Istanbul

İTÄ from the Grand Bazaar to the Caribbean

Roommates at Syracuse University. And, then, friends and partners of İTÄ, a jewelery brand that forms an unprecedented bridge between Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island that is now part of the United States, and Turkey. The protagonists are Inesita Capó and Äfet Burcu Salargil. Before dedicating herself to jewelry, Inés worked in fashion journalism and Äfet in fashion design. For almost twenty years, the paths of Inés and Äfet have crossed and separated. But travel together, cultural exchange and friendship in 2019 convinced them to embark on the adventure. The technology has helped to fly over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Anelli in oro 14 carati con diamanti
14 carat gold rings with diamonds

İTÄ Fine Jewelry’s jewelry is made of 14K yellow, white or rose gold and uses enamel or gemstones. The jewels are handmade in the company’s ateliers near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. As in the Caona collection, a word believed to mean gold in the Taino language used by the Indian populations of the Caribbean. The jewels are inspired by shells and pre-Columbian art objects. But the brand’s collections also include classic jewels such as a lucky charm, such as those inspired by the shape of the eye.

Collana in oro con ciondolo della collezione Caona
Gold necklace with pendant from the Caona collection
Orecchino singolo Tona in oro e diamanti
Tona single earring in gold and diamonds
Anello in oro 14 carati della collezione Caona
14-karat gold ring from the Caona collection
Anello Acu (occhio) con pavé di zaffiri blu e ametista
Acu (eye) ring with blue sapphire and amethyst pavé
Äfet Burcu Salargil (a sinistra) e Inesita Capó
Äfet Burcu Salargil (left) e Inesita Capó

Cats and earrings with Begüm Khan

It is not true that there is no longer a sultan in Turkey. There are millions and several hundred thousand live in Istanbul: they are cats, a feline population that lives among the streets and historic buildings of the Ottoman city. And it is no coincidence that cats are among the sources of inspiration for Begüm Kiroglu, designer of the Begüm Khan brand. The founder of the brand has a special story: she studied at the Bocconi University in Milan before moving to Shanghai, where she completed a master’s degree in Chinese culture and art. A passion for creativity led Begüm to the historic Silk Road in Shanghai, where she completed a master’s degree in Chinese art and culture.

Orecchini a forma di zampe di gatto. Bronzo placcato oro 24 carati e cristalli
Orecchini a forma di zampe di gatto. Bronzo placcato oro 24 carati e cristalli

It was the cultural history of China that inspired the birth of the Begüm Khan brand. But her earrings encrusted with gems or crystal reveal the influence of the Ottoman tradition. The jewels are in simple gold-plated bronze, with root gems, i.e. non-transparent and therefore cheaper, but which retain color and depth. Alongside the jewels for women, Begüm Khan also offers a wide range of jewels for men, which we wrote about here. 
Orecchini Crazy Cat in bronzo placcato oro e cristalli
Orecchini Crazy Cat in bronzo placcato oro e cristalli

Teddy earrings placcati oro e radici di zaffiro rosa
Teddy earrings placcati oro e radici di zaffiro rosa
Orecchini placcati oro con radici di rubino
Orecchini placcati oro con radici di rubino
Orecchini con placcati oro e quarzo nero
Orecchini con placcati oro e quarzo nero
Orecchini con radici di rubino
Orecchini con radici di rubino
Orecchini placcati oro e radici di smeraldo
Orecchini placcati oro e radici di smeraldo

Bianca Baykam, in Milan gems and charm of the Orient




Marina Salerno belongs to the category of women who have changed their lives: they enjoy designing jewels more than holding important roles in the business world. And for this reason, in 2019 you founded the Bianca Baykam brand in Milan. After graduating in Economics and Commerce in Padua, the role of junior marketing manager at Nestlé and then as head of marketing at Relight, the manager abandoned sales strategies and embraced her passion, also thanks to the diploma in gemology obtained at ‘Igi, Italian Gemological Institute.

