Barbara and I began talking back in 2021, when she was just graduating from FIT – the Fashion Institute of Technology – and transitioning into jewelry after working as a photographer. She wanted to share her work with me, and I found it instantly captivating—especially a delicate flask in the shape of a fish (pictured above) I loved it and remember thinking it would look incredible as a ring – I actually did give her the suggestion. Fast forward a couple of years, and we reconnected—Barbara had, in fact, transformed that very fish flask into a ring! Since then, her work has evolved remarkably. Her pieces all carry a whimsical, magical, and delicate style that feels both personal and enchanting. It’s always gratifying to witness an artist grow, find their voice, and create pieces that are truly pleasing to the eye. That’s exactly the case with Barbara—this exchange reflects not only her evolution as an artist, but also the connection I’ve felt to the work she’s created. Looking forward to much more! BARBARA SALINAS My name is Barbara Salinas and I am the designer and founder of the New York based brand BEA .  I’ve always been a natural artist. I studied at the International Center of Photography and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. My artistic journey began with photography—capturing the beauty of the world through my lens. That experience opened my eyes to the intricate details and textures in everyday life, sparking a deep passion for creating something tangible. As I immersed myself in photography, I found myself increasingly drawn to making things with my hands. This shift led me to jewelry design—a natural evolution that allowed me to merge visual storytelling with the tactile joy of crafting unique, meaningful pieces. My creative path has also been deeply influenced by my father, a talented blacksmith artist. Growing up, I spent countless hours watching him transform raw metal into beautiful, expressive objects—each one a testament to his skill and imagination. That early exposure to metalwork shaped the way I approach jewelry: with an appreciation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and emotional depth. For me, design is all about telling a story—one that the viewer can feel emotionally connected to. When someone sees a part of themselves reflected in a piece, that connection becomes powerful. My work is filled with symbolic elements that invite people in and resonate on a deeper level. Wearing jewelry that one identifies with is empowering. It’s a brave form of expression—a visual extension of the inner self, a wearable piece of the soul. Just before I enrolled in the jewelry design program at FIT, I bought a classic 1962 vintage Airstream and have been restoring it ever since. The Airstream has become a part of my story, too. My grandfather had a vintage camper, and I was always fascinated by it growing up. That memory stayed with me and eventually sparked the idea: what better way to share and sell my jewelry than from a beautifully restored vintage Airstream? It’s more than just a mobile studio—it’s a living, moving piece of my personal and creative journey. @beasalinas.art

Smoky Quartz ring - Finalist Retailer Choice Awards Renata and I crossed paths through a page that showcases beautiful jewelry on Instagram. I came across one of her creations and felt compelled to share it. In response, she sent me the most thoughtful message of thanks and from that moment on, our conversations never stopped. Almost two years later, we've yet to meet in person, but our bond continues to grow. Renata, like me, is Brazilian, though she’s been living in the U.S. for many years. She visits home frequently, keeping a strong connection to her roots. What truly stands out about her is her unwavering commitment to creating ethical and stunning jewelry. Her belief in positivity and her ability to see the good in others is incredibly refreshing, especially in a world where many of us often struggle with self-doubt and skepticism toward others. She channels the energy of nature, cosmic forces, and her own boundless creativity into crafting jewelry that is not only beautiful but also deeply tactile. Her rings are phenomenal, but it’s her crocheted gold (or silver) pouches, adorned with crystals, gems, or pearls, that are simply out of this world—mesmerizing in their beauty. Renata has taken inspiration from her grandmother’s artisanal work and transformed it into a powerful amulet, a tangible connection to her heritage. Words can't capture how much her friendship means to me; she has become a significant part of my life, both personally and professionally. It is both a pleasure and an honor to share her work and a glimpse into her world with you today. RENATA CAMBAÚVA A Human Being, Being Human.  Awe Inspired and Ever Evolving.     Renata Cambaúva’s passion for non-traditional and raw gem jewelry shines through as she shares insights of the sacred geometry of life into her collections. Each piece, infused with Latin American influences and mystery, tells a story of connection, self-acceptance, and spiritual awakening. Renata Cambaúva’s journey, from her background in design and advertising in Brazil to her ethical sourcing practices, underscores her commitment to creating not just jewelry, but purposeful artifacts that inspire and empower.  