cece fein hughes

Women in Luxury: Cece Fein Hughes, founder of Cece Jewellery

24 Jan 2025 | | By Annie Lewis

Renowned for her whimsical, folklore-inspired designs, the British jeweller talks her maximalist style and having Taylor Swift as a fan

For Cece Fein Hughes, more is more. Take one glance at her jewellery collections and you’ll see what I mean: signet rings and pendants adorned with fairytale and folklore motifs, ranging from feminine bows to traditional sailor tattoos, and delicate seashells to ethereal doves. If one thing is clear, every piece tells a story. 

Storytelling is something Hughes says defined her childhood on the wild plains of Dartmoor with her father, who worked as a deep sea diver, and spiritual grandmother, who both filled her head with interesting stories and whimsical tales. Immersing herself in different worlds and eras via books as a youngster, and then with an art history degree, Hughes’ stints at Christies and Sotheby’s further fuelled a passion for historic, vintage and colourful art. When she enrolled at the British Academy of Jewellery in 2018, she discovered the ancient skill of diamond-encrusted enamelling and how it informed jewellery of the Celtic, Byzantine and Renaissance ages. Combine all of these influences together and a spark was lit: enter Cece Jewellery. 

Working out of her Hatton Garden workshop, and now stocked at the likes of Liberty London, Cece Jewellery has found its feet in the crowded jewellery market by making a statement. But success wasn’t overnight – and the brand was once Hughes’ weekend side hustle before it transformed into a fully-fledged luxury business. Here, we sit down to discuss how she made her dream a reality, managing stress and why you should always trust your gut. 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a mum. That dream hasn’t changed and I hope to make it a reality one day. While I never imagined running a business like Cece Jewellery, I always dreamed of making my own jewellery. To have built Cece Jewellery into what it is today, and to now have the confidence to dream even bigger, is so exciting.

How would you describe your signature style?

When it comes to jewellery, it’s all about maximalism. I adore bold, statement pieces that spark conversations. And, of course, I have a deep love for gold.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out in your career?

Transitioning from a small side hustle to a fully-fledged business was one of the toughest challenges. Navigating that growth required a lot of learning, resilience, and determination.

What does an average day look like for you?

You’ll find me in the office, immersed in design. I spend my days working on new collections or creating bespoke pieces for our wonderful customers.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

The best part is being creative and working with an incredible team. I love what I do so much that it rarely feels like work. The hardest part? The stress that naturally comes with running a business, it’s part of the territory.

Tell me about one of your career highlights.

There have been so many pinch-me moments. Designing a bespoke piece for Taylor Swift was a major highlight, and being included in Forbes 30 Under 30 was an incredible honour.

What have been some of the toughest times or setbacks in your career? What did you learn from them?

One of the toughest challenges has been hitting roadblocks in the design process, particularly when creating something complex like a clasp or a locket mechanism. It’s disheartening when I’m told something isn’t possible, but those moments push me to reimagine and innovate. Often, the alternative ideas turn out even better!

How easy do you find it to switch off from work?

I wish I could say I completely switch off, but the truth is, I don’t! I do check my emails on holiday and love designing even when I’m away. Designing is such a joyful creative outlet for me that it never feels like work.

What do you do to unwind?

I love reading, especially by the fire with my cat curled up beside me. It’s my ultimate form of escapism at the moment.

Tell me about a woman who has been influential in your career.

My mum and granny have been incredibly influential. My granny was a white witch – magical and deeply spiritual – and a big inspiration behind the brand. My mum co-designs with me and is an amazing sounding board for ideas.

What qualities do you think are most important in a good manager?

Kindness. Some people think you can’t lead effectively with kindness, but I completely disagree. Creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported is key to Cece Jewellery’s success.

What do you think are the biggest hurdles facing women in the workplace now?

Navigating the timing of having children and then managing the balancing act that comes with it is a significant challenge for many women.

What would you tell your younger self with the benefit of hindsight?

Trust your gut! It’s the most powerful tool for decision-making, whether it’s a yes or no. Once you learn to recognise and trust that feeling, it becomes your greatest guide.

What advice would you give to young women starting out in the creative industries?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.

Visit cecejewellery.com

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