Bracciale con ametista, quarzo rosa, calcedonio verde, pietra di luna, radice di rubino
Bracciale con ametista, quarzo rosa, calcedonio verde, pietra di luna, radice di rubino

The new life coincided with the launch of Bianca Baykam, a name that coincides with that of her daughter, while her surname is that of her ex-husband, the entrepreneur of Turkish origin Gokhan Baykam. And right in the Istanbul bazaar, says the designer, she discovered her passion for jewelry. Probably also for this reason, the collections of the Milanese Maison are defined as a marriage between Italian savoir faire and the charm of Ottoman and Byzantine culture. The jewels, however, do not have an oriental shape: the design is rather simple, pleasant, suitable for everyday life. Bianca Baykam jewels are in 925 silver plated 18-karat rose gold or in natural colour, made in the Arezzo district. There is no shortage of semi-precious gems, such as topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, chalcedony, opal, carnelian, peridot, labradorite, amazonite or quartz, which testify to the designer’s passion for gems.
Anello in argento placcato oro con tormalina rosa
Anello in argento placcato oro con tormalina rosa

Bracciale con quarzo rosa, tormalina rosa, topazio azzurro, quarzo fumé, prasiolite, peridoto
Bracciale con quarzo rosa, tormalina rosa, topazio azzurro, quarzo fumé, prasiolite, peridoto
Marina Salerno
Marina Salerno
Orecchini con labradorite
Orecchini con labradorite
Orecchini con quarzo fumé, corniola, quarzo rosa e calcedonio azzurro
Orecchini con quarzo fumé, corniola, quarzo rosa e calcedonio azzurro
Orecchini con quarzo rosa, calcedonio azzurro, topazio london
Orecchini con quarzo rosa, calcedonio azzurro, topazio london
Orecchini con quarzo rosa, tormalina rosa e prasiolite
Orecchini con quarzo rosa, tormalina rosa e prasiolite







The constellations of Evren Kayar

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The jewelery of Evren Kayar, a young Turkish designer in Istanbul. Modern design and a lot of imagination ♦

Istanbul: the bazaar, the Golden Horn, the mosques … All images that remain imprinted on tourists. But that is not the only soul in the city. There is also a modern Turkey that offers an equally modern jewelry, a design that has nothing to envy to those of the stars of Paris, London and Milan. This is the case of Evren Kayar, a young designer who, it is good to say, also has something Italian: years ago she followed a design course in Florence. The result is a very imaginative and modern production. Nothing to do with oriental clichés.

Her jewels have also been exhibited at Mad, the New York design museum.

Orecchini in oro della collezione Constellation
Orecchini in oro della collezione Constellation

The Constellation collection, for example, is made of unique handmade and modular pieces, so that everyone can create their own galaxy by putting together several rings, each made up of three or more stones. Quartz Collection, on the other hand, is studied around the geometric shapes of transparent crystals and does not go unnoticed.

Anello Trio celeste, in oro e pietra di luna
Anello Trio celeste, in oro e pietra di luna
Orecchini Nettuno in oro giallo e topazio
Orecchini Nettuno in oro giallo e topazio
Orecchini in oro giallo con topazio blu
Orecchini in oro giallo con topazio blu
Orecchini in oro e pietra di luna
Orecchini in oro e pietra di luna
Collana Big Coral in vermeil con oro 22 carati
Collana Big Coral in vermeil con oro 22 carati
Orecchini Celestial Galxy in oro giallo 18 carati, prenite e quarzo
Orecchini Celestial Galxy in oro giallo 18 carati, prenite e quarzo
Anello Celestial Jupiter in oro 18 carati, diamanti e pietra luna
Anello Celestial Jupiter in oro 18 carati, diamanti e pietra luna
Anello della collezione Constellation in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Anello della collezione Constellation in oro 18 carati e diamanti







With Cartier, luxury passes through Istanbul




More than 37 million passengers passed through the Istanbul airport in 2021. In 2022 there will be many more. The international airport has become the busiest airport in Europe and the second largest airport in the world in terms of international passenger traffic. It is therefore no surprise that Cartier has decided to open a super boutique right at the Istanbul airport. There is also a geopolitical reason. With the stop of business in Russia, due to the war in Ukraine, the tourism of the Moscow upper class passes through the Middle East. And it makes a stop in the main Turkish city.

