Australian sisters have turned a small market stall in Hobart into a multi-millionaire jewellery empire in a decade with no business experience – and given close to $1million to charities along the way. But a background in law has come in handy for Hannah as the business has grown and contracts have been drawn up to sign. Early on we could not afford employees so between the two of us we had no choice but to upskill ourselves and wear all of the business hats, which was quite taxing on both of us,’ Hannah said. Initially aiming to be a quick-moving, fashion-trend focused brand, the sisters eventually found their niche with the launch of ‘Francesca Create’ – a range of customisable jewellery that gives customers the power to create their perfect signature piece. Hannah, who has a law degree, was planning to specialise in IP law after university, with the jewellery company just a ‘pastime’ while she studied. But the road to success and an eight-figure company hasn’t always been easy. We love adding meaning to jewellery and giving customers the opportunity to create a piece that is truly special to them and tells a story,’ Rachel said. Rachel added: ‘In the early days, our biggest challenge was getting banks to believe in us enough to loan us the money to fund our first store. We didn’t have any business trading history outside of the markets, or business experience as owners, and in the end Hannah ended up selling her car to help fund the very basic fit out of our first store. Both women are completely self taught in all aspects of running a business – using the business as an opportunity to upskill what they had basic understanding of, like product photography for Instagram. After their family moved to the ‘big smoke’ of Hobart, Tasmania, the pair began to sell the creations at the famous Salamanca Markets under the brand name ‘Handmade by Hannah’. As their loyal customer base grew, the girls launched a small store in Tasmania, followed by an online store and then a store at Melbourne Central. But Rachel joined Hannah in the business full-time once she finished high school, with what was meant to be a gap year turning to be a gap decade. As the demand for customised jewellery increases, the Francesca brand has exploded and has become a cult-favourite item with some of Australia’s biggest influencers including Steph Claire Smith, Emilee Hembrow and Sophie Cachia. The signature style for Francesca is the personalised range, especially the locket collection. Hannah, 32, and Rachel Vasicek, 26, taught themselves how to make jewellery as teenagers as a way to pass the time while living in a small coastal town in NSW. Hannah and Rachel put in 10 years at the Salamanca Markets until their brand grew to the point that they could say farewell the 5am weekend starts. After a few years of market weekends, the sisters were able to recognise their more regular customers and their styles, and from this ‘Francesca’ the brand was born. Although in her early teens at the time, Rachel would spend every Saturday with Hannah pulling 5am starts at the markets selling their handmade jewellery to locals and tourists who stopped in from the cruise ships.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Hopi Indian Symbols

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day.

So she decided to make her own.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. So she decided to make her own. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces.