Olivia Burton: The Floral Watch and Jewellery House
In brief: Olivia Burton is a British fashion watch and jewellery brand founded in London. It is known for its feminine, vintage-inspired designs that draw heavily on nature, featuring motifs like florals, bees, and butterflies. The pieces use reliable quartz movements and stainless steel, finished with durable ionic plating to achieve gold, silver, and rose gold colours.
What is Olivia Burton?
Olivia Burton is a British accessories brand founded in 2012 by best friends Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings. Having met at the London College of Fashion, they identified a gap in the market for distinctive, stylish, and affordable watches that combined contemporary trends with a timeless, vintage sensibility. The brand is named after Lesa’s great-aunt, whose spirit and style served as a key inspiration. From its initial watch collections, Olivia Burton quickly gained a loyal following for its whimsical and feminine aesthetic. The core design language is rooted in nature, with intricate dials featuring beautifully illustrated florals, celestial patterns, and the now-iconic 3D bee motif. This strong design identity is consistent across their product range, which has since expanded to include a full line of complementary jewellery. Every piece is designed in the brand’s London studio, maintaining a distinctly British character that blends classic elegance with a playful, modern charm. The brand has become a go-to for accessible, design-led accessories.
How Olivia Burton works
The appeal of Olivia Burton lies in its combination of thoughtful design and reliable, accessible materials. The watches are powered by Japanese quartz movements, which are renowned for their accuracy, reliability, and low maintenance, requiring only a simple battery change every few years. The watch cases are crafted from durable stainless steel, providing a solid foundation that resists corrosion and impact. This case is then sealed with a mineral crystal glass, which offers a good level of scratch resistance for everyday wear. To achieve the signature gold, rose gold, and silver finishes, the brand uses a modern technique called ionic plating (IP). This is a form of physical vapour deposition (PVD) that bonds the colour to the base metal in a vacuum, creating a finish that is significantly more durable and long-lasting than traditional plating methods. The same plating process is used for their jewellery, which typically features a base metal of brass or stainless steel.
Key characteristics
The defining characteristic of Olivia Burton is its whimsical, feminine aesthetic. The feel is delicate and detailed, often with a narrative quality inspired by vintage illustrations and English country gardens. Look for intricate dials with layered floral prints, celestial skies, or the signature moulded bee. Durability is aligned with its status as fashion jewellery; the stainless steel cases and mineral glass are robust for daily use, but the plated finish requires care to maintain its lustre. While not made of precious metals, every piece is identifiable by the "Olivia Burton London" branding on the dial and case back, serving as its mark of authenticity.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Olivia Burton | Daniel Wellington | Swarovski |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Aesthetic | Feminine, nature-inspired, vintage, detailed | Minimalist, classic, preppy, understated | Glamorous, bold, crystal-focused |
| Primary Materials | Plated stainless steel, mineral crystal, quartz movement | Plated stainless steel, mineral crystal, quartz movement | Plated base metals, proprietary crystals |
| Price Bracket | Accessible premium fashion | Accessible premium fashion | Accessible to premium luxury |
| Best For | Wearers seeking unique, decorative, and whimsical designs | Those who prefer a clean, timeless, and versatile look | Individuals looking to add sparkle and a statement piece |
Who is Olivia Burton best for?
Olivia Burton is best for the individual who views their watch or jewellery as a key fashion accessory, not just a functional item. The ideal wearer appreciates intricate detail, feminine design, and a touch of whimsy in their style. It appeals to those who love vintage aesthetics and nature-inspired motifs. As an accessibly priced brand, it is perfect for students, young professionals, and anyone looking to build a versatile accessory wardrobe without committing to the expense of fine jewellery. It serves as an excellent entry point into the world of branded watches or as a thoughtful gift. While not aimed at the serious watch collector seeking mechanical complexity, it perfectly serves the fashion-conscious customer who values design, brand identity, and everyday elegance.
Care and longevity
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your Olivia Burton pieces. As they are fashion items with a plated finish, they should be protected from chemicals and moisture. Always remove your watch and jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes. To clean, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using chemical cleaners, abrasive polishes, or ultrasonic devices, as these can damage the plating and the watch's internal seals. When not in use, store your pieces in their original box or a soft pouch, separate from other jewellery to prevent scratching. With mindful wear and proper storage, the ionic plating will remain vibrant, preserving the beauty of your accessory for years to come.
Common questions
Is Olivia Burton hypoallergenic?
Olivia Burton watches primarily use stainless steel for their cases, a material which is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, the jewellery often uses plated brass as a base metal. While the plating provides a barrier, those with severe nickel or other metal allergies should be cautious. The brand does not market its products as specifically hypoallergenic, so we advise individuals with known sensitivities to check the material composition of the specific piece they are interested in before purchasing.
How do you clean Olivia Burton?
The best way to clean Olivia Burton pieces is with a soft, dry microfibre or jeweller's cloth. Gently buff the surface to remove fingerprints and restore shine. For more persistent marks on a watch case or bracelet, you can use a slightly damp cloth, ensuring you dry it thoroughly immediately afterwards. It is crucial to never submerge the items in water or use harsh chemical dips, polishes, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can strip the plated finish and compromise the watch's water resistance.
Is Olivia Burton worth the money?
For its target market, Olivia Burton represents excellent value. The price reflects the unique, in-house British design, the reliable Japanese quartz movements in the watches, and the quality of the fashion-grade materials and plating. While it is not a fine jewellery investment in precious metals, its worth is found in its distinctive aesthetic and brand appeal. It provides a beautiful, on-trend, and well-made accessory at an accessible price point, making it a worthwhile purchase for those who prioritise style and design.
Olivia Burton at OD's Jewellers
At OD's Jewellers, we are proud to offer a curated selection of Olivia Burton's most enchanting watches and jewellery. We celebrate their unique British design and commitment to beautiful, accessible style. Explore our collection in our St Helens store or online to find your perfect piece. Shop our Olivia Burton collection.