Following her latest collection “Hidden Reef”, I caught up with Annoushka Ducas, (one of my jewellery heros!), of Annoushka Jewellery to find out about which is her favourite piece from her latest collections and what was the riskiest business decision she’s ever made.
What was the first sentimental piece of jewellery you bought/were gifted? Why is it sentimental?
My first charm I was given was a silver church; I was a bridesmaid when I was seven, and we were all given a little church to remind us of the day. As part of my collaboration with The Vampire’s Wife, I created something similar called ‘God is in the House’, which opens to unveil a couple who are unmistakably Susie and Nick Cave.
What was the riskiest decision you’ve had to make in your career? What was at stake?
Launching our first store in China in the Hong Kong Mandarin Oriental. We knew there was great interest in our jewellery across China from sales but I took a real leap of faith investing so much time and money into such a big expansion of the business. It was such a success that we recently launched with Chow Tai Fook‘s JEWELRIA in Mainland China. The jewellery shopping mall currently operates over thirty five stores in Mainland China including Wuhan, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.
How could you encourage other women to take more risks in business?
Don’t take no for an answer! Trust your gut instinct as 99% of the time you will be right.
After so much success what do you struggle with now?
I want to say yes to every exciting opportunity that comes my way. I have had to learn to focus my enthusiasm towards fewer projects.
What do you like to do for fun?
Amongst other things, my mother traded horses when I was little. Horse riding has always been a big part of my life and nothing excites me more than watching them race on a Sunday afternoon.
What would you like people to say about you?
I’d like to think I have a real hunger for life!
Where’s your next holiday planned? Or what is your favourite holiday destination?
We go to St Martin de Belleville in Megeve for a week or so every year. Skiing is a real passion of mine; there’s nowhere I’d rather be at this time of year!
Most people only own faux fur and cultured pearls. Do you think the diamond market will go through the same motions as fur and pearls?
I hope that there will always be a market for real diamonds but I think it’s fantastic that there is so much awareness around the impact of mining on the environment – as a brand, we try to be as sustainable as possible in our processes and have recently partnered with No More Plastic, a fantastic charity which works to encourage brands to adopt innovative alternatives to single-use plastic products and packaging.
You started designing jewellery when your mother asked you about what a good gift would be to get 60 chefs as a thank you. Do you have a fool proof gift that you give to people?
You can never go wrong with a charm. They’re tiny pieces of sculpture that mark special milestones in someone’s life. Our charms are finished with a bail clasp so that even if they don’t wear a charm bracelet, they can wear it on a chain around their neck or an earring.
Your new collection is called Hidden Reef and features lots of beautiful pink sapphires and metal lattice work. Which is your favourite piece from the collection and why?
That’s tricky! But if I had to choose one, I think it would be the ring. It’s made up of multiple 18ct yellow gold rings studded with a spectrum of pinkish-orange Sapphires that move organically in the shape of a wave. I wear it on my pinkie finger.
