When it comes to gifting, it doesn’t get much more fabulous than opening up a box of diamonds. London-based fine jewellery brand Annoushka goes one step further: Every single creation contains thoughtful details to make them the kind of pieces that bring joy and that you can appreciate year after year, regardless of passing trends. Therefore, if you want to be considered a very good gift giver, then look no further than Annoushka.
Annoushka Ducas, the founder and designer of Annoushka, is attuned to the emotional power that jewellery can hold, and she carefully uses stones and symbols to construct a message and feeling within the jewellery. “I’ve always believed that stones speak to you,” she explains. “It has always felt very instinctive to me—but nowadays, we know even more about the meaning and power of stones.”
It is an ancient belief that stones possess positive natural powers and that they can denote personality traits based on the month you were born. In line with this thinking, the brand’s latest design is a series of divine locket charms with birthstones at the centre—aka the ultimate present that any jewellery lover would dream of unwrapping this festive season.
Discovering the astrological insight for each birthstone helps you decipher the meaning behind your gift and understand the specific energies channelled by each stone. Those born in September, for example, would be given a sapphire, which is a stone thought to bring purity, faith and wisdom. Annoushka’s birthstone lockets and amazing locket rings all have a hidden compartment inside the locket where you can store a small photo or a note. They can also be engraved with names and dates on the back to make them even more personal. When it comes to purchasing fine jewellery for yourself or others, these small details really are so important and are what make something a truly “wow” purchase.
This isn’t the only thoughtful and touching collection Ducas has launched this year—she also joined forces with fashion designer and bridal go-to Alice Temperley on a capsule collection inspired by the vintage pieces in Temperley’s own jewellery box. This collection is for a bohemian bride, but the rings, earrings and chains are intended to be worn on the wedding day and forever after. Although these pieces can be worn for any occasion, the theme of love runs through the collection with subtle nods to wedding traditions. A dove motif is used throughout the collaboration, representing love and purity. On the reverse side of the jewellery, you’ll find a single sparkling sapphire as your “something blue.” Freshwater pearls, which symbolise purity and hope, also feature heavily, while the white diamonds bring the classic glamour typically associated with weddings.
When gifting jewellery, you want to know it’ll last a lifetime, and all of Annoushka’s pieces are handcrafted in 18ct solid gold and diamonds so they can be worn and treasured every day and will stay beautiful forever. It can be tempting to save such special items for special occasions, but Annoushka designs pieces to be worn, not to sit in a jewellery box untouched—just ask the countless editors, stylists and fashion experts who wear the brand’s dainty charm necklaces on repeat to lift any outfit. Keep scrolling to see the jewellery pieces that we think make incredible gifts.
