perseya lumen ring The most beautiful thing about connections is how they often happen naturally—sometimes even inadvertently—and independent of time. A couple of months ago, I began chatting with Hugo after discovering and sharing his unique and precious work. We instantly found common ground: he splits his time between Portugal and England, and speaks Portuguese. I'm from Brazil, but my mother and maternal grandparents are from Lisbon, so speaking my mother tongue always feels like home. Even though we switch between Portuguese and English, our conversations flow effortlessly. I've been sharing the work of artists for nearly five years now, and I’m proud to say I’ve built strong relationships with many of them. But every so often, one just clicks —even if the connection is recent. Hugo not only has impeccable taste, but he’s also kind, generous with his time, and even extended a lunch invitation for whenever I visit Lisbon (a very tempting reason to go!). In a world that often feels chaotic, it’s refreshing—and grounding—to connect with someone who brings a smile to my face, shares a love for jewelry, and truly appreciates art. It’s both an honor and a joy to share a bit of his story today, along with some of his stunning rings. HUGO CAHILL My jewelry journey began early, influenced by my father, a skilled hand engraver, and my uncle, a goldsmith. My grandfather was also a goldsmith, which impacted my grandmother's visual culture and approach to educating her children and social circle. She made it a priority to get her boys into apprenticeships within the field. Although I never met my grandfather, it is easy to pinpoint what pushed me towards jewelry. Fast forward to 2012, I embarked on a transformative journey to London to refine my craft. After years of working with prestigious jewelry brands in costume and fine jewelry, I realized my dream in 2020 by founding my own fine jewelry company alongside my spouse, a talented business leader and art collector.   To me, jewelry bridges worlds—melding history with innovation, materiality with abstraction, and craftsmanship with storytelling. It has always been a search for meaning—a way to translate the weight of memory into something of extraordinary beauty and challenging to attain. My references are broadly artistic yet deeply personal: from the chiaroscuro of Baroque painting to ancient structures, from the celebration of celestial phenomena to the geometry of modernist design and architecture. I am drawn to contrasts—fluidity versus structure, brilliance against shadow. My work is deeply rooted in this philosophy of contrast and subversion. Whether through the interplay of high-polish gold with oxidized alloys, the inversion of traditional gemstone settings, or the deconstruction of classic shapes. I aim to create pieces that feel like artefacts from a civilization that never existed—lost fragments of a grander story.   I am currently developing Collection 3, a high-jewelry series that explores the contrasts of fluidity versus geometry, transparency versus solidity, and asymmetry as a form of balance. This collection pushes the boundaries of classical jewelry techniques while embracing an otherworldly aesthetic, combining elements of the ancient and the futuristic. Additionally, I plan to revisit my library of shapes and create variations of some past creations. Making these variations allows me to establish a unique relationship with my pieces. I often explore many options throughout my creative process but ultimately focus on one distinct alternative. A fundamental aspect of my process is ethically sourcing gems, and I am now also interested in promoting fair labor practices within lapidary work. This commitment guides my creativity and gives me the freedom to bring new variations of my jewelry to life.   At the heart of my creations is the desire to craft jewelry that resonates beyond the material—a testament to both the seen and the unseen, the ephemeral and the eternal.   to see more of hugo's work click here: https://www.hugocahill.com/ maar spiked ring galactic rose cut diamond ring oumuamua ring oumuamua ring from another angle phokialí ring @hugocahilljewels

