If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton

Episode: Ann Dexter-Jones on Rock'n'Roll Jewellery, Mark Ronson, Mick Jagger & Music Royalty
Date: January 8, 2026
Guest: Ann Dexter-Jones
Host: Carol Woolton

Episode Overview

This episode features renowned jeweller and designer Ann Dexter-Jones, whose signature rock-and-roll aesthetic, legendary music-world connections, and colorful life story intertwine to inspire her bold and expressive jewels. Host Carol Woolton dives deep into Ann’s peripatetic childhood, the family values that shaped her, her journey from New Zealand to New York, her creative processes, and her roles as a muse, mother, and entrepreneur.

The conversation sparkles with tales of music royalty, beloved family moments, and the unique power of jewellery to capture identity, memory, and artistic intent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Formative Years: Family, Change, and Worldliness

• The Globe-Spinning Father:
  • Ann’s father, an intellectual and surgeon, taught his five children empathy and appreciation for difference by spinning a globe and deciding the family would move wherever his finger landed—ultimately Australia.
    • Ann: “He spun the globe and said, 'I'm going to head to the South Pacific because a healthy mind and a healthy body, we're going to follow the sun.'” (04:32)
• Trauma and Resilience:
  • The family’s journey included her mother’s illness and death, a traumatic plane crash, and frequent moves (Ann attended 14 schools on three continents).
    • Ann: “I chose to see the glass half full. And my father was still my hero.” (08:06)
• Early Artistic Leanings:
  • Sewing her own clothes in New Zealand, Ann sought individuality and color, inspired by vivid global locations.
    • Ann: “I remember pulling into Bermuda...the houses...are pink and lemon blue...so to me, everything was magical.” (09:04)

2. London, Rock & Roll, and Defining an Aesthetic

• Entry into Music Circles:
  • Marriage to music manager Lawrence Ronson brought Ann into the orbit of icons like Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and more.
    • Ann: "I never had an agenda and I think that's what made it so fun." (14:00)
• Navigating Divorce and Motherhood:
  • Candid about safeguarding her children (“my most precious jewels”) during divorce, Ann shares her clear boundaries and integrity during transitions.
    • Ann to Mick Jones: “If you come back to the house at night...if you want to see me for brunch or lunch or an early dinner, that's fine… But if you’re feeling horny, you have to go somewhere else.” (16:28)
• Moving to New York with New Vision:
  • Ann relocates for her children’s freedom, separating them from family expectations and opening new creative avenues.
    • Ann: “I thought it was healthy to put an ocean between the two families.” (17:49)

3. The Birth of the Jewellery Line: Rock, Reiki, and ‘Heft’

• Inspired by World Markets:
  • Ann’s fascination with ID bracelets began at flea markets across Asia and Europe, noticing their cultural significance and unique forms.
    • Ann: “I was in Singapore…I did Reiki on myself…And I was imagining the ID bracelet and thinking, 'How would I design it…?'” (20:53)
• Designing with Intention:
  • First signature: Lapis lazuli with gold screws and diamonds—a bespoke contrast to conventional ID bracelets.
• Rock & Roll Ethos:
  • Jewellery is heavy, bold, and handcrafted by New York artisans to merge durability with meaning:
    • Ann: “I like the heft. My thing is the heft—it's not dainty.” (22:57)
• Music as Constant Inspiration:
  • Ann designs to music—her “midnight hour” bracelet was inspired directly by Wilson Pickett’s lyrics.
    • Ann: “It’s always midnight so you never have to leave the party.” (24:44)

4. Stories Behind the Pieces: Icons, Inspiration, and Personal Meaning

• Celebrity Clients & Iconic Moments:
  • Kate Moss, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars and others collect and wear Ann’s jewellery.
    • Ann on Kate Moss: “Oh, Kate Moss took it off my wrist and bought it…her one had pave diamonds.” (25:46)
    • Ann on Ringo Starr: “I gave to Ringo Starr for his 60th birthday. And he wears it.” (33:01)
    • Ann on Mick Jagger: “Mick Jagger has one…with cabochon ruby inlay.” (33:09)
• Personalized Designs for Family:
  • Made with personality in mind—her children’s pieces reflect their style and achievements.
    • Ann: “When Mark wrote Uptown Funk...he engraved on it: ‘straight up gate crashing Super Bowl’ for him and Bruno [Mars].” (31:39)
• Jewellery for Cause:
  • Proceeds from Ukrainian-colored enamel guitar picks benefit Ukraine.
    • Ann: “All the money I make on those I send to Ukraine.” (35:03)

