Inside the creative journey of Francesca Villa: how her vintage-inspired jewellery empowers self-expression and celebrates sentimental stories

Francesca Villa, the brilliant mind behind her eponymous jewellery brand, weaves history and heart into every exquisite piece she creates. With a passion for antique treasures and a playful spirit, she transforms vintage objects into wearable art that tells stories as unique as the people who wear them.

In a conversation with Tatler, Francesca reveals the magic behind her designs—from sentimental keepsakes that celebrate cherished memories to whimsical details that spark joy. We explore her remarkable journey, where creativity meets craftsmanship and jewellery becomes a powerful expression of individuality and love.

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Lover’s Eye Eyeswide Necklace (Photo: courtesy of Francesca Villa)

Tell us how you got into jewellery design and your journey to establishing your brand Francesca Villa.

I studied literature because it was a great passion for me. But when I finished studying, I [realised I wanted] to study jewellery. I [then] started working as a creative designer and creative director for an Italian-based company that produced jewellery for big brands [such as Bulgari, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton]. At the time, fashion brands were starting to add jewellery to their merchandising, so they really needed our help, because they didn’t know about it. We were able to help them develop their collections. After five or six years, in 2007, I decided to quit the company to [start] my own brand, and merge my love for jewellery and my love for the vintage items that I’ve been collecting since I was very young.

How do you select the vintage and antique items you incorporate into your designs?

There aren’t really any rules. When I find something beautiful, I buy it. I’ll buy almost anything … I’m talking about antique, rare buttons and even paper. I use a lot of paper in my Abracadabra collection. Sometimes, I look for [antique objects and materials] but to be totally honest, I just meet [these objects] by chance, because I’m curious. I have a relationship with my collectors, whereby they’ll sometimes send me pictures, saying, “Oh, Francesca, I found this. I think you might be very interested.”

Peace Garden Ray of Light Earrings (Photo: courtesy of Francesca Villa)

You’ve spoken about how humour and fun are important in your work at Francesca Villa. How do you inject that playful spirit into high-end jewellery, which is often perceived as serious and formal?

I think it’s about not taking things too seriously. Life is too short to wear boring jewellery. I love the idea of surprising people; of making them smile when they see a piece. Maybe it’s a hidden detail, a quirky combination of materials or a playful story behind the design. Jewellery should be an expression of joy and personality, not just a status symbol.

Give us an example?

My latest collection. The Change Your Stripes collection is one of my favourites, because it has [so many different] elements. It’s a set of wonderful vintage resin cameos that were made in Japan in 1950; these are rare in Italy, because usually cameos are made with shells. The idea is to surprise my clients: you have a very serious side to the ring and when you reverse it, on the other side you have lemons, cherries, butterflies—even tomatoes.

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Being Furry Pegaso Ring (Photo: courtesy of Francesca Villa)

Given your passion for jewellery and its history, what do you hope people feel when they wear your designs?

I hope they feel a connection to the past, a sense of joy and individuality and a little bit of magic. I want them to feel like they’re wearing a piece of art that tells a story and reflects their own unique personality. Ultimately, I want my jewellery to empower people to express themselves and to feel confident and beautiful.

You’ve launched a new service called Being Furry. Can you tell us more about this?

We create custom jewellery featuring portraits of your beloved pets. I have the pleasure of working with two German ladies who use a vintage-inspired technique to hand-carve and paint crystal pendants and rings based on your pet’s photo. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the unique bond you share with your pet, and I love connecting with clients over their passion for their furry friends.

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