Jeweller Finds Wonderland in NZ

British jeweller Alice Hughes has created a range of bespoke pieces inspired by NZ plants and sea life. She established Alice in Wonderland Jewellery in 2004 after undertaking an apprenticeship in NZ, where she worked with NZ jewellers Ray Mitchell and Peter Elsbury. Mitchell found international fame after designing the “One Ring” for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. “When I arrived in New Zealand I was overwhelmed by the nature,” says Hughes. “I found it really energising and the whole idea of combining the natural elements with jewellery really came together in my mind.” Hughes now runs jewellery house parties in her home town of Liverpool, selling her pieces directly to customers: “I always turn up with a couple of bottles of New Zealand wine which is always a help, too.”