Could you share with us the journey that led you to pursue jewellery design?
In 2015 I embarked on a new chapter of my life by moving to Bali, driven by a sense of wonder and a personal belief that the island held countless opportunities. Without a concrete plan, I felt that Bali was a land where one could get in touch with their true self, better understand their inclinations and ultimately see them taking shape. So I decided to embrace this journey and see where it would lead me.
A few months after my arrival, a chance opportunity came my way. I was invited to collaborate with an Italian accessories brand that wanted to produce customized metal components for their bags in Bali. This collaboration led me to explore the local silver factories and workshops.
Immersing myself in the world of craftsmen and watching them bring life to raw materials ignited a creative spark within me. I’ve always been fascinated by jewels as powerful objects that can travel through time and space, carried by different people. However, until that moment, I had never thought of them as a tool to unlock my creativity. Inspired by the artisans and their meticulous work, moved by my attraction to these small, timeless objects, I began experimenting with sketches and drawings.
The rich Balinese culture and its vibrant ceremonies profoundly influenced my first collection. Living near a main temple, I had the privilege of witnessing many ceremonies especially held during the full moon. My personal connection with the moon and the symbolism of its cycles resonated deeply with me. This connection inspired me to draw geometric shapes and collect pearls and mother of pearls components that echoed my celestial muse, which I then assembled and transformed into jewelry pieces. This powerful fusion of cultural immersion and personal inspiration marked the beginning of my journey into jewelry design.
Given your approach to design as a form of personal storytelling, influenced by dreams, experiences and emotions, we are intrigued to learn what has been inspiring you lately?
My latest collection has been inspired by the essential aspects of life, serving as a visual reminder to focus on what truly adds value and meaning. This concept emerged from a personal loss that led me to realize the importance of shedding the unnecessary to allow the necessary to speak to me. It became a journey of re-appropriating honesty with myself, understanding what is genuinely important, and eliminating what no longer serves me on a personal level. These reflections have been translated into a collection that I consider minimalist, using metal
and texture as the primary language, devoid of colors and stones. The designs are free of embellishments, yet they possess a powerful honesty. This collection embodies a forceful simplicity, highlighting the beauty of essentials and the strength found in clarity and authenticity.
Your fascination for astronomy led to you signature dot-texture. Can you share with us the beginnings of this passion and how does it influence your creative process?
I often feel like an outsider, and I have always looked at the space as a possible place where I could belong, either as a place of origin or a destination. My fascination with astronomy stems from this feeling of looking up at the sky, dreaming of exploring the unknown, and imagining traveling to places no one has ever been. The great forces of creation in the universe and the absolutely mind-blowing aesthetics captivate and inspire me deeply. The dot-texture emerged with my first collection to represent the lunar landscape and has since become a signature element. I see a profound duality in it. While I draw each dot, the process itself becomes meditative, allowing me to enter a state of flow where each dot connects me more deeply to my creativity. This meditative practice is not just about creating patterns but is also a way to focus into my work and channel inner peace. Moreover, the dot-texture embodies the energy and vitality of craftsmanship. Each dot, though small and seemingly insignificant on its own, contributes to a vibrant and dynamic surface that brings the jewelry to life. This intricate pattern reflects the effort and dedication that goes into each piece, infusing it with a sense of vitality. The resulting texture is not just a visual element but a representation of the pulsating energy and dedication behind the craftsmanship.
Your pieces are described as “symbol[s] of craftsmanship, collectivity, and integrity.” How do these values manifest in your designs, and what do they mean to you personally?
Each tredici.zerodue piece is a testament to the craftsmanship that I hold dear. I believe that true artistry lies in the details, and I strive to ensure that every design is executed with precision and care. This dedication to quality not only elevates the beauty of each piece but also honors the rich tradition of jewelry making.
