In a world where costume jewellery exists in abundance and accessories are ever-multiplying, the sentimental nature of jewellery can get a bit lost. But the meaning of jewellery – from its transformational power to the special and exciting memories of jewellery that we share with our parents and grandparents – is something that designer Roxanne First is very familiar with. As she explains: “Some of my earliest memories are filled with the sound of my grandmother’s bangles clinking together, my mum layering her necklaces and my godmother’s round-cut engagement ring.”
Founded in 2018, Roxanne First is a London-based fine jewellery studio rooted in individuality, creativity and timeless cool. First has always loved bold colour, energy and storytelling through jewellery. Her pieces tap into the zeitgeist, whether that’s playful fine jewellery and delicate diamonds or her latest collection Bubblegum by RF which is inspired by friendship bracelets and childhood keepsakes. Bold, playful and full of contrast, it’s about feel-good pieces.
We talk to the designer about her childhood wardrobe, how colour can boost our mood and why summer is the perfect time to experiment with jewellery.
Your collections really tap into childhood nostalgia. What is your earliest memory of jewellery?
“One of my earliest memories is being completely fascinated by jewellery as something that felt tiny but transformational. I loved looking through my granny’s jewellery. It would come out of the safe and the whole thing felt incredibly special and exciting. I think what stayed with me wasn’t necessarily the value of the pieces, but the feeling attached to them – memory, personality and the idea that jewellery could say something about who you are.”
If you could go back to your childhood wardrobe and keep one item that you no longer have, what would it be?
“Definitely something slightly chaotic – probably my collection of plastic beads and little trinkets that I used to treasure as if they were priceless. There was something so joyful about how unapologetically colourful and personal everything felt. That mindset still influences how I think about jewellery today.”
