Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters
The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Fantasia takes the characters from reverse intaglio crystals and transforms them into 3D forms made of titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, enamel, and gemstones including sapphires, tsavorites, emeralds, rubies, iolites, and diamonds.
It all started in 2022 when designer Francesca Villa created her Close Encounters collection, imagining a world of unexpected meetings between creatures from different environments.
In 2023, the collection expanded with the “Make A Wish” chapter where animals like the leopard make a wish for new friends and meet the ladybug and seahorse.
Now, in Fantasia, the mermaid, seahorse, ladybug, and crab set off on their own adventures while the puffer fish with its bird and the whale with his cactus and teacup are the protagonists of their own stories in Villa’s fantastical world.
“It is our ode to whimsy, fun, and fantasy,” said Villa. “Fantasia is made to accompany you to a new world.”
The collection’s pendants create a space for each character to call home, crafted with inspiration from the vibrant colors and rich decorations of traditional Mexican nichos—folk art frames in the style of a shadow box.
The miniature homes celebrate the animal’s magical and enchanting souls as perfect dwellings tailored with symbolic details chosen to represent each one, the brand said.
Fantasia also includes earrings and rings that complement the more elaborate centerpiece designs of the collection, like “The Twist” bands and “Cherry Blossom” earrings.
While the floral hoop earrings coordinate with the accents on the chains the pendants are strung on, the character rings feature more animated forms of the characters. On one, the mermaid is seen with her cherry treasures and on another the whale carries his tiny cactus.
The 25-piece collection ranges from $2,140 to $14,300.
Fantasia first debuted at Couture last month and will be available in September at select retailers and on the brand’s website.
The collection will also launch with a special display at Francesca Villa’s stockist White Bird in Paris for Paris Design Week.
During Couture, Villa also won her second consecutive Couture Design Award, now in the “Best in Pearls” category for her “Eyes on You” pink pearl pendant necklace.
The Latest

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.


Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.