The tale emerged from a distant kingdom. A young woman named Estella gave up all her tears to a cunning witch in exchange for the love of a king. Her tears were woven into a necklace of shimmering pearls, leaving her with no more to shed. She married the king and bore a child, but her joy was shadowed by sorrow when her child fell gravely ill. With her tears stolen, only hollow laughter remained where her grief should have been. Thankfully the king, seeing the truth in Estella's eyes, broke the witch’s spell – releasing Estella from her silent pain.

Maria Nilsdotter’s new collection, The Queen’s Necklace, draws deeply from this enchanting tale. The themes of melancholy and longing are brought to life using Renaissance-inspired artistry. Each piece is a tribute to the duality of love and pain, with blood-red garnet hearts encased in sharp spikes, and pearls delicately clasped by claws. Intricate designs evoke the richness of a magical era. The collection honours the power of tears to symbolise both joy and sorrow, an elegant expression of strength.