François Santo’s passion for jewellery, cultivated over three generations, is evident in his extraordinary craftsmanship and fresh approach to the ancient art of adornment. Trained at his family’s jewellery bench from the age of 16 and tutored by his jeweller uncle, Santo developed an early affinity for the vibrant world of coloured gems, traditional metalsmithing, and the storied history behind personal ornamentation. Now, as an award-winning jewellery artist with a celebrated career spanning multiple countries, Santo is infusing the classical world of jewellery-making with a distinctly modern narrative.
Santo’s journey into jewellery artistry began with hands-on learning, polishing pieces, engraving ornaments, and even experimenting with alloys under his uncle’s meticulous guidance. After three years, he set off to further develop his skills and expand his creative scope. His next formative step took him to Rome, where he honed the ancient technique of cloisonné enamelling and refined his gemstone-setting skills under the mentorship of Elvio Sorrentino, a master gem-setter and engraver whose studio, located near the Colosseum, has nurtured generations of Italian jewellers.
In his early 20s, Santo’s dedication to his craft was recognised with his first academic award at the prestigious “Desideri Preziosi” event held at the historic Tempio di Adriano in Rome. Santo’s winning creation, a pair of intricately designed earrings, was inspired by Walt Whitman’s line, “…hear the stars thrilling in the sky…”. These earrings encapsulated Santo’s poetic vision and were a testament to his ability to bring natural harmony to life in precious metal and gemstones.
A Modern Renaissance Jeweller
Inspired by his classical and Renaissance studies, Santo’s work reflects influences from master European jewellers like Vever, Lalique, Verdura, and Fouquet, all of whom brought elements of nature and mythology into fine jewellery design. These inspirations are evident in Santo’s creations, which often feature motifs from flora and fauna, as well as mythological narratives that speak to his deep admiration for Greek and Roman history.
Described as a “poet-dreamer wrapped in an engineer’s mind,” Santo seamlessly merges historical artistry with contemporary sensibilities, transforming his pencil sketches into sophisticated tributes to natural beauty. Each piece he creates celebrates the unique essence of its gemstones, adding life and emotion to each design.
A Global Presence and recent Accolades
Throughout his career, Santo’s work has caught the eye of international collectors and connoisseurs alike. A major milestone came when he was invited by architect Jean Claude le Swiss to create a bespoke collection. This collaboration led to a series of works exhibited at the renowned “Piazzetta del Principe” showroom in Porto Cervo, Italy, a showcase that lasted two years due to the collection’s acclaim.
Recently, Santo exhibited a standout piece titled “The Rebirth of Bacchus” at Rome Jewellery Week, earning accolades for his innovative craftsmanship. To celebrate this achievement, he hosted an intimate cocktail event at the Grand Hyatt on Collins Street, marking another milestone in his flourishing career. Santo’s work has also been featured in high-profile publications such as the Trend Book, VO+, Luxury Investment Magazine, and Bonhams catalogues, securing his place as a respected voice in contemporary jewellery.
Embracing Innovation through Tradition
Santo is a staunch advocate for research and experimentation in jewellery. In a recent presentation at Palazzo Valentini during Rome Jewellery Week, he described his approach to jewellery design as “a poem written without a pen.” He emphasised the importance of combining traditional techniques with unconventional materials, creating pieces that challenge conventional interpretations and encourage a modern narrative in jewellery design.
“The necessity of exploring new creative expressions has always been an ingrained feature of my personality,” he explained. “The idea of experiencing new materials combined with traditional techniques is both exciting and enchanting. Research and development in jewellery is the only way for a modern and unconventional narrative.”
Santo’s work honours ancient jewellery traditions while redefining them for the modern world, making him a true innovator and visionary in today’s jewellery landscape. With an eye on the future and a heart rooted in history, François Santo is crafting a legacy that resonates with collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts around the world.
