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Styling jewellery comes incredibly naturally to Mouchette Bell, freelance Fashion Editor, Stylist & Model. We met with Mouchette to talk all things jewellery, from the right stones to suit your skin tone to the pure poetry of pearls. A love affair that started aged 7, jewellery has always been important to Mouchette although when it comes to styling, she has no rules!
Describe your jewellery style
My jewellery style does not have many rules. Although gold is my favourite colour I can appreciate many styles. I like to mix and layer: a small diamond tennis bracelet worn with bright orange ethnic beads I bought in Rio on the beach or simple pearls worn high on the ear with a hoop earring in the lobe. Whatever happens I never go without jewellery: whether it’s real or costume, if it’s beautiful it can work.
Which piece of jewellery do you have never take off?
I never take off my Irish Claddagh ring that I wear on a chain around my neck along with other charms. I prefer charm necklaces to charm bracelets.
When did your love affair with jewellery begin?
My love affair began aged seven in Dublin with my first holy communion tiara. I developed my love affair further when I was the jewellery editor at Tatler: it was there that I learned what a tiara really is!
What tips do you have when it comes to styling jewellery?
Wear earrings that flatter your skin - it’s as good as make up. Some people look wonderful in turquoise and others in pearls. Even a glint of gold against your face can brighten up your skin tone. If you’re wearing something plain you can add some drama with a great necklace or the glint of a strong ring on your finger. I’m not a less is more person, as you can probably tell, although some people look great in something very simple. You have to wear what makes you feel good.
Do you have a favourite Annoushka piece?
My favourite Annoushka piece has to be my
Baroque Pearl Earring Drops. They are pure poetry. To quote Shakespeare: “like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear, Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.”
You have lived in both London and New York: have you noticed a difference in the way that londoners wear their jewellery compared to New Yorkers?
London has some fantastic costume jewellery designers like the wonderful Vicki Sarge. By comparison I find the classic New York style much more contained and chic, but it depends on the event really.
You have recently taken up modelling again: how was the industry changed since you started out in the 1980s?
In the 1980s modelling was much less diverse. I could write a book about those times... watch this space! The 1980s were exciting and very party oriented - models were transformed into superstars overnight. I worked with brilliantly talented people such as Peter Lindbergh and Franca Sozzani for Italian Vogue. I was very shy back then so returning to modelling now that I’m older is a much more enjoyable experience: it’s much more about being yourself and accepting who you are... and thank goodness for that!!
What is your go-to destination in London for sourcing hidden gems?
Peter Adler’s Pebble London is my go-to for vibrantly coloured, ethnic inspired jewellery designs, and you can’t beat the treasure trove that is the Portobello Road on a Friday morning.
If you were a charm what would you be?
I would be some kind of an exotic shell or a South Sea pearl.
Whose jewellery collection do you covet the most?
I covet the Duchess of Windsor’s jewellery or anything designed by YSL in the 1970s or 80s. Or Queen Josephine’s Tiara - well a girl can dream!