5. Ann as Muse: Love, Memory, and Music

• Inspiring Foreigner’s Hit Love Songs:
  • Mick Jones wrote “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You” for Ann.
    • Ann: “He came bursting into the bedroom…‘Now you have to marry me. I’ve written the song for you.’” (27:26)
    • Ann (about “Waiting for a Girl Like You”): “He said, ‘Now I know why I wrote the song.’ I said, ‘Do you play this in every port?’” (28:48)

6. Business Approach & Craftsmanship

• Commitment to Handwork and Authenticity:
  • Fiercely loyal to traditional goldsmiths in NYC; refuses mass production and outsourced volume.
    • Ann: “I only work with artisans because they’re a dying breed…they were supporting me too with their wonderful works.” (22:57)
    • Ann: “None of us need a piece of jewelry. We just want…I just have to say what I love.” (36:12)
• Evolution in Selling:
  • Prefers intimate trunk shows, direct sales, and maintains quality control by overseeing production herself.
    • Ann: “I’m not a wonderful businesswoman, but I’m not stupid, so I’m not a fool.” (38:10)
    • Ann: “If you’re making thousands of each piece…not with the materials I use.” (39:19)

7. Ann’s Design Process & Future Plans

• Intuitive, Mood-Driven Design:
  • Draws sketches, lets inspiration strike anywhere (even at the zoo); does not design by season or trend.
    • Ann: “I was at the zoo when I thought of the anaconda…and what a great ring that would make.” (45:23)
• Favorite Materials:
  • Lapis lazuli, aquamarine, blues and brights; classic yet vibrant stones.
    • Ann: “I also love aquamarine…so you like the blues? Yes, I must like the blues.” (40:54)
• Upcoming Memoir:
  • Ann is personally writing her memoir, encouraged by her literary agent to forgo a ghostwriter after reading her drafts.
    • Ann: “She read some of my work and said…you don’t need a ghostwriter. So now I have to bloody write it.” (43:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On embracing change and difference:
  • “If ever any of my children were to point to anybody saying they’re different because of their garb or...customs, I would be mortified...I'm not just going to explain it to you. I'm going to show you they’re not different from you—you are different from them.”
    – Ann, recounting her father’s lesson (02:32)
• On being a mother during a high-profile divorce:
  • “They’re my most precious jewels.” (15:12)
• On rock-and-roll muses and romance:
  • “If you want to see me for brunch...that’s fine. But if you’re feeling horny, you have to go somewhere else.” (16:28)
  • “He came bursting into the bedroom...‘I’ve written the song for you. Now you have to marry me.’” (27:26)
• On her design mantra:
  • “I only make what I love. I don't follow a trend...None of us need a piece of jewelry, we just want...I think we just want one.” (36:12)
• On music as design fuel:
  • “I’d play rock and roll music...go into little meditative mode with my voice Reiki... singing the midnight hour...it's always on midnight so you never have to leave the party.” (24:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:26] – Ann’s nomadic childhood and the pivotal globe-spinning moment
• [06:46] – Early travels, family trauma, and parental influence on values
• [10:04] – Early self-expression, sewing, and style development
• [13:46] – Entrance into the London music scene, celebrity connections
• [15:12] – Protecting her children through divorce; beginnings with Mick Jones
• [18:07] – Relocating to New York; beginning freelance writing and jewelry design
• [20:53] – Discovery of ID bracelets, Reiki inspiration, and signature style
• [22:57] – Partnership with artisans, business beginnings
• [24:44] – Creating the “midnight hour” bracelet and Kate Moss story
• [27:26] – Being a muse for some of Foreigner’s greatest hits
• [31:39] – Bespoke pieces for Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
• [33:01] – Celebrity clientele: Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars
• [35:03] – Jewellery for charitable causes (Ukraine)
• [38:10] – How selling and running the business has evolved
• [40:59] – Favorite gemstones and adaptable design
• [43:02] – Memoir-in-progress and family achievements
• [45:23] – Creative process and anecdotes behind design inspiration

Tone & Final Impressions

Sparkling with wit, honesty, and irreverence, Ann Dexter-Jones’ conversation with Carol Woolton is as much about life philosophy—resilience, openness, authenticity—as it is about brilliant jewelry. Listeners leave with vivid stories from music and fashion history, practical insight into hand-crafted luxury design, and a sense of the enduring power of personal narrative and artistry.

For fans of bold jewellery, rock history, and true originals, Ann’s episode is a complex gem—full of color, weight, and unmistakable character.