La boutique Cartier all'interno dell'aeroporto di Istanbul
La boutique Cartier all’interno dell’aeroporto di Istanbul

Cartier then played his game. It has partnered with the duty free company to open the brand’s largest independent retail boutique. The boutique is located in a special area of ​​Istanbul airport, Luxury Watches & Jewelery Zone, together with the flagship stores of Bvlgari, Bottega Veneta, Céline, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Saint Laurent. The Cartier store expands to 130 square meters and has a very visible design, with a 12 meter high facade, designed with three-dimensional light elements that shine like gold. A style that should appeal to customers from the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

L'interno della boutique Cartier
L’interno della boutique Cartier

The store, in addition to Cartier jewelery, offers the entire range of the Maison’s products, such as watches and leather goods, perfumes and sunglasses. Together with the red color that characterizes the brand, the light marble stands out. An Icon Bar in the center showcases the most iconic pieces and lines such as Clash De Cartier and Santos, which reinterpret the classic Cartier models.

We are delighted to open the largest Cartier boutique in the retail travel industry with our valued partner and operator ATÜ Duty Free at Istanbul Airport. At Cartier, we continually strive to build presence in Turkey and look forward to being part of all travelers’ trips to this major international airport.
Nicolas Martin, CEO of Cartier Turkey and Levant

La boutique all'aeroporto di Istanbul
La boutique all’aeroporto di Istanbul

Gioielli Cartier in esposizione
Gioielli Cartier in esposizione







Farewell to Terry Castro’s shaman jewelry

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The New York jeweler Terry Castro is suddenly pass away.

American designer Terry Castro, 50, died of a heart attack in Istanbul, where he had bought a house a few years ago. He was an eclectic designer and outside the commercial circuit: he produced less than 40 pieces a year. Like many Americans, Terry Castro also started from the bottom. Before opening a jewelry workshop in Manhattan, in fact, he sold his ornaments on the sidewalks of Soho, New York. And he often used materials found a little by chance. But from that experience the designer learned to assemble stones, metals and different elements to create his jewels: leather, diamonds, silver, gold, bone. Until presenting his creations during the haute couture week in Paris with his Castro NYC brand.

Terry Castro
Terry Castro

Castro’s jewels are different from the usual: they look more like amulets, sculptures, extraterrestrial objects. There are padlocks and surprising dolls adorned with precious stones and metal skeletons: inspiration, according to Terry Castro, follows very distant paths. For example, architecture such as that of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, or ancient African art, the spirit-chasers of shamans. The Infinity Locks are pendants with a personalized design, with precious stones set: they represent the infinite energy of the Circle of Life. And among his fans there are stars of the show such as Steven Tyler, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Bibbons.

Ciondolo a forma di gatto con tormalina Paraiba e smeraldi
Ciondolo a forma di gatto con tormalina Paraiba e smeraldi
Lucchetto con diamanti e rubini
Lucchetto con diamanti e rubini
Orecchini in oro, perle, corallo, smeraldi, diamanti
Orecchini in oro, perle, corallo, smeraldi, diamanti
Lucchetto con diamanti fancy e smeraldi
Lucchetto con diamanti fancy e smeraldi
Pendente intagliato con ametista
Pendente intagliato con ametista
Collana in oro e diamanti con pendente a forma di scimmia
Collana in oro e diamanti con pendente a forma di scimmia






 

In the blue with Roberto Bravo

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Jewels for the summer: the Naviblue marine-inspired collection by Roberto Bravo

Born in Italy, in Vicenza, as a small goldsmith’s company, Roberto Bravo emigrated to Istanbul years ago. But one of his reference markets is now the Russian one. In short, presented as an Italian brand, it is actually an international brand. And this mélange of cultures and styles is also reflected in its collections, which are influenced by the goldsmith tradition that flourishes in Veneto and the liveliness that resonates in the Grand Bazaar.

