YCCIJ's talented founder Franziska is very much an old friend of the studio. We've been annoying her for many years with constant requests to borrow her beautiful jewellery pieces for our shoots :-) So let us publicly say THANK YOU for that, and thank you for giving us the time today to share some insights on your practice. They were fascinating. We hope our readers enjoy too.
I first asked for a lesson on the mysterious name; what it stands for and what it means to her.
"YCCIJ stands for "You Can Call It Jewellery," reflecting my playful approach to reimagining what jewellery can be. Especially in my early collections, I experimented with unusual materials and placements—mouth jewellery, grillz, body cuffs—focusing on meaning over material value. Pieces like the Karma Coin, made from car windshield glass, challenge traditional ideas of preciousness."
YCCIJ has an undeniably memorable style. I wanted to hear how Franziska might translate that into words.
"[It] blends raw, instinctive craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. I’m inspired by the beauty in everyday life—the textures, shapes, and materials we often overlook. While I sometimes incorporate elements like windshields, it's more about capturing the essence or vibe of the ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary. It’s about creating jewellery that feels both bold and personal, empowering the wearer through unique design."
I wanted to learn about Franziska's influences. I asked what she's been fascinated by lately.
"Textures and the hidden layers beneath materials. My process involves building up, then stripping away—revealing something unexpected. Lately, I’ve been exploring sandcasting, adding complexity to my designs through transformation and abstraction."
Franziska went on to share stories behind some of the pieces most meaningful to her.
"The Fine Doodlers rings were one of my first designs, each one unique with different details. The Lago Chain stands out for its weight and blend of industrial and organic elements. Big delight was one of the first pieces to bring the signature ballchain into YCCIJ. Then, Signet rings like Gorda and Linda have become staples, embodying the brand’s essence."
How has your design process evolved? I wondered.
"I began working experimentally, with fluid, playful designs. Over time, I’ve become more deliberate, focusing on texture and contrasts. Recently, pieces like Bolitas and Pata explore themes of time and transformation, evoking objects found in nature."
"I’ve been drawn to jewellery since I was a teenager. I made earrings from fishing supplies for myself and sold felted jewellery at local flea markets. For me, jewellery is a powerful connection between body and object, offering identity and confidence in a way no outfit can."
Franziska struck me as someone who likes to experiment. I was curious if there was any processes or approaches she was exploring at the moment.
"I’m diving back into glassmaking. My latest collection, Tesorets, includes glass elements, and I’m excited to revisit this material. Working with molten glass is meditative and magical—it’s a process I want to explore further."
I wondered how she wants people to feel when experiencing her jewellery.
"I want them to feel empowered, like they’re wearing something bold and unique. My pieces are like personal armour—crafted with intention to make the wearer feel confident, daring, and connected to the design."
What are your recurring sources of inspiration?
"Inspiration comes from various places—sometimes from research, like fungi and their mycelium networks. Artists like Gisbert Stach, Alma Allen, and Walead Beshty also influence me. I’m drawn to works that explore transformation, impermanence, and natural beauty."
As a final thought, I asked Franziska to share what she envisions the future as for YCCIJ.
"I’m excited to connect with people through events, workshops, and collaborations. Working with other artists, like my collection with Daisy Watson, was incredibly inspiring. I’m also exploring more colors and materials, and Tesorets is just the beginning of this journey."
If you want to join Franziska for one of her monthly workshops, book here:
Thank you to Franziska. You can find her links below.
Interview by rune.
Photography by Rachel Israela.
