Do you ever get hyper-fixated on fashion pieces? It happens all the time for me but usually it’s a short-lived affair, over before it ever really began. With one exception: Chloé’s Femininities necklace. A gold pendant of a female figure inspired by ancient fertility goddesses and the Venus de Milo, it’s been on my wish list for years now. The problem is, it’s £291: far more than I would ever feel comfortable spending on a piece of jewellery.
So when I discovered Ottoman Hands, an artisanal British brand that specialises in handcrafted, gold-plated jewellery set with semi-precious gems, I was instantly hooked. The newest collection is inspired by goddesses, Greek mythology and the divine feminine. Handcast in its workshops in Istanbul, you’ll find pendants to rival Chloé, intricately engraved coin earrings, delicate beaded necklaces and rings set with mother of pearl or lapis. Each is rich in symbolism and pays homage to the brand’s Turkish heritage. Best of all, prices range from just £19 to £198.
I know, it almost sounds too good to be true — especially as we head towards Christmas (aka prime jewellery gift-buying season). To find out whether the quality is on par with the brand’s aesthetic, I tested out 17 Ottoman Hands bestsellers (spoiler: I’m even more impressed than before). Read on for my thoughts.
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Ottoman Hands Goddess Aphrodite Pearl Pendant Necklace, £139
This is the necklace that sparked my interest in Ottoman Hands. It features the sculpted torso of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, in her shell, rising from the sea and holding a pearl (a symbol of divine femininity). It’s stunning and I’ve had plenty of compliments while wearing it. At almost £140, it’s one of Ottoman Hands’ pricier pieces but still over £150 cheaper than Chloé’s pendant. A worthy investment, if you ask me.
Ottoman Hands Goddess Aphrodite Pearl Pendant Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Amalfi Heart Mother of Pearl with Pink Crystal Ring, £55
It really is the little details that make Ottoman Hands’ designs look more expensive than they are. Take this dainty, heart-shaped ring set with mother of pearl and a pink crystal gem — the texturing on the band and casing elevates it. As with many Ottoman Hands rings, this is adjustable, which I love. It makes shopping for gifts so much easier.
Ottoman Hands Amalfi Heart Mother of Pearl with Pink Crystal Ring, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Tyche Engraved Gold Drop Earrings, £49
Rich, buttery gold and lightly textured, these drop earrings definitely have an antique vibe. In fact, the design is inspired by vintage playing cards. Because they’re made with 21ct gold-plated recycled brass, they’re also so much lighter to wear than they look.
Ottoman Hands Tyche Engraved Gold Drop Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Amelie Pearl and Turquoise Beaded Necklace, £98
Compared to beaded and pearl choker necklaces from luxury brands like Bruna (which cost up to £170), Alighieri (up to £350) and Jia Jia (up to a staggering £1,500), this is a steal. Though with its turquoise detailing and engraved gold beads, it certainly doesn’t look cheap.
Ottoman Hands Amelie Pearl and Turquoise Beaded Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Moon Face Gold Pendant Necklace, £35
For only £35 I’m so impressed. This pendant feels solid and high quality, looks great on (especially layered with other Ottoman Hands necklaces like the Amelie beaded choker) and could easily give designer brands a run for their money (like Cleopatra’s Bling, whose own Moon Face pendant is £276).
Ottoman Hands Moon Face Gold Pendant Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Marley Pomegranate Huggie Earrings, £55
No, you don’t understand, I am obsessed. Who doesn’t want to wear tiny, bejewelled pomegranates on their ears? If you know your Greek mythology, the fruit does tend to symbolise death thanks to its association with Persephone but it also has strong associations with Aphrodite and Hera, queen of the gods and goddess of fertility and childbirth.
Ottoman Hands Marley Pomegranate Huggie Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Gorgon Medusa Lapis Pendant Necklace, £109
Featuring a delicately hand-cast Gorgon head on a deep blue lapis stone, this piece really spotlights Ottoman Hands’ craftsmanship. Much like the Evil Eye, the Medusa — an icon of powerful femininity — has been used as a protective symbol to ward off negative energies.
Ottoman Hands Gorgon Medusa Lapis Pendant Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Dela Textured Band Ring, £24
This is a great piece for any jewellery lover: simple but elegant and perfect for stacking. I’m happy to report that this ring hasn’t left a single green mark on my skin, despite washing my hands many times while wearing it.
Ottoman Hands Dela Textured Band Ring, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Amalfi Pearl Pendant Necklace, £49
This delicate pendant, with its organic shape and mother of pearl and turquoise, looks and feels so much more expensive than it really is. It has me daydreaming of an ice-cold wine under the Mediterranean sun, bare shoulders and a summer tan.
Ottoman Hands Amalfi Pearl Pendant Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Iso Pearl Drop Stud Earrings, £55
Architectural shapes combine with pearls to create a really cool, old meets new, nature meets contemporary design. It gives Alighieri and Missoma a run for their money.
Ottoman Hands Iso Pearl Drop Stud Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Galla Gold Statement Cocktail Ring, £49
This ring looks like a treasure from antiquity, etched with a scene from a myth. In reality it’s under £50.
Ottoman Hands Galla Gold Statement Cocktail Ring, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Niko Heart Huggie Earrings, £39
These gold huggie earrings have swiftly become one of my favourites. I’ve worn them in the shower, to sleep, to work out and to go dancing. So far they’re comfy, shine as bright as when they were brand-new and haven’t turned my ears green.
Ottoman Hands Niko Heart Huggie Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Eleanor Emerald Cocktail Ring, £55
A friend was so shocked that this ring is only £55, she bought one for herself right there and then. It’s a lot cheaper than many other emerald rings because it’s made with a dyed, semi-precious stone. This means every single ring is unique as each stone bears different markings (which just adds to its bougie appeal).
Ottoman Hands Eleanor Emerald Cocktail Ring, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Zand Red Agate Drop Earrings, £65
Red agate earrings tend to go for over £150, which is why these are such a special find. The intricately woven wiring sets this pair apart from everything else on the market.
Ottoman Hands Zand Red Agate Drop Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Gorgon Medusa Pendant Necklace, £55
If you’ve had your heart set on one of Missoma’s coin pendant necklaces, then try Ottoman Hands for a fraction of the price. Alongside this snake-haired Medusa, the goddesses Demeter, Hestia, Artemis and Iris are also on offer.
Ottoman Hands Gorgon Medusa Pendant Necklace, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Shining Star Gold Signet Ring, £38
A romantic twist on the traditional signet ring. This one looks great stacked up with my other Ottoman Hands gemstone rings.
Ottoman Hands Shining Star Gold Signet Ring, $, available at Ottoman Hands
Ottoman Hands Goddess Demeter Coin Stud Earrings, £55
I often find that coin jewellery looks and feels cheap, largely because it’s made with thin, plastic metals. These earrings have a real weight to them and you can tell they’re handmade by the natural, organic texture and slightly imperfect image. Demeter is the goddess of harvest and agriculture so the floral-shaped beads on the studs are very appropriate.
Ottoman Hands Goddess Demeter Coin Stud Earrings, $, available at Ottoman Hands
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