Collana con pendente a forma di farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti
Collana con pendente a forma di farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti

One of the workhorses for the summer, for example, is Navibleu, a collection dedicated to the sea, like that of the Bosphorus. 14-karat white gold in natural or black rhodium-plated color, together with small blue and white diamonds, form lucky eyes, or flowers and waves, but also butterflies that rest lightly on a necklace or on bracelets and rings.
Bracciale con farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti
Bracciale con farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti

Anello farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Anello farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Orecchini farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Orecchini farfalla in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Anello occhio portafortuna in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Anello occhio portafortuna in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Anello in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Anello in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu

Orecchini in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu
Orecchini in oro bianco 14 carati e diamanti bianchi e blu







Melis Goral, art deco on the Golden Horn

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The family tradition, jewelers for three generations, and the design learned in Milan: Melis Goral, born in Istanbul, creates high-end jewelry. After graduating from the European Institute of Design in Milan, she lived in Italy, but also in New York. She traveled. And in 2008 Melis launched her brand and presented her first collection, Color Therapy. Her boutique overlooks the fascinating waters that border the Golden Horn. The intricate designs of Melis Goral use tailored cut emeralds, sapphires and rubies delicately intertwined with gold and diamonds.

Orecchini in oro 14 carati, diamanti, citrini, ametiste
Orecchini in oro 14 carati, diamanti, citrini, ametiste

The traces of the Art Deco movement are visible in his jewels, particularly in the geometric rigor, which however is combined with fantasy. But, at the same time, the goldsmith tradition that has flourished in Istanbul over the centuries transpires. In fact, Melis Goral’s jewels are made by artisans who work in the Grand Bazaar, where goldsmith craftsmanship is handed down from one generation to another. But, despite the fact that the manufacture is made in the heart of the Ottoman city, the collections do not have elements of a folk type or linked to ancient Turkish culture.

Begum Khan’s earrings

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There aren’t many jewelry jewelers who start with cufflinks. Begüm Kireoglu, a refined designer from Istanbul with her brand Begum Khan, is perhaps a unique case. She was born into a family of Ottoman art collectors. And from the legacy of the ancient empire that controlled much of the Mediterranean, she drew inspiration for her bright, colorful, creative jewelry. Her experience is also very special: after studying economics in Istanbul and management of luxury brands in Milan, she moved to China, in Shanghai, where she completed a master’s degree in Chinese culture and art. Her thesis concerned the market and trends in the world of luxury in China: a study that she convinced her was to propose accessories for men, cufflinks.

Orecchini placcati oro 14 carati con radici di smeraldo
Orecchini placcati oro 14 carati con radici di smeraldo

With her first pair of custom cufflinks for her brother’s wedding in 2012, she also launched her own brand, Begum Khan. After five years, she has extended her proposal to women’s jewelery, with particular attention to earrings, but not only. Everything is made in the Istanbul atelier and handcrafted by artisans. Nature, for example animals, is one of the sources of inspiration for Begüm Kireoglu, who to make the earrings, which he also sells online, uses gold-plated bronze, with cubic zirconia or roots of precious and semi-precious stones, such as emerald or the peridot.

Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro con radici di peridoto mandarino
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro con radici di peridoto mandarino
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con cubic zirconia
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con cubic zirconia
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con turchese e opale sintetici
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con turchese e opale sintetici
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con quarzo nero
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con quarzo nero
Orecchini Lily Pond placcati oro con cristalli
Orecchini Lily Pond placcati oro con cristalli
Orecchini Giraffe placcati oro con cristalli
Orecchini Giraffe placcati oro con cristalli
Orecchini Teddy Bears placcati oro con cristalli
Orecchini Teddy Bears placcati oro con cristalli







The Gilan’s treasures in the city of Topkapi

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In Istanbul, the high jewelery of Gilan, which can be compared with the great European Houses ♦ ︎
The city in the past was the capital of three empires (Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman) and now Istanbul is also one of the capital of jewelry. Not just for the extraordinary pieces kept in Topkapi, the ancient residence of the sultan. But also because in the Turkish city was born Gilan, a Maison that offers pieces of fine jewelry that have nothing to envy to those of the most famous brands (see some examples on this page). Alongside the high jewelery, which has prices that reach hundreds of thousands of euros, Gilan also creates collections of jewelry at more affordable prices, but no less interesting.

