In F Scott Fitzgerald’s story The Diamond as Big as the Ritz, we’re told the finder of that remarkable stone, Colonel Fitz-Norman, made a (fictional) two-year around-the-world trip in the 1860s.

The chairman of the fine jewellery company Boodles, Anthony Wainwright, made a similar journey in 1962 – in just 16 days – recording his route in a photograph album. Wainwright’s army background meant the trip was planned with military precision, but with considerable style.

His first stop was Sri Lanka, where he stayed at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, described as “the best hotel East of Suez”. In New Delhi he visited the Red Fort, while in Kobe, Japan he detoured to visit the impressive gardens.

Neither a junket nor a jaunt, the purpose of the journey was to search for the world’s finest diamonds, gemstones and pearls and to establish contacts with respected merchants. Flying Pan-Am to Bangkok, he met Willy Lampson, one of the region’s most respected gem merchants, while in Hong Kong he met Mr Choy, who became a business partner.

This season, his journey has inspired Boodles’ spectacular collection of rings, which reflect places he visited or those which have special significance for the Wainwright family, who continue the pioneering spirit and creativity of the Boodles brand. Marrakesh, for instance, is reflected in a ring inspired by the riads, courtyards and gardens of the city.

The centrepiece stone is a 17-carat cushion-cut aquamarine, conjuring the spirit of days beside sun-dappled pools. Around it are four pear-shaped emeralds, with blue stones above a gold band cut like a Moorish frieze, formed from chevron-shaped tiles.

The aquamarine, emerald and diamond Marrakesh ring, inspired by Moroccan riads.

The lemon groves of Capri inspired Boodles’ three-carat vivid yellow diamond ring.

The deep pink diamond South Africa ring, inspired by Boulders Beach penguins.

Discover more at Boodles at 71 Grafton Street, Dublin 2; www.boodles.com.