Francesca launches new collection with winter challenge on Hobart’s waterfront

Tasmanian brand Francesca have given locals the chance to get their hands on a new jewellery collection – but at a chilly cost. Inside the unique giveaway.

Hopeful competition entrants Eliza Madden and Riley Bain with the ice block containing jewellery pieces as part of the Francesca Bold and Cold winter capsule collection. Picture: Linda Higginson

A sparkling winter wonderland took over the Hobart waterfront on Saturday, with some lucky enough to have become the owners of some glittering treasure.

Tasmanian-based business Francesca Jewellery partnered with the City of Hobart as part of its launch of the Bold and Cold Winter Capsule Collection.

Ice slabs containing Francesca Jewellery pieces from the new collection were placed throughout the site, waiting to be melted open by brave participants using only their hands or breath.

Jennifer Lee wins a Francesca jewellery piece form the block of ice as part of the Bold and Cold winter capsule launch. Picture: Linda Higginson

Any jewellery successfully defrosted was able to be taken home.

Francesca Jewellery marketing manager Francesca Mescia said despite the cold, the event drew a huge turnout.

“We’ve had over 100 people here just within the last couple of hours,” she said at 11am.

“We’ve seen some interesting ice-breaking techniques. A lot of scratching and using palms to melt the ice.”

The business has come a long way since Hobart-based sisters Hannah and Rachel Vasicek sold their jewellery under the Francesca name at the Salamanca Markets.

Ms Mescia said the popularity of the event was testament to the Hobart customer base.

The ice block containing jewellery pieces as part of the Francesca Bold and Cold winter capsule collection. Picture: Linda Higginson

“As we grow it’s always important to remember our roots, and seeing the number of people turnout shows we have really loyal customers.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Francesca was a true Hobart success story.

“This event (was) not only a cool way to showcase their locally designed jewellery, but also highlights the warmth and generosity that Francesca brings to Hobart,” she said.

“Francesca’s support for women from refugee backgrounds is currently being featured in the city’s Warm Hearts campaign which is showcasing stories of kindness in our Hobart community.”

Originally published as Francesca launches new collection with winter challenge on Hobart’s waterfront