Interview with independent jeweller Daniela Villegas | The Jewellery Editor

Portrait of jeweller Daniela Villegas black and white

Grinning chameleons, bejewelled beetles, dinosaur skeletons and punky Aztec dancers are just some of the characters you can find in Daniela Villegas wide and wonderful world of jewellery. The Mexican-born jeweller brings an eclectic and vibrant mix of influences to her one-of-a-kind jewels that combine whimsy with beautiful, vividly hued gemstones. A touch of magic surrealism, a dash of latin defiance and a large dose of humour make Daniela’s jewel a unique fusion of global cultures.

Now based in Los Angeles, Daniela finds joy in revealing a world where chubby caterpillars become rings, dodo birds come to life as earrings and ruby-set beetles carry poetry engraved into their thorax. Daniela’s jewels with a quirky soul appeal to the boho-chic Hollywood crowd, ever on the search for objects with a story to tell.

These earrings designed by Daniela Villegas are handcrafted with a golden snake curling around a chrysoprase and a tiny emerald representing its eyes.
Daniela Villegas designed this ring in memory of her grandfather who was born in June and was therefore a cancer which is represented by a crab on the zodiac signs.
Daniela Villegas' love for animals inspired this beautiful turquoise, sapphires and fluorite crab necklace.
The versatile ring from Daniela Villegas is a testimony to the designer's love for astrology and planets and is named after Astraios, the Titan gold of stars.
These fairy tales sapphire and agate earrings designed by Daniela Villegas are named after the sister of Ariel in The Little Mermaid
Another example of Daniela Villegas's love for nature and for the animal world with this sapphire, peridot and tourmaline ring in the shape of a crab.
This amethyst cocktail ring is named after the indigenous festival in Oaxaca, Mexico, the birth country of jewellery designer Daniela Villegas.
This jade beads necklace with a chrysoprase cabochon has been designed by Daniela Villegas and was named after the Chinese philosopher who professed love and tolerance.
The Cleodora ring designed by Daniela Villegas represents a colourful beetle that covers the length of the finger.
The Flower Beetles Scarlet ring by Daniela Villegas elevates a humble beetle to the realm of luxury jewellery. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind jewel.
The Flower Beetles Romancing the stone ring by Daniela Villegas is set with emeralds to create a shimmering effect much like the wings of this creature.
Daniela Villegas' the Guest House necklace inspired by the designer's favorite poem by Rumi. The reverse side of the beetle is engraved with lines from the poem.

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MARIA DOULTON

After many years as a freelance journalist and editor specialising in watches and jewellery, together with Christine Pasquier, Maria founded The Jewellery Editor. Maria’s work appears in a wide variety of notable publications, including the Financial Times, Intelligent Life, Telegraph ...