Three years after promoting the well-known jewelry model on the top of its reputation again in 2006, the designer based her eponymous model, Annoushka. Within the decade because it’s gone from power to power, and enjoys a star studded fan base that features the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Middleton.

Her collections are timeless, brimming with a glamorous class that may by no means exit of favor. She has reinvented the thought of nice jewelry, designing modern but traditional items that should final a lifetime, after which some. From the attraction bracelets to the diamond cocktail rings, she makes use of supplies of the best high quality, solely casting treasured and semi-precious stones in 18kt gold.

The trail to success appears second nature to Ducas, who designs jewelry she would get pleasure from carrying herself. While it must be snug, unfussy, and, above all, versatile (‘if I can’t put on a chunk of jewelry in a minimal of 10 methods, I’m not ’), it additionally must be filled with emotion. Impressed by every part from modern paintings, to foraging at markets overseas, to the outstanding ladies she’s designing for, even to her French bulldogs, her designs are loaded with persona and feeling.

Extra just lately, she established The Good Breakfast, an annual fundraising occasion that raises cash for The Prince’s Belief to help younger women aged between 11 and 30. Since 2020, they’ve raised over £1.7 Million by encouraging people to host breakfasts the place associates, household, and colleagues are inspired to donate to the trigger.

So we caught up with the inspirational entrepreneur to speak about all issues jewelry, The Good Breakfast, and even an attention-grabbing encounter with A$AP Rocky.

What have you ever been as much as just lately?

The previous few months have all been about The Good Breakfast, my fundraiser for The Prince’s Belief. It runs yearly in October and encourages anybody throughout the UK to host a fundraising breakfast, and the entire proceeds go to assist younger women between 11-30 helped by The Prince’s Belief.

Since we launched in 2020, we now have raised £1.7 Million and helped 800 younger women. This yr our goal is one other £1 Million – the donations are nonetheless being counted, however the numbers are trying promising.

What was your inspiration behind founding Annoushka?

After I began Hyperlinks of London, there was hardly something between the excessive road and the jewellers you’d discover on Bond Road – and even by the point we offered Hyperlinks in 2006 I nonetheless felt there was this hole available in the market.

So, I needed to design treasured jewelry for on a regular basis use that’s versatile and playful and can final. I didn’t need to design to developments, so my designs are timeless so that you’ll at all times love them and hopefully then cross them on.

Why do you solid every part in strong gold?

There’s rather a lot on the market now made in base metals and plated in gold – it’s a short-sighted mentality as a result of these items gained’t final – my recommendation is to purchase much less and purchase higher – it’s higher for you, and the planet.

How does it really feel when excessive profile people like Kate Middleton or Rihanna put on your jewelry?

Let’s be trustworthy – it’s unimaginable.

After we heard that A$AP Rocky had been into our Liberty concession and purchased Rhianna her life in charms, the entire workplace was buzzing. It was simply earlier than Rhianna had had the child and he requested us to inform him about each attraction and selected 10 charms particular to her and hooked up them to a bracelet.

When Rhianna was noticed carrying it, it regarded unimaginable, and it was actually particular realizing that it was so sentimental and hopefully one thing that their kids will finally inherit.

Who’re three folks you’d like to see carrying Annoushka?

Julia Roberts, Timothe Chalamet, Naomi Harris.

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry you personal?

It’s bought to be my engagement ring. It was the primary piece of jewelry I ever designed and seeing because it has by no means come off, I should have accomplished an honest job.

I assumed our thirtieth anniversaty was a relatively acceptable second for an improve (4 children later!) so I designed two diamond ring jackets to sit down on both aspect of it – which was a bit like a “Pimp My Journey” second.

The response was so constructive, we’ve launched this as a bespoke service for shoppers trying to breathe new life into a favorite ring – it’s a a lot easier and extra sentimental means than repurposing the entire thing, and means that you can put on your ring in two methods, which I really like.

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry in your present Annoushka assortment?

My favorite piece must be the cocktail rings – they’re actually chunky, extremely polished and have lesser-known stones – which is one thing I really like to make use of. They’d look nice on anybody, no matter gender.

Do you could have a favorite treasured stone?

Tanzanite, solely when set in 18ct yellow gold. I really like the color and exquisite translucency – it’s so scrumptious that you simply really feel as if you may dive proper into it.

What made you begin The Good Breakfast?

I’ve at all times mentored younger expertise as I consider it’s an obligation to pay success ahead and kick the door open for the following technology of ladies.  Then 3 years in the past I used to be requested to grow to be a patron for Girls Supporting Girls at The Prince’s Belief, and I used to be struck by the unimaginable work they do with younger folks within the UK, empowering them to stay, work and earn.

While plenty of the funding for the charity comes from gala dinners, large charity concert events and auctions, I needed to start out a fundraiser that was powered by the general public, peer to look, that had the capability to go nationwide and grow to be a family title, so in 2020 I based The Good Breakfast (not supreme because it seems – with lockdown restrictions!) however regardless of all of that we powered on and held many breakfasts socially distanced and on Zoom.

How does The Good Breakfast work?

The precept is easy, host a breakfast at house or work, with associates, colleagues, or household – and the rule is, there are not any guidelines! Toast across the kitchen desk or bagels within the boardroom, as long as individuals are gathering and donating, it’s so simple as that. Final yr we even had The Queen Consort host at Clarence Home.

What do you want about attraction jewelry?

They’re like little treasured wearable recollections. I began gathering charms once I was little or no – my mom used to journey rather a lot and would carry them house from strange locations, which is the place my obsession started.

Sadly, she died once I was 23, however I nonetheless have the charms as a reminder of the locations we visited or issues we did collectively, like a golden legacy. I additionally inherited a few of hers – generally I put on them on a series round my neck, generally only one on a hoop earring or a couple of on a bracelet. They’re so playful in that means, and utterly private to the wearer.

What’s your profession spotlight?

Receiving my MBE at Buckingham Palace with my husband and enterprise accomplice John Ayton.

What’s your go-to outfit for work?

Something that requires little or no decision-making! A flare-legged jumpsuit and white trainers are a strong possibility for me. Life is busy, so if I can dress in a single piece of clothes then I’m blissful.

What are your high three magnificence merchandise you utilize daily?

Natural Pharmacy’s Rose Diamond Radiant Cleanser, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and Trinny London Miracle Blur.

What’s your favorite merchandise in your wardrobe?

If we’re speaking jewelry wardrobe, then it must be my 18ct yellow gold biography chain as a result of I can put on it lengthy or quick, layer it with different chains or add charms – I may even wrap it round my wrist – it’s a chunk of jewelry that works very arduous.

In terms of fashion, I like my garments like I like my jewelry – versatile. I’ve a stunning blue velvet swimsuit from The Deck which I like. I can put on it along with heels or trainers, with a excessive neck silk shirt or a white t-shirt (with Annoushka earrings naturally). It’s additionally nice worn as separates, the jacket with denims or the trousers with a beautiful jumper. If I can’t put on a chunk of clothes or jewelry in a minimal of 10 methods, I’m not .