Fostering community and embracing diversity, Renata envisions more than just a brand—it’s a movement toward self-discovery and collective growth. Join us as we delve into Renata Cambaúva’s world of beauty, valor, and integrity, where jewelry becomes a conduit for personal transformation and human connection. Renata's fine jewelry pieces tells a story of connection, spiritual awakening, transformation and ultimately self-acceptance, where the designer asks the wearer - “You are a human, a parent, a friend, a partner, a multitude of avatars, so why should your jewelry be only one thing?” Petite Elo Necklace Amethyst and Birthstone CASE Awards 1st place Third Eye + Heart Chakra Unity Ring Portal Ring in Amethyst Ascension Garnet Rhombus Ring Petite Elo Necklace African Duotone Tourmaline Finalist Retailer Choice awards INSTORE MAG @renata.cambauva

Jessica and I started talking about four years ago… about knots! I had been following her account (her rings completely knocked my socks off), and one day, she shared an image in her Stories of tangled chains. I absolutely love undoing knots—yes, I know, a bit weird! That moment sparked our connection. :) Since then, I’ve shared many of her stunning rings, and we’ve stayed in touch, exchanging thoughts on jewelry, life, and the challenges of navigating an often unfair world. I deeply admire Jessica’s work—her extensive studies, her relentless pursuit of beauty, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. But beyond that, it’s her powerful and determined attitude that truly sets her apart. To me, that’s what defines a successful and noteworthy artist. It’s not easy, but it is  completely possible—and Jessica is living proof of that! JESSICA PASS Since launching my business in 2018, I have become known for my bold statement pieces inspired by the natural world. My work draws on the Victorian era and its many fascinations. The Victorians had a penchant for intricate trinkets and jewelry with hidden meaning. They collected insect specimens and other natural treasures, displaying them in Curios Cabinets—ornate showcases of the rare and unusual. This avocation extended to jewelry, particularly after Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt in 1798, which sparked the Egyptian Revival. The trend saw an influx of scarab-set jewels, intricate Egyptian motifs, and the use of richly colored yellow gold. A renewed fascination followed the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s. Echoes of these influences can be seen throughout my collections - articulated pieces, scarab rings, and the striking contrast of rich gold against deep blue sapphires. The concept of Curios Cabinets remains central to my work, most recently reflected in my ‘Creatures of the Deep’ collection, which draws on the fascination with rare shells and coral specimens seen in early Curios Cabinets. Even the way I photograph my pieces is inspired by these historical displays. Over the years, I have refined my techniques and expanded my collections. My journey into jewelry making was driven by a deep love for hands-on craftsmanship rather than commercial ambitions. As a result, I have focused on private commissions and limited-edition designs rather than mass production. I currently work from my quiet studio in Fulham, accompanied by my dog Otto, where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process. Looking ahead, I aim to release a new collection each year while continuing to take on bespoke commissions. Commissioned work gives me the privilege of working with exquisite, high-end materials, which I deeply appreciate. In working with solid gold, I know I’m creating heirlooms that can be passed down for generations, often re working a client’s inherited stones so the sentimentality can live on. My recent trip to Jordan, and the breathtaking rock formations of Wadi Rum, left a lasting impression on me - I suspect these landscapes will influence my upcoming designs. What excites me most is large-scale, sculptural jewelry with a strong narrative. I love designing with a character in mind, bringing stories to life through form and texture. One of my future aspirations is to collaborate with the film industry in costume design. Cinematic projects allow for unrestrained creativity and dramatic, boundary-pushing designs. @erykahbadu wearing jessica pass jewelry photo by @sophographylondon for @i_d link to full article: HERE ON ID MAGAZINE

