Francesca has designed jewellery for some of the world’s most prestigious houses, developing an indepth knowledge and a profound expertise. Prior to setting up her own line, she was the Creative Director of a renown atelier that designed and produced
jewellery for some of the world’s leading international Brands. Although this experience was hugely fulfilling,eventually creating successful designs that would be produced in their thousands started to erode her artistic passion. She wanted to create a Brand that was closer to her own obsessions for unique and one-of-a-kind treasures. Designs that valued storytelling, and the profound connections of people to, and through, art, objects and decoration.
Founding her own Brand in 2007, she has built a loyal following of clients who avidly collect her pieces. Her designs are sold internationally in the world’s leading boutiques and department stores. Francesca also creates bespoke designs with her client’s own treasured objects.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
All of Francesca’s designs are realised in her own atelier in Valenza, Italy. Each of her craftspeople, from goldsmiths to stone setters, from enamel artists to stone carvers, has more than 20 years experience. Their mastery of their craft allows them not only to create pieces with exceptional quality, but also to bring their own technical innovations to the making of each piece. This dedication to craftsmanship can be seen in the finished jewels where perfect settings, vibrant enamel, and sparkling gemstones complete Francesca’s artistic vision. Each element is carefully considered, with delicate engravings, poetic cutouts and secret star-set gems often decorating the underside of each piece. All the gold used to create Francesca’s designs is recycled, and her workshop is certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council both under their Code of Practices and Chain of Custody certification. This demonstrates the commitment to responsible jewellery manufacture, and supply chain transparency.
POETIC JEWELLERY INSPIRED BY OBJETS TROUVÉS
Francesca’s designs are set with and inspired by Objets Trouvés; vintage and antique treasures given a new life in each piece of masterfully crafted Francesca Villa jewellery. Each piece starts with a flash of inspiration – the delight of discovering a singularly beautiful vintage button, an enchantingly whimsical hand-carved and painted crystal, or richly patterned venetian glass beads once prized by colonial traders. From these objects, brimming with vitality, the jewel begins to form in Francesca’s mind’s eye. Once the designer’s vision has been translated on paper, the delicate art of decorating each piece with gemstones, enamel and engravings can commence. Her mastercraftspeople are tasked with finding innovative technical solutions to realise these uniquely beautiful creations to the highest excellence. At the end of our journey is Francesca Villa’s joyful jewellery; pieces that capture a unique preciousness - a timeless poetry.