Cece Fein-Hughes has quickly become one of the most exciting names in fine jewellery. The British designer has earned a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, built a loyal celebrity following that includes Taylor Swift and Margot Robbie, and become known for her whimsical, storytelling-led approach to design. Every piece from Cece Jewellery is handcrafted in London using recycled gold and ethically sourced gemstones, but it is the personal touches woven throughout her collections that make her work so special. Her latest collection, Once Upon a Time, explores themes of love, lust and longing through a modern fairytale lens. Here, Cece offers a glimpse into the creative world behind the brand, sharing the daily rituals, inspirations and moments that shape her work.
The morning routine
There is one thing she cannot start the day without, and that is coffee, always. When it comes to getting dressed, she reaches for Simone Rocha, living in the designer’s tops and cardigans for everyday work and saving the dresses for special occasions. The pieces feel romantic but strong at the same time, which is exactly what she loves about them.
Around the studio, her essentials are candles and sweet treats. With offices in Notting Hill, she is constantly picking up cookies or something sweet from Crème or Choux, and admits she is completely obsessed with their cookies. To wind down at the end of the day, she favours a cup of tea and some romantasy before bed. She was hooked on Fourth Wing last year, and it kept her thoroughly entertained.
Finding inspiration
Inspiration can come from anywhere, she says, depending on which period of art or which story has captured her imagination at the time. The Once Upon a Time collection, for example, emerges from the pages of the world’s most enduring love stories, tales whispered through folklore, poetry and the dreamscapes of childhood.
She loves creating designs that feel like stepping into another realm, where romance becomes myth and each piece holds a spellbinding narrative of its own. Recently she has been immersed in fantasy, historic love stories and fairytales, letting her imagination wander and translating that playfulness into jewellery.
How the brand began
The idea took shape while she was doing a jewellery-making course and visited the V&A, where she saw a 17th-century ring with enamel flowers that completely stopped her in her tracks. She realised no one was really making pieces like that anymore. Champlevé enamel is an incredibly complex craft and was actually on the dying arts list, with very few people trained in it.
She also discovered a love of creating miniature designs. Today she works with some of the most talented enamellers in the world to bring her tiny paintings to life on solid 18ct gold.
The best part of the job
Her favourite thing is working with beautiful jewellery every day and helping bring people’s dreams to life. Around 60 percent of the business is bespoke, so the team hears incredibly personal stories, from proposals and love stories to commemorating someone special or the birth of a child. Being part of those moments, even in a small way, is very special.
Pinch-me moments and career highlights
There have been plenty of memorable milestones, from working on engagement rings to being included in Forbes 30 Under 30 and creating pieces for high-profile clients. Recent commissions include work for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker for their anniversary, Gigi Hadid for Taylor Swift, and Margot Robbie for Jacob Elordi and herself.
As for her biggest career achievement, it is seeing how far the brand has been able to push the craftsmanship. Champlevé enamel is such a rare art form, and she loves when clients come to her wanting to explore something technically challenging, since those projects are always the most rewarding. The team recently completed an extraordinary solid 18ct gold cuff that really pushed what was possible.
Lessons and growth
The biggest business lesson has been to surround yourself with trusted advisors who genuinely understand business and can guide you through big decisions. She has been lucky to work closely with her parents, who have been pivotal in helping her navigate many of those moments.
The company has evolved dramatically over the years. It started with just Cece and two employees working out of a space at her parents’ home, and today it is a team of sixteen with an office in Notting Hill, which still feels magical when she thinks back to where it began. The brand is also creating much larger pieces now, which provide a wonderful canvas to showcase the artwork.
What’s next
She is currently launching the Once Upon a Time collection, a magical, fairytale-inspired range with pearl chokers and beautiful charms among the ready-to-wear pieces, alongside a steady stream of bespoke commissions. One current project even includes a portrait, the brand’s first ever, which she describes as pretty extraordinary.
Looking ahead, there are several exciting projects in the works, though most remain top secret for now. What she can share is that the brand is introducing authentication certificates for its pieces, highlighting their craftsmanship and importance as modern heirlooms that can be passed down through generations. It is a significant step for the business, and one that reflects how seriously the pieces are being recognised as works of art.
