Kiki McDonough: A Life of Colour

40 Years of Gemstone Jewellery

Kiki McDonough author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Papadakis

Published:6th May '25

Should be back in stock very soon

Kiki McDonough: A Life of Colour cover

“The eternal challenge for a designer is to make pieces which are relevant and modern as well as timeless … The fact that Kiki McDonough has achieved this in countless collections over forty years is nothing short of a triumph” - Carol Woolton, jewellery historian and British Vogue Jewellery Editor 

On the eve of her jewellery business’s 40th anniversary, Kiki McDonough opens the vault to share the remarkable journey behind one of Britain’s most beloved jewellery designers. What began in 1985 with a single concession in a friend’s store has since blossomed into a globally celebrated brand, known for its vibrant use of coloured gemstones, timeless elegance, and deep connection with the women who wear it. 

With over 200 stunning photographs, this beautifully curated book is both a visual feast and an inspiring portrait of a female-founded and female-led company that changed the face of modern jewellery. From the delicate shimmer of amethysts to the radiant sparkle of citrines and peridots, Kiki’s signature pieces have graced the ears and necks of style icons across generations – including HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana. 

Through rich imagery and candid storytelling, Kiki reflects on four decades of creativity, determination, and evolution. She takes us behind the scenes of her design process, shares memories from the early, chaotic days of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and explores how her work continues to resonate with modern women around the world. Her mission has always been simple yet revolutionary: jewellery should be bought by women, for women, pieces that speak to their style, their confidence, their joy. More than a retrospective, it’s a celebration of a legacy still in the making – a story as colourful and joyful as Kiki’s exquisite jewellery.

The Luxx Report magazine which is included with The Times on Saturday mentioned Papadakis' upcoming new title Kiki McDonough: A Life of Colour. - Luxx Report
"…she has set them down in a memoir, A Life of Colour, which will be published to coincide with the exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery' - Luxx

ISBN: 9781906506766

Dimensions: 290mm x 265mm x 22mm

Weight: 1454g

178 pages