In Conversation With Laura Vann

Jewellery doesn’t just transform an outfit, it has a wonderful way of transforming your mood, too. Whether it’s a special gift or a well-earned treat (we’re firm believers in both), there’s something joyful about wearing a piece that feels just right and unique to you. At Fortnum’s, we’ve long been purveyors of exactly that kind of feeling.

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with a dazzling array of jewellery designers - many of which you’ll find sparkling away on the 2nd Floor of our Piccadilly store. Today, we’re shining a light on one in particular: Laura Vann, creator of the jewellery brand sharing the same name.

Deriving from a family of jewellers, Laura Vann’s expertise is beautifully showcased in a large collection of Art Deco-style gems, designed to outlast passing trends, so each piece can be worn, shared and treasured for generations – from her beautifully crafted fine rings, available exclusively at Fortnum’s, to designs you’ll only find in-store and online with us.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist sitting down with Laura over a cuppa to find out more about the woman behind the designs - and what makes her creations, and newest pieces, so distinctly her. 

You’ve created several exclusive pieces for Fortnum’s. How did that relationship begin, and what’s it like working together?

“Fortnum’s was actually the first major store to stock the brand, so the relationship is very special to me. It started nearly 12 years ago, after Fortnum’s buyers discovered us at an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. They showed faith in the brand very early on, which I’ve always been grateful for. We share a real appreciation for craftsmanship and quality, and I think we have a similar understanding of the customer. The exclusives work well because they feel very true to us, just with subtle Fortnum’s details — like weaving Eau de Nil into our signature designs!"

 

Your fine jewellery is handcrafted in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. What does that place mean to you?

“The Jewellery Quarter has always been part of our story — my dad started out there, so it feels very rooted in the brand’s DNA. There’s such a strong sense of heritage and craftsmanship in the area. We also source pre-loved pieces there, and the level of detail in older jewellery is often astonishing. That kind of intricacy and history continues to influence how I design today."

“We mainly work with cubic zirconia and white topaz, so the emphasis is really on cut, consistency and finish rather than rarity. For metals, we use recycled silver from one of the largest precious metal refiners in Europe. A big part of quality for us comes down to relationships. We work with one family-run supplier — my dad worked with the father, and I now work with the son — and they’ve made the brand from the very beginning. That continuity makes such a difference.” 

You’ve worked with the same manufacturer for many years. Why has that been so important?

“Continuity has always been key for us. We’ve worked with the same Responsible Jewellery Council–accredited manufacturer since 2013, and even before that through my dad’s earlier businesses. They understand the brand instinctively, which you really feel in the final pieces. They’re happy to experiment with new techniques and smaller runs, which means we can test designs carefully and avoid waste. That trust has been essential in maintaining consistency over time."

 

Looking back to when you launched in 2013, how has the jewellery evolved?

“The designs feel much more confident now — bolder, more sculptural. I think that has naturally come with time and experience. What hasn’t changed is the Art Deco influence and the focus on timelessness. I’ve always wanted to create pieces that aren’t tied to a specific moment, but that people can keep wearing and loving for years."

 

Are there any design details that feel particularly signature to your brand?

“Step-cut stones are definitely a big one — baguette and carré cuts come up again and again, and they really nod to Art Deco. I’m also drawn to green and black stones and to mixing gold and silver, which feels quite distinctive. The buckle motif has become especially recognisable — It uses negative space to create a soft, architectural shape, and it’s now appeared across everything from rings to necklaces and even our engagement collection."

“We tend to start thinking about collections about a year in advance. It’s about looking at what’s happening more broadly, then filtering those ideas through our Art Deco lens. We’re not trend-led, but we do want to feel relevant, so it’s always about translating ideas in a more timeless way. I also take a lot from architecture and archival imagery. For Tides of Movement, I spent time looking at sailors’ knots and vintage nautical details, and then softened those ideas into something wearable and refined.” 

“Stone-set jewellery has a certain sense of permanence to it, which I think comes from how jewellery used to be made. I love when customers tell me a piece reminds them of something their mum or grandmother wore. But for me, heirloom quality also shows up in how jewellery lives today — when pieces are borrowed, gifted or shared across generations. That’s when you know they’re really lasting."

 

Is there anything new you’re excited about exploring next?

“Right now, it’s less about new materials and more about pushing the design language forward. Our upcoming cinema-inspired collection plays much more with two-tone designs and puts silver centre stage, which is a shift for us. It’s inspired by an old Odeon cinema I used to visit as a child, so it feels very personal. Architecturally driven, but still very much rooted in the brand."

Discover Laura Vann’s beautiful collections, including Fortnum’s exclusives, perfect for gifting, adoring and cherishing for a lifetime. 

Selected range online | Wider range available in our Piccadilly store