Collana Cintemani, simbolo ottomano che significava forza, con perle naturali colorate
Collana Cintemani, simbolo ottomano che significava forza, con perle naturali colorate

And to say that Gilan has a fairly recent history: it was founded in 1980 by the brothers Muharrem and Ferhan Gilan, more by passion than by family tradition. Even the collections, as well as the unique pieces, are the result of a creativity not necessarily tied to the Ottoman tradition of jewelry. Even the collection dedicated to the city, Istanbul, has nothing of the oriental goldsmith’s, but it reminds me of a watercolor by Paul Klee. In short, not only extraordinary pieces, like the necklace with black and white diamonds, with a large pendant emerald, but also a modern, European style. On the other hand, the Bosphorus faces two continents.

Orecchini ispirati alle piume di pavone con diamanti, zaffiri, tsavoriti
Orecchini ispirati alle piume di pavone con diamanti, zaffiri, tsavoriti
Collier ispirato alle piume di pavone con diamanti, zaffiri, tsavoriti
Collier ispirato alle piume di pavone con diamanti, zaffiri, tsavoriti
Collier che rappresenta una tigre bianca, con diamanti e pietre preziose di colore
Collier che rappresenta una tigre bianca, con diamanti e pietre preziose di colore
Bracciale Gran Pheasants in oro bianco, smeraldi, diamanti
Bracciale Gran Pheasants in oro bianco, smeraldi, diamanti
Collier Love Fairy con diamanti e zaffiri
Collier Love Fairy con diamanti e zaffiri

Anello Cintemani in oro bianco e diamanti ispirato alle curve del corpo femminile
Anello Cintemani in oro bianco e diamanti ispirato alle curve del corpo femminile







The refined ambiguities of Begüm Khan

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The ambiguous charm between East and West in the jewelry of the designer Begüm Khan ♦ ︎

She started with the cufflinks, jewels that replace the cuff buttons of the shirts. Success has prompted her to continue on the path of jewelry. And so the Turkish designer Begüm Khan has extended the range of action to the classic feminine jewelery. Classic up to a certain point, though, because Begum Khan makes Orientalism a starting point for refined, pleasant, and ironic pieces to wear.

Read also: With Begum Khan the polished is him

Anello in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti taglio rosa
Anello in oro rosa 14 carati e diamanti taglio rosa

The designer, in effect, has a background that allows her refined choices. Born into a family of art collectors, the designer is inspired by the ancient opulence of the Ottoman Empire and the traditions of Southeast Asia. A tradition, however, that she reinterprets in her own way, with a touch of modernity. She created collections inspired by Tibetan fabrics, ancient religious talismans and the domes of the most famous mosque in Istanbul, Süleymaniye. Each piece is handmade in an atelier near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul in 24 carat gold and bronze, finished with baroque pearls and stones like the ruby ​​root and aquamarine.

Orecchini in oro 14 carati con pavé di radici di rubino
Orecchini in oro 14 carati con pavé di radici di rubino
Anello doppio in argento e oro, diamanti, smeraldi, ametista
Anello doppio in argento e oro, diamanti, smeraldi, ametista
Bracciale Cobra in argento, diamanti taglio rosa
Bracciale Cobra in argento, diamanti taglio rosa
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro e pavé di radici di peridoto
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro e pavé di radici di peridoto
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con gemme sintetiche
Orecchini in bronzo placcato oro 24 carati con gemme sintetiche
Orecchini in bronzo con pavé oro 24 carati e pavé di quarzo nero
Orecchini in bronzo con pavé oro 24 carati e pavé di quarzo nero






The sculptures by Aida Bergsen


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Sculptures, lace and animals in the unique jewelry by Aida Bergsen ♦︎
Her name is Aida Bergsen. The name could conjure Norwegian fjords, but in fact the sea girders that sees the designer are those of the Bosforo, a stretch of sea where is reflected Istanbul. Aida Bergsen was born in Cyprus, and she is a sculptor and, at the same time, one of the most creative jewelery signatures. She lives and works in the great city of Turkey, but she studied at the University of Grenoble, France, and her father was Fikri Direkoglu, a sculptor based in Paris. She inherited her passion for art, transformed into creative ability to create amazing jewels.

