A holistic appreciation of beauty is embraced by artisan Adel Chefridi. The Tunisian native’s homeland has been inhabited at various times by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Ottomans, among other cultures. This rich heritage inspires Adel’s creations today, as he often draws upon ancient and intricate motifs, complemented with his own contemporary aesthetic. Adel reflects, “Our natural gravity to beauty is our most valuable asset. It reliably orients us to where our true heart's desire is.”

Sundance artist Nava Zahavi also draws from her Mediterranean heritage. She loves to reinterpret the adornments of ancient civilizations, while her use of colorful stones wrapped in 24-karat gold reflect the crystalline hues of the sea. “What I love most about my jewelry,” says Nava, “is bringing beauty into the lives of those who wear it.” She adds, “It’s about sharing my culture and experience with others through art, color and texture, infused with a calming sense of timelessness.”

Artisan Julie Romanenko has a passion for making jewelry that began in childhood. Her youthful fascination with her grandmother’s pearls blossomed into a love of jewelry design. By age 11 she was fashioning friendship bracelets strung of liquid silver beads. After college, she worked in New York’s diamond district and attended the Parsons School of Design until her own designs soon gained attention. Her collection today extends from the naturalistic to the fanciful. Describing some of her popular vintage charms, she says, “I love the idea of taking something old and revered…and bringing it to life again in a contemporary, modern-day silhouette.”