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INTERVIEW
Samantha Knight is a storyteller at heart, and her tales are told through jewellery. Known for her keen eye and refined taste, Samantha doesn’t just design; she curates pieces that resonate with history, charm, and individuality. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about the inspirations behind her unique fusion of Victorian elegance and ‘70s playfulness, sharing insights on everything from her favourite motifs to her tips for creating a standout jewellery look. Samantha’s journey — working with icons like Rihanna and Madonna — is a masterclass in merging style with meaning. As she invites us into her world, you’ll discover how jewellery, for her, is more than an accessory; it’s a way of connecting past and present and making a statement that's timeless yet deeply personal.
All images provided by SKFJ.
Your jewellery tells stories. Can you share a memorable story behind one of your favourite pieces?
I'm obsessed with the snake motif from the Victorian era. It became a symbol of eternal love after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring, with the serpent representing everlasting devotion. That story has always fascinated me, and it’s why you’ll find plenty of snake jewellery in my personal collection as well as on the SKFJ website. There’s something powerful about wearing a piece with such a rich history and meaning — it makes the jewellery feel even more special.
You blend Victorian elegance with 1970s playfulness. What inspires you to merge these distinct eras in your designs?
I've always been drawn to the femininity and elegance of Victorian pieces, with their intricate details and timeless appeal, while the boldness and free-spirited vibe of the ’70s bring a playful energy that I love. Merging these two eras creates a unique balance — it's both 'fancy' and 'funky,' making it incredibly fun to style. This combination isn't just about jewellery for me; it's a reflection of how I like to blend styles in fashion as well. Ultimately, it’s about embracing what makes you feel alive, and for me, that’s a fusion of elegance and edge.
Heirloom jewellery is making a comeback. What do you think drives this renewed interest in vintage pieces?
I believe people are really embracing the one-of-a-kind nature of heirloom jewellery — there’s something special about owning a piece with history and character. Beyond that, I think sustainability is a huge factor. As more of us move away from fast fashion, there's a growing appreciation for timeless, well-made pieces that can be passed down through generations. Vintage jewellery isn't just beautiful; it’s a meaningful way to invest in quality while also being mindful of the environment.
In your experience, what are the top three tips for someone looking to buy vintage jewellery?
My top three tips for buying vintage jewellery are:
● Start with an everyday piece — something you can wear often to get a feel for how vintage fits into your style.
● Don’t be afraid to mix eras and metals. Combining different styles can make your collection feel more personal and unique.
● Always buy from a trusted and experienced dealer. It’s important to ensure you’re getting quality and authenticity, especially with vintage pieces.
You advocate for stacking and layering. What are your favourite combinations of pieces to create a standout look?
I always stack in odd numbers — don’t ask me why, it just feels right! One of my favourite combinations is an everyday wrist stack. I love that you don’t have to take them off daily, and they’re comfortable enough to sleep in. I’m all about mixing different eras of jewellery; I think it adds so much character. My motto is definitely 'more is more' — don’t be afraid to pile it on! Start big, and if you feel like toning it down, just take off a few pieces. You’ll often find me wearing five necklaces or seven bracelets at once!
How do you approach sourcing materials and pieces from different cultures around the world?
The fun thing about vintage jewellery is that it’s truly a melting pot of different cultures and histories. I love travelling throughout the U.S. and Europe to source my pieces, and one of my favourite parts is imagining where they’ve been before they came into my collection. Maybe a bracelet made 100 years ago in Italy has travelled to all seven continents before I discovered it at a small market in Paris. Some pieces come with traceable histories, while others leave us wondering where the gold and diamonds originated. You never know when you’re holding someone’s engagement ring or a chain that was someone’s great-grandmother’s go-to piece.
By curating a vintage collection, the jewellery itself tells stories from all around the world, so it naturally brings in that diversity. I love the sense of mystery and history that each piece carries — it’s like holding a little bit of the past in your hands.
What role does sustainability play in your design process?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. I’m passionate about cutting back on fast fashion and focusing on pieces that are meant to last. One of the ways we do that is by repurposing jewellery that can no longer be worn as-is. For example, we might take diamonds from a broken ring and turn them into a necklace or meltdown outdated gold to create something fresh and new. I love finding creative ways to breathe new life into old pieces — like turning a brooch into a beautiful pendant and giving it a second chance.
I’m also very conscious of the environmental impact when designing my 'SK Fine' line. All of the pieces are handmade by talented women here in Los Angeles, which means no unnecessary shipping and a more sustainable process overall.
What’s the most surprising or unusual material you’ve used in a piece, and how did it come about?
In the Victorian era, mourning jewellery was very popular, and the most unusual material used in these pieces was the hair of the deceased. The craftsmanship is incredibly intricate and beautiful, but I could never quite get over the fact that the hair belonged to a deceased family member of the wearer. It’s a fascinating piece of history, but definitely one of the more surprising and eerie materials I've come across!
How do you think jewellery can transform an outfit or elevate a person’s confidence?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love both my wardrobe and my jewellery collection. But what I really love is how I can instantly elevate an outfit — and my mood — just by throwing on a stack of jewellery. Even something as simple as a matching sweatsuit can be taken to the next level with the right pieces. I can stay in my sweatpants, not leave the couch, and still feel polished and put together with a few key pieces of jewellery.
Jewellery is also my go-to when I need a quick confidence boost. If I’m feeling grumpy, I’ll put on my favourite pieces, and it’s like a 30-second pick-me-up. It’s amazing how something so small can make you feel instantly more put-together and confident.
If you could design a piece specifically for one celebrity — other than those you've already worked with — who would it be and why?
I absolutely love working with celebrities and their stylists, but when it comes to designing, my heart is always with my children. I’m blessed with four amazing, bad-ass kids who are the loves of my life, and they’re constantly involved in the design process. Honestly, there’s no one else I’d rather use as my muse. They inspire me in ways no celebrity ever could, and their input and creativity mean the world to me.
You've designed pieces for some big names like Rihanna and Leon Bridges. How do you tailor your designs to match each celebrity's personal style?
It’s always so much fun when a celebrity stylist reaches out for pieces! We typically source from my vintage collection, and I love that I have something to match every outfit. The key is truly listening to their vision. I've always had a deep understanding of jewellery, and it feels like lightbulbs go off in my mind as soon as a stylist shares their needs. I’m all about that 'more is more' philosophy, so I’m ready to send off a full stack and let them play around.
Whether you're a celebrity or not, when you hold the right piece in your hand, you just know it. That’s one of the things I adore about vintage jewellery — it resonates with you on a personal level, and you don’t need to know the backstory to fall in love with it.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from working with a celebrity client?
Madonna has been my idol since high school, so when I found out that Diplo was looking for a religious Catholic piece to wear when they performed together in Brazil, I was over the moon! It was such an amazing moment to know that something I sourced was being worn with her on stage. I was secretly hoping she’d comment on it so I could give it to her as a gift — fingers crossed, right? It was definitely one of those 'pinch me' moments in my career!
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