I first came across Monika’s work on Instagram back in 2020 when I had just launched my page. At the time, I had no more than 100 followers, but I shared one of her rings—and, to my surprise, she immediately reached out to thank me and started following my page. As my page grew, so did my admiration for Monika’s work. Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch, exchanging ideas and supporting each other. She has shared many of her stunning pieces with me, and because I love her style and vision, I’ve been more than happy to share them with others. It’s rare to maintain an online connection for five years, but our relationship has lasted thanks to mutual respect and a shared passion for jewelry. Recently, I nominated Monika’s work for the DISCOVER program at NYC Jewelry Week because her creations deserve to be seen. Beyond their unique beauty, her jewellery reflects a deeper story—one of dedication, craftsmanship, and an endless pursuit of innovation. Monika is a true one-woman powerhouse, and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. MONIKA SEITTER I learned jewelry making from scratch, first training as a goldsmith before completing a master’s degree in product design. From the beginning, I have had a strong drive to bring my own ideas to life. This passion led me to start my own business while still studying, dedicating time to researching and experimenting with ways to bring my collection to reality. My goal has always been to introduce color into jewelry in a way that goes beyond traditional colored stones. I have explored and tested countless materials—an exciting yet challenging process—since only a select few meet the standards required for jewelry collections in terms of durability, skin compatibility, functionality, aesthetics, and ergonomics. Jewelry is a beautiful fusion of craftsmanship, design, originality, and carefully chosen materials. I find it fascinating how so many essential design principles can be encapsulated in a small piece, like a ring—my personal favorite. One of the biggest challenges today is finding the right marketplace. Over the past decade, many exceptional jewelry shops have disappeared, and there aren’t enough new ones that truly appreciate unique, handcrafted pieces. As a result, I have chosen to focus more on one-of-a-kind jewelry. Producing mass-market jewelry at consistent quality and pricing is becoming increasingly difficult, especially with the ever-rising cost of materials. For these reasons, my future jewelry collections will consist more and more of exclusive, individually crafted pieces made from carefully selected materials. Each piece will be unique—just like the people who wear them.

Victor reached out to me on Instagram a while back to share his work, and I was immediately captivated by his style. We started chatting —first in English—but after noticing his last name, I asked where he was from. It was no surprise to learn he’s also from Latin America, specifically Colombia! From there, our conversation naturally shifted to Spanish, and everything just flowed. I knew I had to share his story—an artist who feels deeply and channels his emotions through his work, inspired by the Portuguese literary classics he discovered after moving to Portugal. Victor's passion for drawing is at the heart of his creative process, bringing his pieces to life. He also collaborates with another talented Colombian artist, designer Carolina Salazar —be sure to check out her Instagram for stunning textile prints and patterns! VICTOR TOMIC I come from Colombia and I have been in the jewelry world for many years. Currently I am living in Portugal, where I am working towards reopening my own space in Colares (a whimsical villa near Lisbon, where the sea and the mountains come together – the perfect setting for an artist). Yet, beyond craftsmanship, my work is about communication. It is a language of emotions, thoughts, and reflections on society—an intimate expression of what words often fail to capture. Rather than writing, I have learned to shape my ideas in silver and gold, allowing metal to speak where language falls short. One might think writing would be easier, but I believe meaning is often best understood through beauty—through form, texture, and symbolism—rather than through endless words. Jewelry, for me, is more than adornment. It is a dialogue, a simple yet profound conversation about life, about us. I have also immersed myself in the works of Luís de Camões, the father of the Portuguese language. Before truly knowing his work, I instinctively chose three of his poems. Now, I see them as three diamonds. As I read further, I realized that Camões’ life was a relentless pursuit—intense, passionate, yet without a clear destination. That is why the ring I designed takes the shape of a star, a sun. It represents the unattainable, that distant light we all look up to with both madness and hope. But by wearing it, we remind ourselves that this light must also be found within. Camões: passion to the core. A longing for peace within. A living poem—where his story ends, and ours begins. Not perfect, just human. Not a brand, just myself. Not mass-produced, just one at a time. No customers, only friends. Not fear, only trust. Not luxury, just life.No illusions, only truth. No envy, only love. No secrets—everything to share! @victorstomic

