Kiki McDonough has been making Chelsea women sparkle in her signature colourful gems since 1985. Forty years on, and the fifth-generation jeweller has just been granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Camilla after decades on the lobes and limbs of Royal women.
It was Diana, Princess of Wales who catapulted the brand into the spotlight in 1990, when she wore a pair of Kiki McDonough amethyst-and-pearl earrings to meet Barbara Bush at the White House. Since then, the jeweller’s creations have been worn by both the Queen and the current Princess of Wales, who is believed to have collected a rather enviable trove of over 20 McDonough pieces.
From her lifelong obsession with ballet and an equal devotion to Liverpool United, these are the things lighting up the designer’s world.
Milk, Kiki's beverage of choice
I’m reading… I am re-reading Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier, which is my all-time favourite book about freedom, independence, and love. It takes you to a different world.
The last thing I bought and cherished… Is a picture by Tom Evans and it’s the most beautiful painting of the sun and the sea in Northumberland. It makes you want to be there.
My fridge is never without… Organic skimmed milk. I love cold milk and I drink a lot of it. Hopefully, my bones are strong!
Hostage (image: Netflix)
I’m watching… Hostage on Netflix. I love Suranne Jones – she’s so easy to watch and a really good actress. Perhaps she would make a good Prime Minister!
I never miss… A Liverpool match. I’ve been a Liverpool supporter for nearly 25 years now. There’s nothing better than settling down on the sofa to watch the football. Match of the Day is my favourite programme.
I’m known for… My love of ballet. When I was four years old, my mother took me to the ballet, and I found it totally mesmerising. I’ve loved it ever since. People often ask me what my favourite ballet is, but it’s difficult to say, as they’re all so different. Manon is emotional, La Fille Mal Gardée is great fun, and La Bayadère is sumptuous with the most beautiful music.
In fact, ballet inspired my new, first-ever three-part jewellery collection, Night At The Ballet.
When no one is around, I like to…
Play music on my iPod and sing along – I love the song Make Me Smile by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. When I move into my new flat I will be able to do just that!
Kiki McDonough's Thorns & Roses earrings
My non-negotiable indulgence is…
Having the Saturday and Sunday newspapers delivered. I love the general knowledge crossword in The Telegraph – which I only manage about two-thirds of. It keeps my brain working from one week to the next.
My mental health would suffer without…
My two sons. They keep me grounded and in touch with the younger generation. They are incredibly supportive and loyal, and I am so lucky that they’ve turned out to be such lovely young men.
My go-to wellbeing expert is…
Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to find a go-to wellbeing expert. However, I do enjoy my 35-minute walk from Battersea, over the Chelsea Bridge to the shop each morning; it clears my head at the start of the day.
The beauty staple I always have in stock…
Kiehl’s moisturiser – I’ve used it for years.
I’m thinking about…
My new flat, and how on earth I am going to get everything in that came from a family house
