Roxanne First has redefined the fine jewellery industry in a kaleidoscopic vision of solid gold, diamonds, sapphires, and semi-precious stones.
Not conforming to traditional jewellery ‘rules’, Roxanne First designs offer a playful and tongue-in-cheek edge to luxury. The signature: “mixing beaded pieces with tennis necklaces, layering different coloured golds and multi-coloured stones”, Rocky muses. Rocky herself is not afraid to experiment with colour: “I love colour, just LOVE it”, she enthuses.
It’s safe to say, Rocky takes a more-is-more approach with her daily jewellery choices, having been inspired by the wonderful women in her Italian family growing up.
“I wear five or six chain rings everyday. I love tennis bracelets, they are a forever piece. I put my white diamond one on eight years ago and it has never come off. I’ve since added a rainbow sapphire and a lilac sapphire one. I stack this with a few personalised cuffs and bracelets. I always wear three or four necklaces at a time: a beaded one, a personalised one, and, currently, a green emerald heart pendant. My ears are just as busy with diamond hoops and earring dangles,” Rocky tells us.
Equipped with an array of her colourful jewels, and one of her sumptuous velvet jewellery boxes – the chicest way to transport jewellery on-the-go may we add – we delve into Rocky First’s travel psyche.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Going to Venice with my grandparents (who were Venetian). It’s one of my favourite cities in the world; it’s magic.
What’s your most memorable trip and why?
Venice, again. I am half Italian and I don’t think there are many places in the world quite like Venice. Visiting Venice with a local is a very different experience to visiting as a tourist. My Nonno (grandfather) was so loved by everyone, he was almost a celebrity. Everywhere we went, we were treated especially well. I remember trips to Murano where I would buy bags of coloured glass beads to make jewellery with, and days spent at the beach with my cousins making sand castles, and eating ice cream.
What is your favourite ever hotel?
My best friend, Henrietta, and I stayed at the Six Senses in Bodrum; it was a real treat.
Where or what is your escape?
Cape Town. My mom lives there and as soon I step off the plane I feel as though I am home.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
To Cape Town to see my mom and walk on the beach.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Having to do very little, crisp sheets, and a huge, comfortable bed.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I take a lot of recommendations from friends and family, but I think there are some amazing accounts on Instagram with great destination ideas.
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How do you switch off?
I love walking with my bulldog Boicey and boyfriend James in Hampstead or at Kenwood House.
If you could be sat next to one person – dead or alive- for a long-haul flight who would it be?
This is a great but tough question: my grandmother, Clarice. She was an especially cool lady and the third female stock broker in South Africa – quite an accolade. I wish I got to spend more time with her as an adult. I have so many questions, and often wonder what her advice would be if she was here to give it to me.
What is your ultimate bucket list destination?
Amangiri in Utah.
What’s on your travel playlist?
My best friend – and fantastic chef – Antonina Parker creates the best playlists on Spotify, so I just listen to her latest playlist. I would strongly recommend following her, and trying her food.
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What is your jet-lag recovery tip?
Change your watch on the plane to local time at your destination, and don’t look back.
Who is your favourite travel companion?
Weirdly, I am usually travelling on my own: either I am meeting friends somewhere, visiting my mom, or travelling for work.
What is your suitcase stalwart?
I can’t really pinpoint one particular item that goes inside my suitcase, but I would say my suitcase itself is pretty great. It’s by RIMOWA, and whilst an investment, it will last forever.
What is your number one packing tip?
Take an empty laundry bag for washing whilst you are away.
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What is your most-treasured purchase from your travels?
I bought an amazing vintage, long lace dress from a small boutique in Cape Town. I think it was a wedding dress once upon a time, but now I wear it over a swimsuit.
Where is home and what are your must-do’s for any tourists visiting?
Home is Kensal Rise, London. Must do’s include spending the day on Portobello Road, getting a coffee at Layla, and eating at Suzi Tros. If you venture into town, go to Liberty: my all-time favourite department store.
First thing that comes to your mind…
Hand luggage essential?
A nice hand sanitiser.
Beach or city break?
Beach.
Packing: roll or fold?
Roll.
Music or podcast?
Podcasts: I love Elizabeth Day’s ‘How to Fail’ and ‘How I Built This’
In-flight book or in-flight film?
Film, always.
Time filler on a long-haul flight?
Catching up on emails.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Aperol Spritz.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Not having a schedule.
Any Questions or Tips to add?