I discovered Taia’s work online a year ago, and to this day, I remain deeply impressed by her stunning creations. From the very beginning, it was clear how dedicated and passionate she is about her art. She has always been transparent about her use of AI, even when many chose to remain silent on the subject. The integration of AI in art continues to spark debate, yet Taia has consistently demonstrated both her expertise and undeniable talent. With confidence and clarity, she explains the technology to those who struggle—or refuse—to understand it. As someone just beginning to explore this field, I look forward to learning more. Art takes many forms, and creativity knows no boundaries—why should AI be any different? The key is honesty and education, helping others understand rather than fear innovation. What stands out most about Taia is her impeccable taste, her distinctive style, and her relentless work ethic. Not even the hardships of war have dampened her determination to create, despite the immense challenges she faces. It is an absolute pleasure to support her and to share her breathtaking work with others. TAIA TASMAN Eliane says: “Write about yourself in the jewelry business.” Haha. Turns out it’s much harder to talk about yourself than about someone else. But okay, I’ll give it a try — no fairy-tale philosophy this time, and no résumé. In 2016, I decided to create handmade jewelry. Naturally, I have to mention that creativity has been with me my whole life — otherwise, how else could I justify my amateurism? That’s it, all the romance ends here. For now, this journey still feels like swimming against the current. Jewelry as a business grew from my personal search for pieces I couldn’t find on the Ukrainian market. So, I started working with jewelers to bring my sketches and ideas to life, initially just for myself. Over time, I began offering some of my pieces for sale. I had no capital, no heirloom jewelry box from grandma, no special advantages or signs telling me it was the right time to start. On the contrary, I had a job in a completely different field and could only focus on jewelry when I switched to freelancing. In the beginning, my jewelry projects were funded by my salary and felt more like a hobby than a serious career path. That went on for several years. In 2019, I fully committed to jewelry. It became a time of careful experimentation in a minimalist, modern style. By 2021, my creative preferences were gradually evolving. But instead of blindly experimenting, I decided to pursue an arts education — I felt I needed a stronger foundation. While researching European universities with distance learning options and figuring out how to restructure my life around it, 2022 happened. And those plans never came to life. AI. If not for the circumstances, I probably wouldn’t have become so deeply invested in AI. A surge of new opportunities and tools appeared precisely during the war, at the same time I was struggling with worsening joint issues. Exploring new forms became both a psychological escape and the only creative process that didn’t cause me pain or discomfort. Since I couldn’t engage in other activities like drawing or hands-on design work, I spent a lot of time experimenting with AI-generated concepts — and I truly enjoyed it. My clients reinforced this new approach. As priorities shifted, and the overall mood of design changed, I let go of my old brand name, ivi jewellery, and embraced Tasman Jewelry Design. Instead of traditional sketches or collages, I started creating 3D jewelry designs using AI. This made the process faster and more effective. Not everyone understands raw sketches or technical drawings, and many clients feel more confident when they see a detailed visual representation of their idea before production begins. The current reality, shifting priorities, and a reassessment of values have strongly influenced my style and creative vision. What I thought was important before 2022 may have lost its meaning entirely today, and vice versa. I’ve become bolder in trying new things. Of course, I have personal preferences, like any consumer, but a jewelry atelier is a different story — if I only showcased pieces I would personally wear, my collection would be much more limited. Instead, I present artistic jewelry — forms that resonate with me and that my team of professionals can bring to life. On Instagram, I sometimes share my thoughts and experiences in the jewelry field, emphasizing the diversity of my work and always reminding people that this is a jewelry atelier. To me, that means versatility and creative freedom — no repetition, no routine. I want to create different pieces in different styles. Every client comes with a unique vision, and my job is to help bring it to life. A few facts: Since the war began, all my longtime and regular clients have continued to support me with orders, and new clients keep surprising me. I'm deeply grateful to everyone for their kindness, courage, and trust during these times. So, for now, I just keep going and learning. As for future plans — well, in this country, making plans is nearly impossible. Let’s wait for the war to end. Maybe it’s not too far off. Then we’ll see. this is a render this is a render this is a render this is a render this is a real ring this is also a real ring @tasman_jewelry_design

My first conversations with Zanny began a few years ago when she started sharing her beautiful work with me. One of the first things she mentioned—and something I would later realize runs deeply through her artistry—was Aulë, a character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings . Zanny’s work is not only stunning but also rich with meaning, reflecting a profound connection to the earth, its metals, and its stones. She is deeply devoted to her family, proud of her heritage, and unafraid to stand firmly for what she believes in. Beyond jewelry, her creativity knows no bounds—she is also a weaver, an accomplished equestrian, and, quite enthusiastically, a face-taper (something I just might have to try myself!). Over the past four years, I have been truly inspired by her journey of self-awareness and growth, so much so that I recommended her work for the Discover program at NYC Jewelry Week (which is still live if you’d like to check it out!). More than just sharing jewelry, we’ve exchanged deep-rooted opinions, laughter, and even tears over issues that impact women around the world. It’s an honor to share her incredible story with all of you. ZANNY COX My journey into jewelry making began with gemstones. My family owned a gem and lapidary business, and I fondly remember visiting my great-grandfather’s home as a child, where the yard was filled with crystal specimens, dinosaur bones, and turquoise. He specialized in making jewelry, particularly bolo ties, using the stones he faceted. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by the gem and mineral knowledge he shared with me, and although he lived to the age of 98, I only had the privilege of learning from him until I was 18.   The first pieces of handmade jewelry I owned were crafted by my great-grandfather, using stones from our family collection. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the skill and craftsmanship involved—until I picked up the tools he left me to begin my own metalsmithing journey. I started with the basics: sawing, hammering, and soldering, through an apprenticeship under an experienced jeweler. Through trial and error, I taught myself stone setting, casting, and forging. I’ve always been someone who learns best on my own, rather than in a classroom setting.   Over the years, I’ve noticed a preference for an ancient, artisanal aesthetic in my work. This inclination likely stems from my lifelong love of history—particularly the treasures of Ancient Egypt and Mexico, which I’ve poured over in books since childhood and still reference today.   I feel that I’m finally developing my signature aesthetic for my jewelry collection, one that integrates ancient techniques (which I’ve studied and taught myself), moody gemstones, and an organic, unearthed feel in each piece. My goal is to form meaningful connections with a select group of retail shops to showcase my work. I don’t envision myself building a massive brand; my true joy lies in the act of creation, and I never want to stray too far from the bench.   A quote by J.R.R. Tolkien perfectly captures my passion for jewelry making. He writes of the greatest metalsmith in the world of Arda: “But the delight and pride of Aulë is in the deed of making and in the thing made, and neither in possession nor in his own mastery; wherefore he gives and hoards not, and is free from care, passing ever on to some new work.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me and reflects my own approach to jewelry making: it’s about the joy of the craft and the process of creation. @estudiozanny