Anello doppio in oro, argento ossidato, diamanti, smeraldi, granati verdi, rubini, zaffiri blu e quarzo fumé
Anello doppio in oro, argento ossidato, diamanti, smeraldi, granati verdi, rubini, zaffiri blu e quarzo fumé

Her recipe is made up of Turkish passion, along with the European taste for luxury, plus the traditional goldsmith techniques learned directly by the craftsmen of the Istanbul Grand Bazaar. This it’s one of the few Turkish jewelery brands to be well known internationally and at Las Vegas’s Couture has repeatedly figured out successes. Aida has also been chosen among the best designers from Gemfield, for whom she has designed some rings. One of her sources of inspiration is Topkapi, the former palace of the Sultans, where she finds inspiration from the art collections and furnishings of the past, as in the figures of birds. Or, in the line of jewelry with a lace that is an inheritance of the Ottoman stille. And her unique pieces are sought after by collectors: they are not jewelry to wear every day. “It takes some courage,” admits Aida. Also because the prices often exceed 15 to 20,000 dollars. A price that did not discouraged Johnny Depp, who bought one.

 

Anello Achillea, in oro giallo e diamanti
Anello Achillea, in oro giallo e diamanti

Bracciale serpente in oro, argento annerito e diamanti
Bracciale serpente in oro, argento annerito e diamanti
Ape in oro, diamanti, zaffiri, smalto
Ape in oro, diamanti, zaffiri, smalto
Bracciale con fiore in oro giallo, argento annerito e diamanti
Bracciale con fiore in oro giallo, argento annerito e diamanti
Collana Anka in oro, diamanti, tormalina verde
Collana Anka in oro, diamanti, tormalina verde
Collana in oro con diamanti e corallo arancio
Collana in oro con diamanti e corallo arancio

Orecchini a bottone in oro, diamanti, granati verdi
Orecchini a bottone in oro, diamanti, granati verdi







The talisman-jewelry by Bee Goddess

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The jewels-talisman by Bee Goddess ♦ ︎

In the mythology of ancient Greece and India, the bee was considered a sacred insect, which linked the natural world to the underworld. But in jewelry market, Bee Goddess is a Maison that participated at the Design Room of VicenzaOro January: it derives its name from the Goddess of Catalhoyuk, the first settlement in the world in 7500 BC. The brand is based in Istanbul, and offers a large number of gold jewelery with colored gems, such as the rose gold ring with emerald pavé and surmounted by a bee in rose gold and diamonds, the symbol of the house. Because the allusions to the sacred origin of the myth linked to the bees is still present in the proposal of Bee Goddess, which gives its jewels a bit more interest.

One of the strands followed by the designers of the brand, in fact, is that of talismanic jewels, which should bring good luck or keep the troubles away.

Anello amuleto in oro rosa e diamanti
Anello amuleto in oro rosa e diamanti

Founder of Bee Goddess was Ece Sirin, who before becoming a jewelry designer worked for companies like Microsoft and Coca-Cola. In short, in addition to the spiritual forces has captured the power of marketing. To this she added a menu of Reiki, Kabbalah, spiritualism, astrology and mythology that suggested her to conceive jewels that are also symbolic. Bee Goddess born in 2008 with jewelry from the symbols of ancient civilizations from around the world, from the star of a Babylonian goddess, to the ancient Egyptian ring of Shen.
Today the Bee Goddess catalog includes dozens of jewels with sacred symbols. The business is sacred too, given that the Maison has four stores in Turkey and a global distribution among the best boutiques including Harrods in London, with admirers like Donna Karan, Kate Moss and Rihanna. Maybe they can succeed thanks to the amulets, who knows. Giulia Netrese

