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

an amazing photo from the epic night that was Auric! photo taken by emefa cole, featuring shola, jet, anna, enzo peres, eliane, castro and guy. on thursday i visited the Goldsmiths' Centre at the invitation of clio saskia and also had the opportunity to meet and see other artists' work too. clio is such a beautiful and talented young woman who didn't start out as a jeweller but lucky for us, this is the path she chose. it was such a treat to see her atelier, chat with her about her interests, references, her mine in Australia (she mines her own stones, how cool and utterly ethical is that! i also met with the incredibly talented ellis mhairi cameron whose work is sublime and utterly enchanting. she has gone deep into her scottish heritage and developed magic in her rings and all pieces she creates. a determined artist, she is as unique as her work. next i sat down at the centre's cafeteria to chat with ana thompson and genevieve schwartz and they were the sweetest, telling me all about their inspirations, their references and they showed me the most beautiful pieces too! it was so wonderful! ana thompson ana thompson genevieve schwartz genevieve schwartz

it was a indeed a feast for the eyes - a very quick trip but filled with gorgeous jewelry - mostly rings, of course - and so many incredible artists! it was the best! first stop was wednesday night in a beautiful house in notting hill. the private viewing with the talented jet mcquiston , emefa cole , shola branson and castro smith . here are some of the pieces i tried on and dreamed about! first up is jet - her work is perfection,filled with details and special symbolism all around: next i tried on emefa's chunky and heavy and marvellous rings! they are a direct reflection of the forces of nature, her heritage and culture: then came the time to try on shola's magical and perfect rings: completely precious and the stones are to die for!! and finally castro's epic carved rings, each one more amazing than the other - he is such a marvellous character and it was amazing to talk to him! there's lot more to share and i'll be doing this over the next few days! bisous!

a few months ago I received a very special invitation by the Head Curator at Cluster Jewellery, Eleonora Varotto: she invited me to participate in their jewelry fair which takes place in London from december 13 to 18. together we decided that I would create a special award to be given to the most beautiful ring in the event, according to me! the winner will also be on my page on instagram and we will have an interview which I will share here on the blog. at this moment I am looking over the work of all participants and I must admit this is going to be a tough job since there are so many beautiful pieces. together with my designer we came up with a very elegant certificate which will be printed and given to the artist on december 17 during the event. I will participate in the opening which takes place on friday , december 13, and I cannot wait to see everything in person. of course I will be sharing all of my adventures here on the blog and also on instagram. stay tuned! bisous! (if you click on the image a link will take you directly to my page on the Cluster Jewellery website)

the time is almost here! after planning for a month, @fancythisrings will be going to London for a flash visit to participate in two events and also visit selected artists. i will also meet valery demure for coffee and see friends & family - it's going to be amazing and of course i'll be sharing everything here and on my instagram page. take a peek of what's to come: this private event brings together four of the most outstanding contemporary artists whose pieces are extraordinary examples of the highest level of creativity and craftsmanship. it is an honor to have been invited and i'm truly excited to see their new creations first-hand. and these are some of the artists whose studios i'll be visiting as well: this is kasun london , whose amazing pieces can be recognized from miles away. so sleek, smooth, dangerous and fun, all at the same time. so much glamour!! this beauty by clio saskia is among one of my favorites. love her style, the delicacy and of course, the impeccable craftsmanship. unforgettable! the first word that came to mind when i saw this beauty was fabulousness! her work is inspired by her Scottish heritage and it is out of this world: ellis mhairi cameron stefania's gorgeous work never fails to astound me. the stones, the organic feel and of course this color! GAH! i'm so looking forward to meeting the artist behind ambersoukjewellery i'll come back with more in no time! meanwhile you can see it all realtime on Instagram! bisous!