Élina and I first connected about three years ago when I discovered her account and instantly fell in love with her unique rings. To me, her designs feel like a mesmerizing fusion of origami and architecture—pure magic. Over the years, I’ve shared her stunning work, and I was over the moon when she gifted me one of her unicorn rings! I wear it often, and without fail, it always draws the most wonderful compliments. Élina is truly devoted to her craft, constantly challenging herself and generously sharing her creative process through her Stories. A fun coincidence we recently discovered—her dog, Jack, is the exact same breed as my daughter’s dog, Pessoa! Both are Australian Shepherds, making this connection even more special. ÉLINA GLEIZER I’m Elina Gleizer, a 38-year-old jewelry artist, mother to Liv, and dog mom to Jack. In 2014, my husband, Pavel, and I turned our passion into a family business, creating animal-inspired jewelry that has since reached customers around the world. Pavel, our marketing manager, plays a vital role in sharing our creations with a wider audience. For me, jewelry is more than just design—it’s about meaning and connection. I’m deeply moved by the stories people share, whether they wear a piece to feel empowered, honor a loved one, or celebrate a special moment. Looking ahead, I dream of expanding House of Ozz , our wall sculpture collection, and continuing to create designs that bring beauty, emotion, and personal significance into people’s lives. The bond I share with my customers is incredibly special, and their stories remain my greatest source of inspiration—whether in jewelry, home decor, or beyond. élina and pavel @elina_gleizer_studio

One of the things I love most about having an Instagram page is the special connections I’ve made over the years. One such connection began about four years ago when I first got to know Rita—I shared one of her stunning creations, and we’ve been chatting online ever since. We almost met in person last year when I traveled to Paris for Goldrush , Tranoï , Curate , and the exhibition dedicated to rings at GalerieSophieetc (La Bague dans tous ses etats) where Rita’s work was on display. Unfortunately, our schedules didn’t align—but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we finally get to share a coffee! After a challenging period in which she fractured both wrists, Rita is back, and her new collection is on the way. I have no doubt it will be exceptional, comme d’habitude. Her designs are organic, extremely powerful, and vibrant—I’m a huge fan and proud to own two of her exquisite pieces (from the Rêverie and Divino Inferno Oxymoron collections). I wear them often and always receive so many compliments. It’s an honor! Here you can see just a few of her stunning rings, but I highly encourage you to visit her website and explore her phenomenal collections. RITA MARTÍNEZ Mine is a love story. I arrived in Italy with a suitcase full of books and a child in my arms, ready to embrace a new chapter. I pursued a master’s degree in intercultural conflict resolution with a specialization in journalism. However, upon completing it, I realized it wasn’t truly my calling. As a historian, restarting my academic journey from scratch felt daunting—my previous studies were not recognized. Like many who migrate, I experienced a sense of loss and the challenge of reinventing myself. It was neither easy nor always pleasant, but with perseverance and discipline, I managed to build a life in Italy while preserving the essence of my cultural roots. Becoming a jewelry artist was never part of my plan. Growing up in Latin America, I was taught that education was the key to a woman's freedom and financial independence. As a child, I dreamt of becoming a dancer, but my arrhythmic nature forced me to let go of that dream. I was also drawn to anthropology, yet studying it would have required moving to Mexico—a sacrifice I couldn’t make while supporting my mother and younger siblings. Instead, my love for reading led me to history. Now, through jewelry, I unconsciously channel my training as a historian. Research ignites an indescribable passion in me—it gives me butterflies. Jewelry is not just a medium for artistic expression; it is the crystallization of a personal vision. More than a creative outlet, it is an intense, full-time pursuit. I dedicate 8 to 12 hours a day to my craft—it is anything but a simple hobby. Each piece I create presents a challenge: transforming my research into tangible form, experimenting with diverse materials and techniques while maintaining originality and personal style. Another ongoing challenge is balancing my deep, exploratory research with the practical demands of clients, galleries, museums, and retailers. Currently, I am working on a new collection for Autor 2025  in Bucharest this May and hope to return to Contemporania 2025  in Barcelona this October—this time with a different spirit. Last year’s participation was a personal challenge, as I was recovering from the fracture of both wrists. The journey has been demanding, but every obstacle has reinforced my determination. @ritamartinezjewelry