Anello in oro rosa e diamanti bianchi e brown
Anello in oro rosa e diamanti bianchi e brown
Orecchini pendenti Star Light Sirius in oro bianco e diamanti
Orecchini pendenti Star Light Sirius in oro bianco e diamanti
Anello Light Heart Eros Arrow in oro bianco e diamanti
Anello Light Heart Eros Arrow in oro bianco e diamanti
Anello Star Light SIrius in oro rosa e diamanti
Anello Star Light SIrius in oro rosa e diamanti
Orecchini Secret Garden Demeter in oro rosa e diamanti
Orecchini Secret Garden Demeter in oro rosa e diamanti
Anello Eye Light in oro rosa e diamanti
Anello Eye Light in oro rosa e diamanti







Shiva’s jewels can be found in Istanbul




In an area of ​​Istanbul, the jewels with international style by Shiva Jewels ♦ ︎

Shiva, in the pantheon of Hindu religion, is one of the five primary forms, the destructive god, but also a transformer. So, a creator that starts from scratch. To this figure was inspired by Murat Karagulle for his Shiva Jewels, a Turkish brand based in the Cağaloğlu district of Istanbul. A team of a dozen designers works to create jewelry that the company has been selling all over the world since 1995. An aspect that also explained the presence of Shiva Jewels at past editions of events such as VicenzaOro or Jck.

Orecchino in oro rosa con diamante blu
Orecchino in oro rosa con diamante blu

Do not, however, think about necklaces, bracelets, bracelets, rings, chains with a design like in the ancient Turkish tradition.

Murat Karagulle, instead, has chosen an international style, with light jewels in 18-carat yellow and pink gold, they are often set with diamonds. Son of art, Karagulle produces elasticated gold, inside, but resistant thanks to a technique of heating and extrusion of the thread until the gold is flexible without coils inside. The company also has the Leje unisex line that has greater thicknesses, in silver and gold.

Anello con diamanti brown
Anello con diamanti brown

Bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti blu
Bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti blu
bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti blu
Shiva Jewels, bracciale in oro rosa con diamanti blu
Collana in oro bianco con diamanti blu
Collana in oro bianco con diamanti blu
Collana in oro rosa con diamanti bianchi e perla
Collana in oro rosa con diamanti bianchi e perla

Orecchini in oro rosa con diamanti
Orecchini in oro rosa con diamanti







With Begum Khan the polished is him




The cufflinks for men (but not only) elegant, extroverted, precious signed by Begum Khan.
The jewelry for men, we say it out loud, are in most cases ugly. There’s also those who say that a man should never wear jewelry, but they are a minority. In any case, the jewelry for men are designed largely with a vaguely military-style, with leather and buckles, crude steel and rapper chains. But there who comes out of this macho pattern and, paradoxically, is a woman born in a male-dominated society: Turkey. Begüm Kiroglu was born into a family of Ottoman art collectors in Istanbul. Luckily for her, she spent her childhood surrounded by rare and beautiful objects (works of Oriental art, bleu-blanc porcelain, antique carpets, exquisite tapestries). Then, become an adult, she moved to Shanghai, where she earned a degree in culture and Chinese art.

Bronzo rodiato incrostato di radice di zaffiro
Bronzo rodiato incrostato di radice di zaffiro

Among ancient Ottoman art, Chinese culture and dynamism of Shanghai, has chosen to engage in a jewel for refined men: the cufflinks. It created the Begüm Khan brand. Forget the gold cufflinks with simple geometries and, at most, a stone. Her wrist jewels are rich in baroque pearls, emeralds, paved with precious stones. In short, they are jewels that does not disfigure when worn by a woman but, paradoxically, do not affect virility. Indeed, the contrast can also bring out more male character of the wearer. As long as you know how to do. Federico Graglia

Gemelli in bronzo argentato e quarzo nero
Gemelli in bronzo argentato e quarzo nero
Gemelli in bronzo argentato, radice di zaffiro e smalto bianco
Gemelli in bronzo argentato, radice di zaffiro e smalto bianco
Gemelli in rodio placcato
Gemelli in rodio placcato
Gemelli in rodio nero placcato
Gemelli in rodio nero placcato
Gemelli a formam di ape con zaffiri
Gemelli a formam di ape con zaffiri

