Because Magazine’s Little Black Book is far more than your average city guide. An insider directory to London, as seen through the eyes of our friends in fashion, beauty, fitness, food and the arts – all of them, experts in their fields – it’s your go-to Where’s Where for niche and noteworthy recommendations to help you navigate and use our Capital at its best. This week, jewellery designer and entrepreneur Annoushka Ducas – recognised with an MBE for her contribution to the jewellery industry – lets us in on where we’ll find her favourite antique jewellers…



"I’m always guaranteed to find a gem in here."

Where... 
Grays Antiques Market in Mayfair is always a great place to visit if you’re looking for a one-off piece of jewellery. Likewise, Didier LTD Gallery in Kensington is also one of my favourite (and now not-so-secret) places!

Why... Full of hidden treasures, from art-deco jewellery to antique ornaments and vintage fashion, Grays Antiques Market is somewhere I could easily spend an afternoon getting lost in. Meanwhile, Didier LTD specialises in artistic jewels, designed by leading Modern Masters and designers from the second half of the 20th Century; art is another of my great passions and, although it can be a little pricey, I’m always guaranteed to find a gem in here.

Because... I find it fascinating to imagine where my pieces will be in years to come. Like a storyteller, I design pieces to be defined by character and meaning: Stories and memories from my own experiences. I hope that, one day, my jewellery will become heirlooms – personal pieces that are passed down from generation to generation. I hope it will bring meaning and happy memories to the person that it's given to, and that it will be loved by many women. My 1920s-inspired engagement ring was the first piece of jewellery I ever designed, and to this day I haven’t taken it off!

 

As founder of some of the most recognisable names in the bijoux biz – from Links of London to her namesake luxury fine line, Annoushka – Annoushka Ducas MBE was, for us, a natural go-to for recommending the crème de la crème of antique jewellers.

Renowned for handcrafted, luxury designs – comprised of fine metals, precious gemstones and the purest diamonds – all of which strike a sweet spot between contemporary chic and bohemian elegance, Annoushka pieces are eternally stylish. The latest launch takes shape as the Beetle collection, which sees the universal symbol of regeneration, perseverance and insight reimagined as a modern talisman... Begin your collection right here, right now!

Click here to discover and shop the new Beetle collection by Annoushka.

Loving our Little Black Book series? Start your own with more styles by Smythson here:




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