Julian’s work is truly out of this world, but the moment I saw his heart ring (pictured above), I was absolutely blown away. It’s easily in my top ten most unforgettable pieces! Over the years, we’ve exchanged thoughts on jewelry, bats (because, well—Halloween and bats are awesome), and life itself. I’ve shared many of his rings, as they perfectly align with my aesthetic, and his craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary. The balance of strength and sensitivity in his work is something to admire. We both love rings, cookies, and skulls—and we wholeheartedly agree that people can be hilariously silly online. I always look forward to seeing his latest creations, his generously shared processes, and, of course, his gym updates - someone has to work out, and that someone is definitely not me! :) JULIAN DE LA GARZA My name is Julian De La Garza, and I am a jewelry artist inspired by the occult and mythology. My journey into metalsmithing began unexpectedly—while studying art history in college, I stumbled into a jewelry class and was immediately captivated by working in three dimensions. Rings, in particular, became an obsession. To me, they are more than adornments; they are extensions of identity, tangible expressions of the self. I see a deep connection between art and magic, and I infuse my jewelry with both intention and power. Just as a talisman or spell gains strength from the energy invested in it, my designs carry the essence of creation. Rings intrigue me most because they remain in constant contact with the skin, forging an intimate bond with the wearer. Over time, they become an extension of the self — providing a sense of presence when worn and a quiet absence when missing. Looking ahead, I am eager to share my work with more people while staying true to my artistic roots. I plan to collaborate with select stockists to offer limited-edition collections and one-of-a-kind pieces, ensuring each creation finds its rightful owner. Whether through direct craftsmanship or a broader reach, my goal remains the same: to craft meaningful, powerful objects that resonate with those who wear them. julian de la garza @julianthe2nd

the thorn ring The first message Ian ever sent me dates back to 2021, when he wrote: “One day, I’ll make a ring that will get shown on your page.”  (he did! I shared his “Thorns” ring) And from that moment on, we never looked back! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing his incredible work and engaging in countless conversations. Ian has always been a steadfast supporter of my page, never missing a milestone. Beyond that, he has generously shared his unpublished creations, thoughts, aspirations, sketches, and designs with me—a true honor. This humble genius is a two-time AGTA Award winner and a finalist in the Tiffany & Co. Design Award. And, as fate would have it, our similar last names connect us even more—despite the small distinction of an extra ‘c’ in his! It’s a small world, indeed. I appreciate you, Ian! IAN DELUCCA I first sat at a jeweler’s bench when I was eight years old, but it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I felt the true call to design. Since then, jewelry has become the pursuit of my life—an obsession that occupies every corner of my mind, every moment of the day. Through it, I will leave my mark on the world. Jewelry is how I express love. How I search for beauty. Like opera, painting, or poetry, it is both archaic and essential—a craft that predates the Internet, Instagram, and the modern world, yet endures because of its power to move us. But, for jewelry to live on, it must evolve. Carrying it into the future requires capturing new hearts and minds, building bridges through time, and breathing a new generation’s language into an enduring tradition. My journey took an unexpected turn when the first inquiry about my work came from Kim Jones at Dior. I had just released my debut piece—a tongue-in-cheek homage to Apple AirPods—when he reached out, asking to feature it in Harper’s Bazaar . From there, I found myself immersed in the fashion world, creating for Balenciaga, crafting models for Jean Paul Gaultier, and refining my voice. In 2023, my Thorns  ring—my first high jewelry piece—caught the attention of the traditional jewelry world, leading to collaborations with Sotheby’s and major houses. Now, as I develop two new collections, I find myself breathless at the possibilities. To bring these visions to life, I seek patronage—those who believe in jewelry as an art form and want to help carry this tradition forward for generations to come. I’ve learned that true innovation is never a solo endeavor. It is born from collaboration, shared passion, and unwavering dedication—the forces that transform something beautiful into something extraordinary. the original sketch - thorn ring the finished piece in all its glory the thorn ring - (diamonds—copper—gold) Study of a rose cutting, brooch (patinated copper, gold, tsavorite, brown diamond) the finished piece @iandelucca

