In the Studio with Cece Jewellery
Inspired by memento mori, fairytales, witches and tattoos: the founder of Cece Jewellery takes us inside her exquisitely delicate world
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In the Studio with Cece Jewellery
Inspired by memento mori, fairytales, witches and tattoos: the founder of Cece Jewellery takes us inside her exquisitely delicate world
Cece Fein-Hughes crafts a miniature world of wonder into each of her fine jewellery creations. Founded in 2018, following her studies at the British Academy of Jewellery, her eponymous brand, Cece Jewellery, focuses on bringing ancient stories to life with a contemporary take on the craft of enamelling.
Taking inspiration from the mystical, magical and fantastical, her creations have a characteristic old-world charm: incorporating references as broad as deep-sea diving (a nod to Fein-Hughes’s father) and Taylor Swift. As such, her style has drawn the attention of
Each of the brand’s hand-painted, 18-karat gold creations are crafted between the brand’s workshop in the heart of the storied Hatton Garden, and their West London HQ. Fein-Hughes invited Liberty into her studio, for a glimpse behind the scenes of their fantastically delicate creations.
Can you tell us a little bit about the brand? How did you get started, and what do you do?
I’m Cece, the founder of Cece Jewellery, based here in the heart of London. We specialise in the ancient craft of enamelling, which is hand-painted on beautiful 18-karat gold signet rings and pendants.
Tell us more about your aesthetic: how would you describe it, and how did you develop or become interested in it?
It’s an amalgamation of my love for fairy tales—things that are a bit witchy, whimsical, even spooky. My dad, who was a deep-sea diver, has a lot of cool tattoos, so it’s a blend of old-school tattoo art and romantic fairy tales—a very unique combination!
When did you become interested in jewellery or making jewellery?
I fell in love with jewellery when I was about six years old. We went on a family holiday to India, and I remember seeing these amazing bags of bangles at the markets. I became fascinated with Indian jewellery; I wanted to feel like a princess. That love has only grown over time.
You mentioned that there are references to fairy tales and witches in your work. Why is that theme interesting to you?
I grew up on Dartmoor in Devon, which has that Wuthering Heights, moody English countryside vibe. I feel like it’s in my DNA, and I’ve leaned into that my whole life. So, when it comes to designing, it just naturally shows up in my work.
Can you walk us through your design process?
The journey from a design to a finished piece is quite lengthy and intricate. It starts with me and my mum sketching on paper, then that design is sent to our enameller, who transforms it into miniature art using hand-painted glass, which is what enamel essentially is. It then goes through various hands, including our goldsmith and stone setters, before coming back to us for packaging. It’s a very beautiful and collaborative process.
Looking at your collections, you focus on gold as the primary metal. Why is that?
I’m obsessed with the buttery, frosted colour of 18-karat gold—it’s just so rich. Because enamelling is such a specialized craft, I feel it deserves the best materials, like high-quality gold and diamonds, rather than lower-karat metals or lab-grown stones. It’s about honouring the craft.
Could you explain the enamelling process?
Enamelling is an incredible and ancient craft that’s been practiced the same way since the Byzantine era. It begins with engraving a groove in a gold ring, which is then filled with white enamel. That surface is hand-painted with various crushed glass colours, which are fired in a kiln multiple times, then coated with a clear flux for a glossy finish. It’s a very complex and difficult process, and I’m in awe of our enameller’s skill.
Why is artisan making and craftsmanship so important to you?
Craftsmanship is everything to us. Our production team works closely with different artisans—stone setters, goldsmiths, enamellers—each with their own language and skill set. They’re the foundation of what makes Cece Jewellery unique.
Why is it important to you to work with family?
It’s definitely become a family business. I started it on my own, but over the last few years, we’ve expanded. Now my dad is our managing director, my mum is a designer, and my cousins handle everything from running to Hatton Garden for supplies to photography. I’m very family-oriented, so involving them just feels right.
Where do you find inspiration for your creations?
I find inspiration in exhibitions and art. I studied art history at university, so I draw a lot from incredible art pieces worldwide. I like to think of my work as miniature pieces of art, not for a wall but as little gold canvases. The V&A Museum is one of my favourite places to visit for inspiration.
Do you have any favourite pieces in the collection?
We recently launched our first engagement ring collection, and it was incredibly exciting. My current favourite is the Secrets of the Sea ring, which has a three-carat oval diamond and intricate enamel detailing. The design features elements like pearls, skulls, and shells in a memento mori theme, which I’m passionate about. It was a challenging piece to create, but the end result is stunning.
Why are memento mori something you’re interested in?
Memento mori is essentially a reminder to live life to the fullest, acknowledging that we’re all going to die one day. It’s a bit morbid, but I love that idea. Skulls and that rock-n-roll, tattoo-inspired edge weave through my designs, but the message is meaningful and symbolic. It’s a big part of my work’s essence.
Discover more styles from Cece Jewellery in Liberty's Jewellery Hall on the Ground Floor.
