In 2003, Manuela Zappacosta had just returned to Australia after spending the previous decade living and designing jewellery between London and Los Angeles. After initially beginning her study of sculpture at the UNSW College of Fine Art, she was told her small, intricate work would be better suited to jewellery. It was advice that served her well — she turned her attention to crafting delicate pieces featuring pearls and gems and 20 years later, she’s celebrating two decades of making jewellery at Zappacosta Jewels in the Strand Arcade.  

“When I returned to Australia to raise my son, it was a natural fit to me and my work to open a boutique in the Strand Arcade,” Zappacosta reflects. Her pieces span from casual styles designed to be worn everyday to ornate bespoke pieces for engagements, anniversaries and modern heirlooms. “The clientbase is my favourite thing about our Strand Arcade boutique,” she says. “They are very discerning, they appreciate quality, style and craftsmanship.” These are elements central to Zappacosta’s approach — something you can see in the attention to detail obvious in each piece. Beaded necklaces crafted from gems, stones, crystals and pearls are nothing short of works of art, while diamond and gem-studded rings make the perfect engagement ring for the untraditional bride.  

Working with their clients, many of whom return to the boutique year after year to find their next statement piece, is a major part of Zappacosta’s process. “Our clients love the bespoke experience, the knowledge we impart and the welcoming environment we offer,” Zappacosta says. It’s also this that separates Zappacosta Jewels from other bespoke jewellers. “Our creative approach and our willingness to always strive for quality, beauty, form and function, and to find Mother Nature’s beautiful gifts and transform them into heirlooms, makes us stand out,” she notes. 

Though plenty of Zappacosta’s pieces would find fans among minimalist jewellery wearers, her pieces are predominantly vibrant and bold, studded with glimmering jewel-toned gems and stones. “I love all of my pieces,” she exclaims, “but pearls and coloured gemstones are my passion.” When asked who her dream client would be, Zappacosta is unenthused by the thought of designing a piece for the likes of Beyoncé or Cate Blanchett. “All of our clients are my dream clients! After 21 years in the Strand Arcade they continue to have faith in us to design and make heirlooms, and that’s a special responsibility.” 

Shop Zappacosta Jewels on Level 2.