Signs of spring are slowly being revealed at the Rachel Boston showroom: a hefty dose of Shoreditch sunlight strays in from the garden doors, and a fresh bouquet of white roses sits on display after an early morning delivery. But the theme of renewal isn't just a seasonal one here. Rather, it runs through the veins of everything we do. Rachel sits down to discuss her favourite thrifted finds, everyday jewellery and the joys of reclaiming antique diamonds in her latest collection.
Hi Rachel! Do you have a favourite secondhand or vintage find?
I’ve always had a deep love for vintage — there’s something so magical about the thrill of discovery, whether it’s uncovering a hidden gem online, in a tucked-away boutique, or at a busy market. Each piece carries its own story, craftsmanship, and sense of uniqueness that feels so rare and special.
Since becoming a mother, my passion for secondhand treasures has only grown, especially when it comes to finding beautiful pieces for my daughter. One of my favourite finds is a vintage yellow dungaree set I discovered through La Manotte Vintage. It’s delicately embroidered with a radiant sun and came with a sweet little matching hat. It’s the kind of piece that feels almost talismanic — a tiny, sun-kissed treasure I know I’ll hold onto forever.
...does the same go for books?
I’ve built a treasured library of secondhand jewellery books, spanning from across the past sixty years. Each one is not only a source of knowledge but also inspiration.
I’m particularly drawn to the vintage illustrations and photography — there’s such beauty in the way jewellery was documented in different eras. These books also offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and techniques of the time, as well as the shifting landscape of the jewellery world itself, making them both invaluable resources and cherished artefacts.
You’ve designed a lot of jewellery over the years. Do you have a favourite piece that you’ve created?
It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite — each piece holds its own story and significance — but there are a few recent designs that feel particularly special to me.
One is the Pothos ring from our Ten Year Collection. I’m captivated by the way the faint yellow diamond is embedded into the weight of the bold gold band. There’s a quiet power to it — a sense of strength and grace entwined.
From our most recent Antique & Reclaimed Collection, the Jarvis ring stands out. An eternity ring with baguette cut diamonds, its simplicity feels almost architectural. It's pared-back yet striking, with a modernity that feels timeless.
As you mentioned, your latest collection centres around antique and reclaimed diamonds. Why was this important to you?
Antique and reclaimed diamonds have always held a special place in my heart. Not only are they a more environmentally conscious choice, but each stone carries its own story. As these stones were cut by hand, often using techniques that pre-date modern precision cutting, they have a distinct character: softer proportions, unique faceting, and a warmth that feels inherently human.
Working with reclaimed diamonds also allows us to honour the craftsmanship of the past, while reimagining these stones for the present day. It’s a way of honouring the past while creating something for the future — a balance I find endlessly inspiring.
Was there a particular diamond you were you most excited to give a new lease on life?
My favourite transformation from the collection is the Cassian ring, which centres around a 3.55ct fancy grey diamond. Originally, the diamond was set in a bold, highly ornate 1980s design — set incredibly high off the finger and surrounded by intricate detailing that seemed to overwhelm the stone itself.
I felt the setting masked the true beauty of the diamond — its rare grey hue and natural character were hidden beneath the excess. By reimagining it as a modern solitaire, set low into a distinctive double band, the diamond could shine.
The double band also felt essential. Not only does it frame the stone beautifully, but it introduces negative space, allowing the diamond to feel like a true statement without overwhelming the finger.
The 3.55ct Fancy Grey Diamond of our Cassian ring, before and after
As for your personal collection, do you have pieces you tend to gravitate towards on the daily?
My jewellery uniform is built around a few cherished staples: my engagement ring, wedding band, and our Chunky Charm necklace, which feels like a modern heirloom I can build upon. I also have a growing collection of gold hoops from our designs, which I rotate depending on my mood.
Engraved pieces hold a particular significance for me. I often wear our Memento rings and Hexagonum signet, both engraved with personal touches. There’s something powerful about engraving and the way it transforms a piece into a marker of a specific moment in time.
Speaking of personal touches, you always have a great rotation of fresh flowers in the shop and showroom. What does a good bouquet consist of to you?
For me, a good bouquet is often a large bunch of a single type of flower — there’s something timeless and effortlessly chic about that simplicity. In the showroom, I’m especially drawn to yellow flowers; they bring such a sense of warmth and optimism that feels like sunshine brightening up the space.
As we move into tulip season, I find myself particularly drawn to the more unusual varieties. Parrot tulips with their sculptural, ruffled petals are always a favourite.
We keep a rotating collection of vintage vases in the showroom, selecting different shapes, heights and tones to suit each week’s delivery. I think having that variety is essential — the right vase can frame a bouquet beautifully, allowing the flowers to feel considered and intentional within the space.
Lastly, what are you most looking forward to this coming spring?
I’m most looking forward to slow walks with my daughter and my dog Stevie, keeping an eye out for the first buds and subtle signs of the season shifting. I’m hoping to carve out some time to spend in the garden too — there’s something so grounding about tending to the earth, watching things grow. Mostly, I’m just excited to be outdoors more, soaking up those longer days and brighter skies.
LOOKING FOR MORE?
Check out Rachel's latest Antique & Reclaimed Diamond Collection. Thirteen exquisite rings featuring a selection of the finest antique and reclaimed diamonds.
