May 28, 2026 |
Ever wanted to don jewels that seem as though they’ve been ripped right out of a fine art painting? Thanks to the celestial creations of Cece Fein-Hughes, you can. Cece Jewellery, her eponymous brand, creates beautiful pieces that draw on motifs from nature and the earthly realm whilst simultaneously exploring fairytales and the otherworldly. The jewellery designer slips effortlessly between both worlds, resulting in gorgeous signet rings, portrait-inspired choker necklaces, antique-photo-frame reminiscent cuffs and more.
Fein-Hughes speaks of her native Dartmoor, England, as the inspiration behind her vast opus – including the wild moorlands that she ran once through, laced with a folkloric aura, and the memories of her deep-sea diver father, whose bedtime stories would recount his tales from under the deep blue. Her jewels tell of experiences like these – ones inscribed in the memory but rarely depicted outside dreamlike realms.
With this in mind, Fein-Hughes’s origins make a lot of sense. An art history student with a love for exploring the wonders inside the V&A with her mother, she now designs jewels with the same encapsulated passion and beauty as what she observed in Renaissance portraits. She was especially touched by a gold band she saw within the museum’s collections, enamelled with pink and white flowers and engraved with a token of endearment, which was enscripted into the precious metal.
After studying History of Art at Exeter University, Fein-Hughes then attended the British Academy of Jewellery to study design and it was in London’s Hatton Garden workshops that it finally clicked. Fast forward to 2021 and Fein-Hughes set up her brand, specialising in enamel signet rings – something that she still excels in, just on an even bigger scale. The designer, whose sketches are as daintily intricate as the final product, creates only with intention and feeling. Her ideas are derived from classic vintage nautical tattoos, old mythology and symbolism, as well as the genuine love and connection displayed in ancient gems – many standing as a billet-doux wrapped up in a gift to a significant other.
Fein-Hughes’s pieces flaunt Champlevé enamel, which is an ancient technique where recesses are carved into gold and filled with enamel, entirely by hand – a rare craft which is rarely seen in the modern day. Finished in 18k gold and engraved or customised in any which way, the result is an everyday treasure of the finest heirloom quality. The gold recycled and stones ethically-sourced, Fein-Hughes honours traditional techniques but adds a touch of tasteful renewal.
Operating in London with a small team of 12, including contractors and an in-house gemologist who specialises in diamonds, Cece Jewellery is stocked at Liberty amongst other widely-recognised department stores like US-based Broken English and Goop. The jewellery brand’s own online site features some of Cece’s very own favourites, including two nautical-flecked designs; the Secrets Of The Sea and A Sailor’s Superstition ring, alongside the Pretty N’ Pink ring.
Fein-Hughes’s gems have been seen glistening on multiple celebrities – perhaps one of her most flaunted commissions is that of Margot Robbie, who contracted a pair of matching signet rings for herself and Jacob Elordi to commemorate the wrapping of their co-starred Wuthering Heights film. Engraved is a quote from the famous novel “whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” – circling two skeletal figures sharing an embrace amongst enamelled red roses and dainty diamonds. She also commissioned a pair of necklaces for Justin Bieber, who wanted to celebrate his love for his and Hailey Bieber’s son, Jack – one of the necklaces spelling his name, and one, materialised in a cross charm with trailing roses and Jack’s birthday in roman numerals. She takes both pride and pleasure in celebrating affection, and that’s certainly something we can get behind.
Here, we speak to Fein-Hughes about her art history origins, her love for bespoke pieces and how she aims to keep building the brand.
On Her Beginnings In Jewellery Design
Studying art History shaped everything. I’m constantly drawing on symbolism, mythology and historic craftsmanship, from Renaissance painting to Victorian-era jewellery. Every piece begins with a narrative; the design is simply how that story comes to life. I started designing jewellery just after leaving university. I worked at a few auction houses and then took a jewellery-making course. While I loved learning to make jewellery, I quickly realised my skills were better suited for designing rather than making. Jewellery felt like the most intimate way to tell a story, something people could carry with them every day. I feel so lucky I get to tell people’s stories through something they can wear.
On Her Preservation Of Quality During Her Global Success
We’ve always been very protective of the craft. Growth has never meant speeding things up, it has meant building the right team of craftsmen and giving them the time they need. Each piece still passes through eight people’s hands, and that’s something we won’t compromise on; it’s what makes our pieces so magical.
On Her Inspirations
Stories, always. Whether it’s something deeply personal, a memory, a place or a person, or something more universal like love, fate or folklore. I’m drawn to the idea of jewellery as a modern heirloom, holding meaning far beyond its material value.
On The Process Of Her Bespoke Pieces
It’s usually quite collaborative. Whether it’s a celebrity or a private client, the process is the same, we begin with a conversation. Sometimes they come with a clear idea, sometimes just a feeling. My role is to translate that into something tangible, something that feels entirely theirs.
On Working With Her Mother
It’s incredibly special. There’s an instinctive understanding between us, and a shared love of storytelling and detail. It makes the process feel very natural, almost like an ongoing conversation that finds its way into the jewellery.
On Champlevé Enamel
I discovered it while studying, visiting museums and seeing historic enamel pieces up close. I was completely captivated by the depth of colour and the level of detail, it felt like painting, but in gold. From that moment, I knew I wanted to bring it back in a modern way. Because it allows us to tell stories in a way nothing else can. It’s an incredibly rare and time-intensive craft, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Each piece becomes a miniature painting, completely unique and impossible to replicate exactly.
On How She Hopes To Keep Building The Brand
By staying true to the craft and continuing to evolve creatively. We want to train the next generation of artisans, create even more ambitious collector pieces, and build spaces where people can truly experience the world of Cece. It’s about growing, but never losing the magic.
Photography courtesy of Cece Jewellery.
Cece Fein-Hughes
