In Conversation with India Durnin
We are thrilled to share our next ‘In Conversation With’, speaking to Pippa Small Jewellery’s Managing Director, India Durnin. India has been working at Pippa Small for over a decade, starting as an intern after university. India has worked across every sector of our business in the years she has been with Pippa Small. She has worked primarily as Shop Manager and Marketing Director before moving into her current role as Managing Director.
What is your favourite memory working at Pippa Small?
There are so many to choose from...but spending time in Jaipur is really special. I am so in love with the city and its energy. But what really stays with you is witnessing the care and time that Pippa, the stone cutters and goldsmiths pour into perfecting every single piece. It gives you a different level of appreciation for each piece we create.
What really stays with you is witnessing the care and time that Pippa, the stone cutters and goldsmiths pour into perfecting every single piece. It gives you a different level of appreciation for each piece we create.
What is your favourite collection(s) to date?
Oh no...you can't make me pick one. My first love was Pippa’s Garden of Eden necklace. I love the intricate details - the fact that it's made up of handmade lentil beads, cumin seeds, bluebells, flowers, drilled rubies. Each one over the years is strung slightly differently and tells a little story of nature, life, abundance - I think it's so romantic, charming and uniquely Pippa's. Then there is the Seeds of Hope collection, made in Afghanistan. Again, it's a story of seeds, flowers inspired by nature and all its hopeful potential. And lastly, I promise, is the Myanmar flower collection. The most beautiful handmade golden flowers made in incredible detail. I wore the Chamka flower at my wedding party.
What is your favourite Pippa piece that you wear and why?
There are a few pieces that I never take off. My 22kt gold amulet, that holds precious memories of my mother and the soil from a special place to us. I haven’t taken it off for almost 10 years and would feel lost without it. I love the idea of wearing a capsule that holds something precious to you, whether it’s your baby’s hair, an affirmation, or memories. And it helps that it’s beautiful! I also can't go a day without my 22kt gold eye ring. I love the way it hugs your finger and the idea of it being protective.
I love the idea of wearing a capsule that holds something precious to you, whether it’s your baby’s hair, an affirmation, or memories.
How has working with Pippa Small shaped your perspective on the importance of sustainable business practice?
It's been an interesting education - seeing how, across the industry, sustainable and ethical practices always need to be reviewed, questioned, and improved. There’s never really a point where you can say you've perfected it. There’s always more to learn and refine.
What’s really shaped my perspective, though, has been Pippa’s constant determination to honour traditional and ancient practices in every region she works in. She has such deep respect for the artisans, for their skills, their techniques, their connection to the land, and the time it’s taken them to perfect their craft over generations.
What I’ve seen make the biggest difference is the way those values translate into maintaining long-term relationships between Pippa and the makers. It’s not just about one-off projects; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods and supporting the continuation of these incredible traditions in a meaningful, lasting way. I think it's so lovely that we're also a bridge - connecting makers to wearers.
What’s really shaped my perspective, though, has been Pippa’s constant determination to honour traditional and ancient practices in every region she works in.
What is your favourite part about working at Pippa Small?
The best team - in London, LA and internationally! Everyone on my phone has 'Small' as their surname: Pippa Small, Luciane Small, Marcia Small, etc. One big happy 'Small' family.
And the jewellery!
What is your favourite stone?
I really love old turquoise. And I can't resist aquamarine and deep blue lapis. All the blues! Saying that, my everyday neck is a mix of gold and crystal quartz.
Are there any new collections you’re particularly excited about?
I love our new glass bead collection from Palestine. Working in glass is completely new to us, and the pieces are so beautiful. I haven't been able to choose a favourite colour of bead yet, they’re all too good. I'll be giving them as meaningful Christmas presents this year.
As someone who has been with the company for more than a decade and seen it evolve and grow, what are you most proud of?
I’m especially proud of Pippa’s newly founded charity, Small Seeds, and its initiative Zindagi Now - started by Pippa and her partner in Kabul. It offers Afghan women a safe, creative space to make jewellery and learn business skills, helping them build confidence and a renewed sense of hope.
I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have witnessed the company's growth. From a small team of four in Colville Mews to our flagship on Westbourne Grove and an international team of 20+. It's been a privilege to help bring Pippa's dreams to life - new partnerships year after year in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Jordan, Colombia, Bolivia, Syria, Palestine, Romania.
Where to next, Pippa?