In The Studio with Annoushka
Driven by a restless curiosity for the new and unexpected, founder Annoushka Ducas invites Liberty into her world
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In The Studio with Annoushka
Driven by a restless curiosity for the new and unexpected, founder Annoushka Ducas invites Liberty into her world
Stepping into Annoushka’s Chelsea studio is like looking through a telescope at the night sky. Every corner glimmers with sparkling things that catch the light as you move between glass cabinets, each a world of playful details, precious stones and unexpected surprises.
For 35 years, founder Annoushka Ducas has brought a sense of curiosity and whimsy to fine jewellery, creating pieces that are as personal as they are precious. Designed in London and crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality, her jewels are imbued with stories, symbols and sentiment - from articulated charms and colourful gemstones to pieces designed to be collected, layered and worn in unexpected ways. At the heart of the brand is a belief in jewellery as a record of life: a talisman, a reminder, a celebration.
Liberty sat down with the designer to explore the inspirations behind her most personal creations and her enduring belief that the most meaningful jewellery is the kind that tells your story.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I design jewellery that is to be worn. Obviously, it has to look lovely, but most importantly, it has to be worn - in many different ways. It should be something that makes people smile; they look at it and remember why they have that particular piece of jewellery. For me, that is the most important thing.
What first inspired you to pursue jewellery design?
I certainly never thought I would be designing jewellery. My mother used to supply fish directly from the boats in Sussex to some of the very best restaurants in London. She needed presents to give the chefs, so I said, “I’ll design you some fish cufflinks.” That was the beginning of my jewellery career 35 years ago.
When you're creating a piece today, what's your process?
It starts with the feeling I want the piece to evoke. With the new Touchwood collection, it was all about the meaning behind each charm: protection, wisdom or guidance. From there, I considered the finish and how to bring the idea to life, including finding the right workshop to set wood into gold.
Versatility and playfulness are central to your approach to jewellery design - is that intentional, or does it come intuitively?
It’s intuitive. I’ve always collected miniatures and small objects, so that playful element has naturally found its way into my jewellery. But ultimately, it’s about what the piece means to the wearer - even the smallest details, like a hidden piece of ebony wood, can make it personal.
How does seeing your designs styled by different people influence your approach?
It’s hugely influential. Everything starts with people, because ultimately, a piece of jewellery comes to life when someone wears it. I’ll often meet a client wearing a piece in a way I never anticipated. I’ll think, “That’s a really lovely idea.” It might then spark an idea for something new.
What are your other sources of inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, but my mother was a huge influence – particularly her jewellery box and the way she wore jewellery. Childhood beliefs and rituals, like touching wood, also stayed with me. Often, it’s the smallest, most unexpected details that spark an idea.
You're a keen explorer - is there a place you've been to that continues to feed into your designs?
I spent a lot of my childhood in Italy, particularly Tuscany, where my godmother was a sculptress. I love its craftsmanship, food and people, and Italy remains a huge source of inspiration. More broadly, travel has always been an important influence on my work.
Looking back, how has your design philosophy evolved since founding the business?
I don’t think my philosophy has changed so much; it’s evolved through different stages of life. But my belief that jewellery should be worn and mark meaningful moments has always remained the same. Every piece has a story – when it was given, why, and what it means to the wearer.
Is there a particular charm you’ve made that stands out to you?
One piece that stands out is a bespoke charm designed as a little book matchbox, named after the restaurant, where a couple got engaged. Inside are their names and two diamond-headed matches representing them. It’s such a beautiful, personal piece.
What do you think makes your partnership with Liberty such a good fit?
I’ve always loved Liberty and its support of independent designers. The emphasis on attention to detail and craftsmanship makes it a natural fit for us – those values run through everything we do.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Mythology Enchanting Sun Charm
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
14ct Gold Knuckle Heavy Link Chain Necklace
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
Sterling Silver Knuckle Double Hoop Earrings
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Mythology Butterfly Charm Pendant
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Seed Pearl Short Chain Necklace
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Diamond Sex on Legs Charm
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Touch Wood Earring Drops
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Annoushka
18ct Gold Organza Bangle
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Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
Purchase qualifies for free express shipping. *Duties and taxes will be added at checkout. Subject to FX rate fluctuations
Free UK Standard Delivery on all orders over £100! Delivered within 3-5 working days. Normally £5.95.
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