chasing the dream in ring heaven today i share our first feature called ARTIST'S SPOTLIGHT where we invite an artist to tell us about their path within the jewelry trade. VERONICA CARRILLO Veronica reached out to me here, on my website, and I can’t tell you how happy that made me. I’ve been putting in the effort to keep my site updated, and moments like these remind me why it’s all worth it. After our initial connection, I checked out her work on Instagram and was immediately captivated. Her creativity, skill, and unique perspective were undeniable. I knew right away that I wanted to learn more about her journey and share it with all of you. We connected via DMs, and as we exchanged stories, I was struck by how incredible her path has been. Veronica’s work isn’t just visually stunning—it carries depth, emotion, and a sense of personal evolution. Her journey into her craft wasn’t linear; it was shaped by passion, persistence, and a willingness to embrace change. She shared how she first started, the challenges she faced, and the moments that reaffirmed she was on the right path. There were setbacks, of course—every creative journey has them. But what stood out to me was her resilience. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, she treated them as stepping stones, refining her skills and vision along the way. What I find most inspiring about Veronica’s story is the way she channels her experiences into her work. Every piece she creates tells a story, reflecting her growth, her emotions, and the lessons she’s learned. It’s a reminder that art, in any form, is deeply personal yet universally resonant. I feel so fortunate to have connected with Veronica, and I hope her journey inspires you as much as it did me. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out her work. and thank you, veronica, for sharing a bit about yourself and your journey! looking forward to what's to come! here is veronica's story, in her own words: "I come from a Latino family where my mom always dreamed of giving me the opportunities she didn’t have because of the challenges her family faced. She taught me the value of education and pushed me to pursue it with determination. Fortunately, I had a natural affinity for the sciences, which made it clear early on that I would pursue a career in that field. At the same time, creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. My first creative endeavors were simple but meaningful—making beaded jewelry, decorated headbands, and hair accessories for friends and family, who quickly became my first “clients.” This initial spark of creativity grew into a true passion, and I wanted to formally learn the craft of jewelry-making. My earliest teachers were YouTube videos and basic tools I picked up at hardware stores. After earning my degree in Laboratory Sciences, I began taking night classes to dive deeper into the craft, exploring metalsmithing, wax carving and casting, stone setting, and eventually CAD design. For the past six years, I’ve worked full-time as a fertility scientist—an incredibly rewarding and challenging career. But no matter how busy life gets, jewelry design has always been my creative escape. Now, as a mom to my daughter Isabella, my priorities have shifted. My goal is to find a balance between spending quality time with her and pursuing my passion. I often say I’m a scientist by day and a jewelry designer by night. Balancing these two worlds can be demanding. My days begin at 4:30 a.m. for work, include trips to the Diamond District, and end late in the evening, cherishing time with Isabella before bed. Despite the challenges, I’m taking a leap of faith this year to shift my focus entirely to jewelry design. My vision is to create bold, innovative pieces that push boundaries and resonate with a wide audience, while also gaining the flexibility to spend more time with my daughter. It’s a big step, but I’m excited to embrace this new chapter and see where it takes me." @veronicacarrillojewelry

I was so honored by eleonora's invitation to create an award for this incredible jewelry show, with over 130 artists from all over the world. I went to the opening on friday at Protein Studios, december 13 (!!) and it was super fun! i'll share the winners on a special post! meanwhile, here are some of the pieces i really enjoyed at Cluster Jewellery: by portal jewellery by nicole albagli by the polska traveller by the polska traveller by sheila westera by sheila westera by weme jewelry by nana watanabe

i have admired his work for a long time and it was simply amazing to visit Kasun's shop and atelier and to see all his pieces first-hand! despite the super rainy day, enzo and I made it and we were enchanted by all his unique, beautiful and exquisite pieces! kasun wearing kasun