose during Las Vegas Jewelry Week. But Monroe has something a bit more tangibly commemorative in mind, with treasures one might pass down to their children (whereas elements from my birthday shall stay in Vegas, far far away from my children).
This year, Alex Monroe will ring in its momentous anniversary with a series of exhibitions and collaborations that pay homage to key moments in the brand’s creative journey. The first, a reflection of some of Alex’s most wildly beloved motifs from the last four decades, is Menagerie, a line that revisits some of the brand’s iconic animals—the bumblebee, rabbit, elephant, and snake among them—hand-engraved with a signature floral print for a look that is instantly modern heirloom.
The floral pattern that adorns each creature was developed in collaboration with a traditional hand engraver, each piece intricately decorated and then refined at the brand’s London workshop. Details like basketweave texture across huggie earrings and pendant bails further elevate the rich aesthetic, but without the hefty price tag determined by the current state of gold. “For me, design is an ever-evolving process so I’m continuously reimagining my designs,” says Monroe of the new pieces. “For our anniversary this was even more fun, because I wanted to make some pieces with a bit more impact. With the increased price of gold it’s been brilliant to create chunkier pieces in silver and vermeil. They look so gorgeous on!”
When asked what four decades of creating has taught him, Monroe says this: “If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that design is forever evolving. The only constant over my 40 year career has been change—it’s what makes it so exciting. These new pieces are very signature but they’re also so contemporary. They look their best when they’re being worn and that’s how it should be!”
Alex Monroe will also release a series of engraved floral jewels, alongside a one-of-a-kind print that will be available on handmade wallpaper, which feels especially fitting for this British heritage brand that’s softly and whimsically nostalgic, and firmly rooted in nature. Further releases in celebration of 40 years will be announced throughout 2026.
Top: Menagerie mix earrings in sterling silver and 22k gold vermeil, $341; Alex Monroe
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