Collectivity is integral to my work embodying collaboration, responsible production, ethical sourcing and sustainability. I proudly collaborate with Indonesian artisans, ensuring fair labor practices and giving back to the community I am part of. By thoughtfully sourcing materials from trusted suppliers, I guarantee the ethical procurement of every stone and metal. To minimize my brand’s environmental footprint, I produce in small production runs, on a made-to-order and custom-made basis, use recycled 925 sterling silver whenever possible, and package products without plastic. Additionally, we repurpose cotton leftovers to create beautiful, reusable storage bags.
Integrity is the most personal of these values. It means staying true to my vision and principles in every aspect of my work, creating pieces that genuinely reflect my artistic intent. Integrity encompasses honesty and transparency, from the creative process to the finished product.
Together, these values form the foundation of my designs, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and ethically sound. They represent a commitment to excellence, respect for tradition and collaboration, and dedication to authenticity.
As a collector of jewellery yourself, what do you believe sets tredici.zerodue apart, and what do you hope customers experience when they wear your creations?
This is a challenging question to answer, so I will use the words that clients have repeatedly shared with me over the years. The most gratifying feedback I’ve received is, “Since I got it, I can’t take it off. It became one of my favorite pieces.” These words always bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart because they perfectly capture my intention from the very beginning. What sets tredici.zerodue apart is the deep emotional connection I strive to create with each piece. When customers wear my creations, I hope they feel a sense of uniqueness and authenticity, knowing that their piece comes from an intimate and personal space. I want them to experience the joy of wearing something that is not only beautiful but also meaningful and can be a cherished companion for them.
Your brand emphasises the idea that each piece of jewellery tells a unique story. Could you share the story behind your favourite piece?
I have many favorite pieces, but one that stands out is the ANIMA Ring, which I have crafted in various versions, using different stones and customizing it for many clients around the world. The story behind the ANIMA Ring is deeply personal and embodies the concept of finding strength in moments of vulnerability. The name “ANIMA” comes from the archetype of the soul, symbolizing our inner life and the force that animates us. From a design perspective, to convey its meaning, I stripped the ring of its texture – which to me suggests strength – leaving the surface bare and smooth, ready to receive the marks of time and wear. I entrusted the representation of inner strength to the stone, which emerges boldly from the silver in an extreme setting, almost as if breaking through the metal. For me, this ring serves as a powerful reminder to find the strength within ourselves, even in the darkest and most challenging moments.
With your brand offering custom-designed pieces, if you had the opportunity to create a bespoke jewellery item for anyone, whose story or journey would you find most compelling to translate into a unique design?
Any story becomes compelling when a person shares rich, detailed information with me. This understanding can be conveyed through words, photos, pictures, songs, or anything important to them. I thrive on hearing people’s stories and learning as many details as possible to translate their journey into aesthetic elements that create a unique piece resonating with them. Jewelry is a language, and in my vision, every aspect of a design – texture, lines, stones with their various colors and shapes, and the juxtaposition of finishes – has the power to recreate concepts, convey meaningful messages, and unfold a narrative.
Could you share any specific goals or milestones you hope to achieve in the future, and how do you envision the brand making an impact in the world of jewellery design?
With seven years under my belt it feels like my brand’s growth is just taking off, so I am motivated to push myself further. In tredici.zerodue’s future, I envision well-curated retail locations, collaborations with like-minded brands and creatives, and experimenting with collections that may not necessarily include jewelry but also other objects – I’m particularly intrigued by decorative objects for the home. Honestly, I don’t see my brand having a major impact on the entire world of jewelry design, that feels a bit too ambitious. I am focused on making a difference on a personal level rather than aiming to transform the entire industry. If my work can touch people and bring them joy, then I consider that a success.
Cold stars
Credits:
Photography: Marco Giuliano / @marcogiulianoph
Styling: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Jewelry: tredici.zerodue Jewels / @tzdjewels
Styling Assistant: Daria Saffioti / @daria.saffioti
Production Assistant: Mariana Santiago / @nanasantiago
Set Assistant: Lidia Gómez / @mamba.vt
Video soundtrack: Birgan / @birganv
Model: Mariia Hermann at Elite Milan / @mariiahermann @elitemodelworld