You combine ancient techniques with cutting-edge technology. How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work?

What we represent in the fine jewellery world is the future - a brand where science innovation merges with artistic creations - true sustainability with ethical practice, how to work with nature to better it rather than deplete it. It is a celebration of traditional, artisan craftsmanship with modern technology and material science.

As a jewellery designer, I choose to focus my work with laboratory-grown, created and recycled gemstones and materials. It is my mission since day 1 to offer a different perspective in the industry — to create equally beautiful and one-of-a-kind jewels without the conflict, humanitarian, and environment issues with untraceable provenance associated with mining. Intentions play a pivotal role, guiding every decision I make—from discovering new ways to create gemstones to exploring innovative metals.

Jewellery is empowering because it brings joy, inspires emotions and elevates the spirit like no other. I love its longevity to transcend generations. Jewellery is also timeless. It does not decay or go away. It is a chance to hold onto the past and at the same time reach out to the future, and I find that endearingly romantic.

Fruit Gems was born out of your concern for global food waste. How important is environmental consciousness in your approach to jewellery design?

I usually design with a story in mind. Nature is where I find most of my inspirations, but I am equally interested and motivated by environmental issues globally, from current affairs to conservations and restorations. David Attenborough is my hero, I recently visited his immersive experience of ‘Our Story’ at The Natural History Museum where he talked about how we are all significant. We can all make a difference in this world, and as a designer it is my duty to do my best for a better future.

Do you remember the first moment you saw a Fruit Gems cut, polished, and set like a real gemstone?

It was Blueberries– my toddler son’s favourite fruit. I felt like a child riding a bicycle for the first time – the elated adrenaline rush you get when you finally succeed after countless trials and fails.

You have also created Regenerative Gemstones™ from autumn leaves, twigs, and lapidary off-cuts. Do you believe this represents the future of high jewellery?

Learning from Fruit Gems™, we also introduced our Regenerative-Gemstones™ - a pioneering blend of sustainability and luxury. A reimagined Amber, infused with the golden hues of autumn leaves and twigs, alongside ethically recreated rose quartz, amethyst, malachite, and lapis lazuli—each regenerated from lapidary off-cuts to give forgotten fragments a dazzling second life.

They are not just gemstones, but also represent stories of transformation—luxuriously reborn through innovation, artistry and a vision for a better, greener future.

Your research theme is “From Waste to Wonder.” What does that mean to you personally?

The magic of turning ‘waste to wonder’ is questioning the very idea of luxury – to be surprised by the alchemy where science meets art. The most sustainable way to create is through recycling and regeneration. It is important to reflect and learn from the past to bring a new perspective in the present, always in mind a better future.

Your jewels have been worn by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and most recently Sydney Sweeney at the Bezos wedding and Madonna at her birthday in Italy. What has been the most moving or unexpected reaction from a celebrity client?

As an independent brand without a single paid partnership and advertising, we are purely discovered through word of mouth. It is always my honour, pride and joy to see global superstars wearing my creations from the Oscars to The Met Gala, The Grammy’s to music videos and their personal day to day looks. It is often a surprise and I find out at the same time as friends and social media. Lady Gaga was the first to wear a pair of my Rose Tourmaline Feather Earrings at a performance in NYC. Taylor Swift has worn my designs for over 7 years, Rihanna perhaps over 30 creations. Simone Biles wearing our Fuchsia Chandelier Earrings on the cover of People Magazine for her Olympic cover story will always be special. A few weeks ago, Julia Roberts wore two of our Cherry Blossom brooches in London, and she ended up purchasing them - I’m such a fan and I love that.

Before launching your own brand, you trained as an architect and later worked with Alexander McQueen. How has that background shaped the way you design?

I think my architectural training has influenced my attention to details, the harmony and balance with forms and structures, the sensibility of scale, proportion, geometry, materiality and story-telling are all very similar traits shared between architects and jewellers. Visual imagery is very important in my work as a medium for story-telling, the emotive sensitivity of what you see is both powerful and moving.

My first job after graduating university was working for the late Sir Richard Rogers. He introduced bold colours in both public and private spaces, his architecture was always people centric and so was his studio practice.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Alexander McQueen about courage in creativity?

I grew up as a student obsessing over the genius of Alexander McQueen - the beauty, duality and depth in his vision and work; the drama, the storytelling, the craftsmanship - it was as much fashion as it was art. It remains one of my greatest privilege to have worked at his studio during his fleeting lifetime.

What is the biggest difference between designing a space, a garment, and a piece of jewellery?

Scale and the experience you create.

In 2013, you launched the world’s first high jewellery brand to pair lab-grown gemstones with recycled metals. At the time, did you feel like an outsider or a pioneer?

Many people thought I was crazy at the time, but Steve Job said “It is those crazy enough to think they can change the world, that actually do.” I’m going to choose a pioneer.

As a Design & Innovation Ambassador for Great Britain and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, what message do you share with the next generation of designers?

Stay curious, keep an open mind, stay true to your vision and values. Keep asking questions, keep learning - we are incredible problem solvers. Maya Angelou said success is ‘Liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Couldn’t have said it better.

Greece has a deep tradition in jewellery and symbolism. Have you ever drawn inspiration from Greek motifs or materials?

Since my early twenties I have travelled to Greece almost every summer, from Athens to Mykonos to Milos. The colours and magic of The Aegean Sea has inspired many of my designs, from Paraiba tourmalines to opals and aquamarines creations.

You were named among the 50 most influential people in British luxury and received the Game Changer Award. How do you carry that responsibility?

It is an incredible honour to be recognised and celebrated amongst the grand luxury maisons and heritage brands. The opportunity to pioneer new ideas, drive innovations and lead the way towards a more ethical and sustainable era in my industry is what makes every day exciting.

How would you describe the woman who wears Anabela Chan jewellery?

Confident and empowered.

You work with materials that bridge science and art. In your daily life, do you feel more like a scientist or an artist?

Both – growing up as a child I’ve always loved the sciences and the arts, but didn’t quite know which career combined the two. I’m proud to have found my purpose – both in science and art - perhaps an alchemical designer.

What can we expect next from you — are there new innovations or collections already in the making?

Chlorophyll is our next collection – where we explore the magic of photosynthesis, mycelium and regenerative Tahitian pearl farming from French Polynesia - where the process naturally restores coral reefs and have brought back near extinct fish species.