Stepping into Spring

For Manpriya, spring in London is all about slowing down, embracing the city’s energy, and uncovering hidden gems along the way. From inspiring exhibitions to the best spots to catch the blooms—here’s her guide to soaking up the season before it slips away.

It’s officially spring in London—though, to be honest, I feel like it snuck up on me this year. One moment, I’m still in my winter coat, and the next, cherry blossoms are popping up everywhere, and suddenly the city feels brand new. The days get longer, the streets feel lighter, and there’s a buzz in the air that only spring brings. It’s easy to miss it, though, especially if you’re anything like me—glued to your phone and rushing from one thing to the next!

But this year, I’m making a conscious effort to slow down and notice the little things. The random stretch of blue sky between the buildings, the wisteria climbing up the mews houses… Noticing these small, beautiful moments really changes how you experience the world. It’s why I do what I do—jewellery is about capturing beauty you can take with you. Nature does the same, just in its own way.

So, in the spirit of soaking it all in, here’s my guide to what I’m excited about this spring—things I’m loving, places I’m visiting, and some gems around the city that make London feel so alive right now.

Where I’m going…

Arpita Singh at The Serpentine  [until 27 July]  
Her first solo exhibition outside India, Arpita Singh’s work blends traditional Indian miniatures with contemporary themes, layered with a dreamlike quality that reminds me of Chagall. Expect bold, intricate compositions across paintings, delicate watercolours, and ink drawings – each telling their own story.

The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence at The V&A  [until 5 May]
A total visual feast. This exhibition celebrates the rich cultural fusion of the Mughal Empire, where artistic traditions from across the world converged as the emperors expanded through conquest. Think enormous Colombian emeralds imported by Portuguese merchants (top of my wish list), European-enamelled daggers, and the finest Chinese porcelain.

Cartier at The V&A [Opens 12 April] 
This will be the exhibition of the year!! A deep dive into Cartier’s history of craftsmanship, art, and design—pure elegance, with some of the most exquisite jewellery ever created.I cannot wait to visit it. 

Edvard Munch at The National Portrait Gallery [Until 15 June] 
If all you associate with Munch is The Scream, you need to get yourself to this show. This exhibition highlights Munch’s softer, more intimate side, with portraits of his family, friends, and lovers. His ability to capture raw human emotion is unlike any other.

Egon Schiele Portraits on Paper at Omer Tiroche Gallery  [Until 2 May]
Like Munch, Schiele’s portraits are raw, emotional, and utterly captivating. This exhibition focuses on his works on paper, which many believe are just as powerful, if not more so, than his paintings.

Where I’m eating…

Julie’s Restaurant
This month I finally made it to the reopened Julie’s—and while it may have been a little early in the season for al fresco dining, I can already picture it as the perfect sun-drenched lunch spot as spring settles in.

The Park
One of my new favourites. Set right at the top of Kensington Gardens, it’s the ideal place for a long lunch after a springtime walk. Jeremy King (of Arlington fame) is behind it, and if you love mid-century modern interiors as much as I do, you’ll appreciate the wood paneling and caramel leather banquettes. It’s got that warm, effortlessly chic New York feel—spacious but intimate.

For Something Different…

New Covent Garden Flower Market
There’s something about being here in the early hours—rows of blooms, the air thick with scent, sellers chatting away as they wrap up huge bundles of flowers. It feels like a little hidden world, full of people who just get the joy of fresh flowers. Spring is my favourite time to visit—peonies, tulips, anemones, all at their best. You don’t have to be there at 4 AM, but I love to. That’s when it’s buzzing—the real action before the rest of the city even wakes up.

What I’m wearing…

High Jewellery Slice Diamond Flower Earrings 
Can you tell I’m obsessed with blooms? These flower earrings are my little nod to spring, and I can’t get enough of them.

High Jewellery Slice Diamond Butterfly Earrings 
My take on a butterfly—delicate, sweet, but with a bit of edge, just the way I like it.