Great Escapes: Jewels Inspired by Journeys & Destinations

Travel has returned to being a part of everyday life. From aeroplanes and boats to the island escapes they transport us to, here are jewellery designers expressing their love of travel through pieces inspired by every aspect of the journey.

Whether it’s the routine hustle of work trips or long-awaited family vacations, the global travel industry is booming like it never has before. The worldwide demand for adventure and escape has trickled down into the jewellery industry, where the appearance of pieces inspired by travel is more apparent than ever. Below are a few jewellery designers who epitomise this trend by using vivid gemstones and intricate designs to bring to life the places we go, how we get there and even what we pack! Let’s get to know these designers better and listen to their sage words when it comes to traversing the planet.

Annoushka Aeroplane Locket Charm

British jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas MBE is a woman who is constantly on the go. Between her business trips for Annoushka Fine Jewellery and raising awareness for her charity The Brilliant Breakfast for The Prince’s Trust which helps young women to access education and employment, Annoushka captures the spirit of her jet-set lifestyle through the Aeroplane Locket Charm. Created in 18K gold and diamonds, this miniature plane is a reminder to embrace all adventures that life throws your way. It even has a secret hidden compartment for small precious keepsakes from your travels. 

TRAVEL TIP FROM ANNOUSHKA DUCAS: I’ve always loved travelling and exploring new places, I constantly have my eyes open for unusual, interesting objects and designs. I’ve found the most interesting pieces in the most unassuming and hidden places. I encourage everyone to look beyond the beaten track!

Boodles Around Europe in 10 days Barcelona Suite

Nicholas Wainwright stands at the helm of the sixth-generation British family jewellery brand Boodles. To celebrate his nearly 50 years in the business, the creative team encouraged him to embark on a grand tour of Europe in ten days, to seek inspiration for a new and iconic collection: Around Europe in 10 days. However, this was not your ordinary travel plan, the trip included visiting some of the continent’s most historical cities by hot air balloon and other out-of-the-box modes of transportation, The Barcelona earrings and necklace are perhaps the most conceptual design of the collection. They capture the vibrancy and lifestyle of the city of Barcelona and its iconic Gaudi architecture through multi-shaped rainbow sapphires, opals, pearls, and diamonds set in yellow gold.

TRAVEL TIP FROM NICHOLAS WAINWRIGHT: Bring a pen and paper, and always something pink!

Marlo Laz En Route Necklace

Designer Jesse Marlo Lazowski credits a trip to India as the source of her passion for jewellery design, spending an extended period in Jaipur where she worked with a team of artisans. Her En Route pendant reminds the wearer to keep moving forward and evolving through the journey that is life. Created in 18K gold and precious gemstones, this series celebrates the internal journey of finding oneself, symbolising being ‘En Route’ to a better you and a better world.

TRAVEL TIP FROM JESSE MARLO LAZOWSKI: I’m an over-packer, but I do try to plan based on what type of trip I’m taking. When it comes to jewellery, I try to curate a more neutral gemstone palette so that I have more flexibility with matching the colours of my outfit.

NeverNoT Travel Collection

What are your travel plans? This is the question the founders of NeverNoT asked themselves when creating the NeverNoT Travel collection. Inspired by vacations, summer days and exciting long-distance flights, Natia and Nina created a collection of luxurious suitcase-shaped pieces of jewellery set with precious materials to depict panoramic views of exotic destinations and dream travel essentials. The pieces in this collection are crafted in gold and hard stones: malachite, bull’s eye (heated tiger’s eye), black and white mother of pearl, lapis lazuli, opal and diamonds. Full of beating suns, aeroplanes in flight and tropical colours, this collection is a much-welcome dose of escapism.

TRAVEL TIP FROM NEVERNOT CO-FOUNDER NINA DZHOKHADZE: When travel, I try to see as many beautiful places as possible, even if it’s a short work trip. Meeting new people and seeing new places enriches your soul and mind and makes you a happy person. Keep exploring the world!

Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Summer Collection

Ever since it was founded in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has been inspired by nature and travel. In its latest collection, Lucky Summer, the Maison brings attention to its savoir-faire in manipulating hard stones by creating six pieces, each of which features a motif related to summer. Lapis lazuli, turquoise, chalcedony, red jasper and white mother-of-pearl are set in warm yellow and rose gold to bring to life wind-swept sails, ocean waves and exotic sea creatures, making us all dream of ocean-front postcard vacations.

TRAVEL TIP FROM VAN CLEEF & ARPELS: In its latest high jewellery collection, Le Grand Tour, Van Cleef & Arpels inspires viewers to educate themselves through travel. Each piece depicts through precious gemstones and metals the historical landmarks and the artistic prowess of the European continent through literal and figurative designs.