Growing up in rural Maine, Aaron Ruff wanted to be an archaeologist. Though now a designer living and working in Brooklyn, New York, he’s not digging in the dirt, but still following through on his plans to mine the past for insight and inspiration. This is clear to see in his jewellery line, Digby & Iona.

Founded in 2007, the collection pays homage both to nature and to the styles of the infamous Inspector Clouseau and the gentleman adventurer, Phileas Fogg. From delicate feather earrings to stag head necklaces and looking glasses, Digby & Iona utilises not only silver and gold, but also more unusual combinations of brass and bronze, to create jewellery that stands apart from the crowd.