awards

Michael Villani: From industrial design to award-winning jeweller
2025 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards | People's Choice Award Winner

With over 20 years in the jewellery industry, the story behind Villani Jewellers is one of passion, creativity, and dedication to craftsmanship. What began as a university elective has transformed into a lifelong pursuit of artistry and excellence.

While studying Industrial Design at university, Michael had the opportunity to take a few jewellery design and manufacturing electives and everything clicked. He found himself deeply drawn to the process of transforming an idea into something tangible and beautiful. That fascination led him to a bench position where he could work hands-on as a manufacturing jeweller. Michael decided to take the leap, thinking he could always return to his studies if it didn’t work out. He never did go back because he had already found his calling.

After several years working alongside some truly inspiring jewellers, Michael decided to branch out on his own and founded Villani Jewellers. That decision came from a desire to explore his own ideas, create freely, and connect more personally with clients. Now, over a decade later, the business continues to grow rooted in the belief that every piece of jewellery tells a story.

Image: Michael accepting his award from JAA President, Joshua Sharp

What Michael loves most about being a jeweller is the balance between art and precision. Each day, he gets to combine design, problem-solving, and fine craftsmanship taking raw metal and gemstones and shaping them into wearable works of art. Every piece demands patience, skill, and attention to detail, but it also offers immense creative freedom. Over time, his relationships with clients and colleagues have become just as rewarding as the jewellery itself, adding another layer of fulfilment to this journey.

Inspiration for his designs often comes from unexpected places, architecture, nature, textures, colours, even everyday surroundings. A recent trip to Sydney sparked new ideas when Michael noticed the beautiful cascading partitions between old terrace houses. Moments like that fuel his imagination and find their way into the finer details of his work. He believes creativity thrives when we stay curious, keep learning, and push our boundaries. That mindset keeps his passion alive.

When Michael entered the JAA Awards, he saw it as an opportunity to truly let his creativity run free. Without the constraints of a commercial brief, he was able to design something purely for the joy of making. The result was Pia, a piece that evolved into far more than he initially envisioned. Entering the awards was never about winning; it was about exploring what was possible. But when Pia went on to win the 2025 People’s Choice Award, it was an incredibly humbling experience.

Since the win, the recognition has opened new doors—bringing greater awareness to the level of craftsmanship and creativity we offer at Villani Jewellers. Clients are increasingly seeking out custom, colourful, and meaningful heirloom pieces, and that’s exactly what we love to create.

To anyone considering entering the awards, Michael’s advice is simple: give it a go. Don’t create to win—create to grow, to challenge yourself, and to enjoy the journey.

Michael extends a heartfelt thank you to the JAA for hosting these Awards and for celebrating Australian jewellery artisans. It’s an honour to be part of such a passionate and creative community.

You can find the 2025 People's Choice Award winner, Michael, at Villani Jewellers.

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People's Choice Award Winner | Pia

Description | Pia is a statement dress ring defined by its rich, bold use of colour and a fearless approach to form. Designed with a striking interplay of sharp architectural lines and soft feminine curves, Pia commands attention from every angle. This daring piece showcases a masterful pairing of intense, complementary hues, each chosen to enhance the vibrancy and presence of the other. The contrast of bold geometry with fluid contouring creates visual tension and harmony in equal measure—delivering angles for days and a silhouette that refuses to be ignored. Far from delicate, Pia is unapologetically confident. It is a celebration of colour, form, and fearless design—crafted for the wearer who embraces individuality and impact.

Motivation | Pia marks a personal milestone—my first-ever competition entry and a celebration of my 10th wedding anniversary. It represents more than just a ring; it’s a declaration of growth, love, and creative courage. This piece challenged me to push the boundaries of my hand fabrication skills and apply newly learned setting techniques in a bold and uncompromising design. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just beautiful, but brave—a wearable work of art that starts conversations and evokes emotion, whether it’s adored or polarising. Pia is for the wearer who embraces impact. It is a piece with presence, purpose, and a story etched into every line and curve.

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The Jewellers Association of Australia acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.