Amethyst
Citrine
Diamond
Fire Opal
Garnet
Green Amethyst
Morganite
Pearl
Peridot
Topaz
To find out more about Lauren’s dazzling career, she invited us into her West London home to discuss her love for ballet, the challenges she has overcome, and her favourite pieces of Kiki jewellery.
Both my father and grandfather were jewellers, and my family sold antique jewellery, so I have always been completely at home with fine jewellery; it was then other people’s confidence in me that inspired me to set up my own business in 1985.
I’ve always loved coloured gemstones and thought they were underrated; they ought to be enjoyed and worn in beautiful designs.
The Kiki McDonough brand has grown ever since and is now recognised all over the world. There are 17 distinctive collections, as well as men’s cufflinks and an exclusive range of luxury leather accessories, all in my signature vibrant colours.
My main inspiration comes from my customers and my own passions; I get many ideas from the ballet, and from flowers. I also find whenever I am away relaxing on the beach the ideas always start flowing!
Once I’ve thought of an idea, I still need to make it easy to wear and beautiful. I judge jewellery on whether I’d wear it, and whether the girls in my office – there’s a huge age range – would wear it too.
If everybody likes it, we’re on the right track!
I adored ballet from a very young age and it was the inspiration for one of my earliest colour combinations.
I went to see Sleeping Beauty and the Spring Fairy’s tutu was so beautiful, it inspired me to pair Blue Topaz and Peridot in a pair of earrings; everyone was sceptical, but it’s still our best-selling colour combination, 25 years later.
It was the shape of a tutu that inspired our distinctive double oval earring design.
It is timeless and feminine; Kiki jewellery is not ‘bling’ and it doesn’t overpower. We all wear so much black, especially during the winter, and I have never met a woman who doesn’t look better when wearing a touch of colour on her ears or hands.
All my jewellery is 18ct gold, and I design with versatility in mind; my jewellery can be worn during the day as well as it can at night and as work jewellery, and many Kiki McDonough earrings are detachable drops so can be mixed and matched.
There are dozens of possible combinations!
Every piece I design should make the wearer look prettier than before they put it on, lighting up their face and making them feel altogether more positive.
My jewellery should feel as comfortable and accessible as it does luxurious and joyful.
I love seeing people from all walks of life enjoy wearing my jewellery for every kind of occasion.
A challenge is running an expanding business while keeping the creative side at the forefront. I do love the variation day-to-day, meeting lots of people and creating beautiful things – I couldn’t be luckier.
The business will continue to expand into new regions by opening several new wholesale concessions in the UK and abroad.
I have enjoyed working with talented women such as Cressida Bonas, Lauren Cuthbertson and Sabrina Percy, and I want to continue to persuade more women across the globe to wear coloured gemstones.
Favourite Gemstone
Peridot
Favourite Places
A beautiful pristine beach, and Ranelagh Gardens at the Royal Hospital in London
Favourite Hobbies
Going to the ballet or watching Liverpool FC, who I have supported for years
Favourite Book
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier
Favourite Car
My British racing green Mini Cooper S
Favourite Flower
Peonies
Favourite Designers
Prada and Emporio Armani
Favourite Treat
Coffee Cake
Favourite London Discovery
A backstage tour at the Royal Opera House
Best Cultural Venues
The Royal Opera House, Cadogan Hall and the Saatchi Gallery
Favourite Local Sights
The Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Old Church and Albert Bridge
Favourite Restaurant
Zafferano on Lowndes Street
Favourite Hotel in Europe
The Hotel de Russie in Rome
Favourite Long Haul Hotel
The Reethi Rah in the Maldives
