There is a quiet, confident rhythm to Francesca Grima’s work — a flow that feels both deeply intuitive and entirely her own. Based in London, Francesca continues the legacy of her father, the iconic jeweller Andrew Grima, carrying his fearless creativity into the present with her own voice — one that honours material, instinct, and the beauty found in imperfection.
Her connection with nature runs deep — not just as inspiration, but as a mirror for how she sees and creates beauty. For Francesca, a stone’s irregularity is its soul; beauty lies in restraint, confidence, and quiet details that ask us to pause and feel. This reverence for the natural world flows into her approach to both design and self-care — rituals that ground her, materials that speak first, and a sense of radiance that comes not from surface, but from ease, presence, and inner contentment.
In many ways, her ethos mirrors Foile’s own — where beauty is felt as much as it is seen, where thoughtful rituals and a connection to self form the foundation of lasting skin health. In this conversation, Francesca reflects on her evolving relationship with beauty, the grounding power of walking and time offline, and how designing without trying too hard — both in jewellery and in life — reveals something far more enduring than trends: something deeply human, deeply beautiful.
Was there a moment in your creative journey that shifted your perception of beauty or the way you approach your work?
I think one moment that stands out was when I started going through my father’s old sketchbooks more deeply in my early thirties. I’d always admired his work growing up, but seeing his raw ideas — some messy, some unfinished — reminded me that beauty isn’t always about perfection. It’s about confidence, originality, and sometimes even restraint. That shifted the way I design. I stopped overthinking and started trusting my instincts more.
I’d always admired his work growing up, but seeing his raw ideas — some messy, some unfinished — reminded me that beauty isn’t always about perfection. It’s about confidence, originality, and sometimes even restraint. That shifted the way I design. I stopped overthinking and started trusting my instincts more.
Your pieces are deeply inspired by nature-how does the natural world influence your design process?
For me, nature doesn’t just inspire the design — it often is the design. I always say the stone is the protagonist. It leads the way. I’ll start with a stone that already has this incredible character — an unusual inclusion, a curious shape, something a bit wild — and the rest of the piece grows around it, almost like it’s being framed by its own natural setting. I don’t try to control it too much. Nature isn’t symmetrical or polished, and that’s what makes it so compelling. I try to honour that by letting the materials speak first.
What skincare product or practice do you come back to when your skin is feeling unbalanced?
A really good clay mask and some time offline! Also just drinking loads of water - Sometimes it’s as simple as that.
Who is a muse for you when it comes to beauty-whether in style, spirit, or creativity?
Elsa Peretti, without a doubt. She had this rare mix of elegance and rebellion that I find endlessly inspiring. Her forms were bold but never loud — they had soul. She was deeply intuitive, and that’s something I try to bring into my own work and the way I carry myself, too. I also love the photographs of her by Helmut Newton — there’s such strength and sensuality in them. They capture that unapologetic confidence she had, which to me is the essence of beauty.
How does beauty feel to you-in your work, your surroundings, or within yourself?
To me, beauty feels quiet. It’s not showy. It’s something that makes you pause — a subtle detail, a worn surface, a piece of music. In my surroundings, I love objects with history and materials that age well. And in myself, I think beauty feels like ease — when I’m not overthinking or trying too hard.
What does a typical day look like in the studio or in your creative flow?
My day usually starts with a run — it’s the one thing that really clears my head and gets me into the right mindset. I often come up with design ideas while I’m running; something about the rhythm and being out in nature just unlocks things. After that, it’s usually emails and admin first — get that out of the way — then I move into the more creative side of things. I’ll sketch and look through my stones - I always have music on in the background, and I try to give myself space to experiment. Some days flow really easily, and others are slower, but I’ve learnt to let that be part of the process.
What is one grounding ritual that always brings you back to yourself?
Walking, always. No phone, just me out in the fresh air — even if it’s just half an hour, it helps me reset completely. I find that when I’m moving, I can process things more clearly. It’s like giving my thoughts room to breathe.
To me, beauty feels quiet. It’s not showy. It’s something that makes you pause — a subtle detail, a worn surface, a piece of music.
What is your current skincare routine— are there any products or practices that feel especially nourishing?
I like to keep it simple but intentional. I use an oil cleanser, a vitamin C serum in the morning, and a rich moisturiser in the evening. I also love facial massage — nothing fancy, just using my hands or this lovely gua sha given to me by my best friend - It feels grounding, especially after a long day.
Share a moment when your skin felt its most radiant-what do you think contributed to that feeling?
It was after a long holiday by the sea. I had barely worn makeup, spent loads of time in the water, eaten really well, and just properly rested. I think radiance comes from feeling content — it comes from within.
Continuing your father's legacy through your work must be incredibly meaningful— how has this shaped your relationship to creativity and craftsmanship?
It’s a huge honour, but it also took time to find my own voice within it. My father was such a visionary — he taught me that design should always be bold and brave. But he also respected the materials and craftsmanship immensely. I’ve inherited that philosophy. I don’t design to follow trends; I design because it’s a language I’ve known since I was a child. Carrying his legacy forward means being fearless, but also deeply respectful of the art form.
I don’t design to follow trends; I design because it’s a language I’ve known since I was a child.
Photos by Bennie Curnow & Francesca Grima
Interviewed by Jasmine Lum Sutherland
This feature is part of our Perceptions Journal — a space to share thoughtful perspectives on beauty, ritual, and connection. Discover Grima Jewellery here.