Sometimes, life presents unexpected opportunities—and I, for one, always try to stay open to these little ‘unicorns’ when they appear. One such moment arrived simply because I dared to ask. Yes, dared —because you never really know how things will turn out. But I'm an incorrigible optimist, so I went for it: I invited renowned jewelry artist Philip Sajet to be featured in my Artist’s Spotlight. As it turns out, boldness and positivity do pay off. Not only did he accept, but he also generously shared an extraordinary collection of his thoughts and works with me—archives reaching back to 1981. I was deeply honored to read through this treasure trove and to select the pieces that resonated with me most. We connected over FaceTime, exchanged stories, and I must say—Philip is an absolute delight. He’s witty, warm, and incredibly generous. I've admired his work for years, never imagining that one day we’d be chatting like old friends, let alone collaborating. And speaking of collaboration—the best part is still under wraps. While I can’t reveal the details just yet, I’m thrilled to share that Philip has invited me to join him on a very special project. It’s an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to tell you more when the time comes. In the meantime, I invite you to enjoy some of Philip’s reflections—his words of wisdom, aphorisms, and heartfelt advice for young creators. PHILIP SAJET My name is Philip Sajet, and I create Contemporary Classical Jewelry—one-of-a-kind pieces that bridge time and culture."Contemporary" because my work responds to the present moment we live in."Classical" because I strive to craft jewelry with a timeless, borderless quality—pieces that can be appreciated across cultures and eras. That said, I also allow myself the freedom to stray from this path, playfully and with pleasure. My aim is to speak in a visual, international language—open and unopinionated—and I hope that, in some way, I succeed. These are wearable works: rings, necklaces, and earrings—pieces designed to touch the body, to connect with the skin. I have been making jewelry since 1978. After graduating from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam in 1981, and navigating four years of creative confusion, I held my first solo exhibition at Galerie Louise Smit in Amsterdam. Since then, my journey has continued—first within the Netherlands, and later on, internationally—through continuous work and exhibitions. As for the future, I will be giving a workshop in Art Up Bucharest Jewelry school from May 5th  until the 9th . HOLY SACRILEGE AND OTHER APHORISMS/THOUGHTS “Religious ceremonies are actions which one undertakes without the prospect of financial gain. It's the act in itself, which is the gain. This has a similarity to art, it is an enterprise which serves no gain. it should survive on donations, by those humble enough to realize that this is an action they can't undertake, by lack of time, energy or conviction. It is the responsibility of a class of people who have dedicated themselves to show the significance of life.”     “Jewelry. Consider it as a painting; don't consider it as a sculpture.”     “The power of the artist is that they control the process of creation: at first there was nothing, and then there was something".   “Advice to the young creator: You are insecure about your art. Our bases are all the same, if we strip ourselves of all the nature and nurture, back to the absolute basic of our being. If you can feel that, know that, then all you have to do is ask; "Why am I here? What is the purpose of this machinery that has been given to me?" So, the whole question is not to learn something but to unlearn a LOT. Then when you are back from where you came, you know you have to do something. If you can't, you look for guidance, until you don't need the guidance anymore, and you can become a guide yourself. Simple logic, agree? What is our task? Again simple, TO GROW, TO EXPAND. To become bigger, larger, the Universe has to expand. WHY? How the fuck do I know? All I know is that God, Gaia, Gabriel, Buddha, Allah, Adonai, Universal intelligence wants it. We each choose our medium, be joyful in material. Jewelry. Or be healthy, and help other people be healthy. What is your Key? You see? That is soul searching and that is fun. How would that translate into a personal, universal jewel? Why do I use broken red glass? Apparently, something broke somewhere. Why red? My mother’s favorite color. And blood and life. And the fire of life. Why rust? Rust in psychology stands for the deteriorating personality. Something I am apparently afraid of. Those are the ingredients. Now put them together and you have a nice dish. How to get to that key? Before you go to sleep, tell your brain to show it to you. Write down EVERY idea. The more "stupid" the better, that is a process you can do alone. (takes many years.) Or someone helps you, goes much faster. You are a child of God. Nothing you do with the intention of honesty and sincerity can be wrong. Impossible, once you have this trust, it's ok. There can be no insecurity anymore.”     “To give the material (gold specifically) the guarantee that it has found its final form. Rest and make changes no more.”     “Years from today in another culture maybe, I imagine a work of mine being found by a stranger.”   “To show the presence of light itself. Due to the absence of the Material. The residual space is available.”     “Actually, I don't have lot to say. I say the same thing all the time, but I do so in different languages (styles) then it looks as if I have a lot to say.”   @philipsajet

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