Gemelli in oro con zaffiri rosa
Gemelli in oro con zaffiri rosa







The flowers of Aida Bergsen at Couture





The delicate bindweed flowers turned into jewels by Aida Bergsen presented at the Couture Show ♦ ︎

Aida Bergsen, jeweler and sculptor with a Nordic name, but a Mediterranean atelier: in Istanbul to be precise. But with international distribution, from France to the USA. In fact, she decided to present her limited edition Convolvulus Sepium collection at the Couture Show 2019, a Latin name indicating bindweed, a climbing plant with a rather common bell-shaped flower. Along with flowers and leaves, small specimens of fauna appear, such as bees or lizards.

Collana in  oro giallo 18 carati, diamanti, diamanti gialli, granati verdi, rubini, smalto vitreo, coralli
Collana in
oro giallo 18 carati, diamanti, diamanti gialli, granati verdi, rubini, smalto vitreo, coralli

The pieces in the Convolvulus Sepium collection are a mix of 18 carat gold and blackened silver, enamel and set with rose-cut diamonds, surrounding everything from large pedants to exclusively cut gemstone rings. The collection presented at Couture has already been presented at Christie’s Auction House in Paris and sold by Bergdorf Goodman of New York, as part of a private exhibition at the Jewelry Room.

Aida Bergsen creates jewels with different themes that reflect the traces of her hometown, Istanbul, but also of the different cultural layers that are her roots.




Collezione Convolvulus Sepium: oro giallo 18 carati con diamanti, granati verdi, smalti, coralli e perle
Collezione Convolvulus Sepium: oro giallo 18 carati con diamanti, granati verdi, smalti, coralli e perle
Lucertola con diamanti e tsavoriti
Lucertola con diamanti e tsavoriti
Pendente con lucertola. Opali, smalto, coralli, tsavorite, smeraldi, diamanti
Pendente con lucertola. Opali, smalto, coralli, tsavorite, smeraldi, diamanti
Pendente con opali e diamanti rose cut
Pendente con opali e diamanti rose cut

Lumaca in oro, diamanti, smalto
Lumaca in oro, diamanti, smalto







Roberto Bravo cultivates the black orchid





A collection of jewelry dedicated to the rare black orchid: the brand Roberto Bravo proposes it ♦

Delirium from orchid or even orchidelirium. Flowers can drive you crazy and orchidelirium is the name given to the Victorian era of madness for these tropical flowers. Collecting orchids had become a real mania: there were also those who sent explorers and collectors in the most distant corners of the world in search of new varieties of orchids. Not only that: the orchids were and are still considered symbols of love and also a sinful sexual symbol. So much so that in some European countries orchids were used as a key ingredient in love potions. But, in particular, the black orchids symbolize admiration, respect, dignity and royalty.

This introduction on orchids is due to the collection dedicated by the Roberto Bravo brand to the black orchid.

La modella russa Victoria Bonya con la collezione Black Orchid
La modella russa Victoria Bonya con la collezione Black Orchid

Gold, enamel and stones are used to create particularly bright and showy jewels. Roberto Bravo is a brand of Italian origin, now managed directly from Istanbul, Turkey. It is distributed in Milan, but especially in Eastern Europe and the East. Alessia Mongrando





Victoria Bonya per roberto Bravo
Victoria Bonya per roberto Bravo
Orecchini della collezione Black Orchid
Orecchini della collezione Black Orchid

Roberto Bravo, anello triplo in oro, smalto e rubini
Roberto Bravo, anello triplo in oro, smalto e rubini
Anello della collezione Black Orchid
Anello della collezione Black Orchid

Anello in oro, smalto, tsavoriti
Anello in oro, smalto, tsavoriti







Roberto Bravo ecologist

The bold collection of the brand Roberto Bravo against the dangers of global warming.
With italian origins, office in Vicenza, but headquarters in Istanbul with 150 employees and a branch office in Moscow: Roberto Bravo, a company founded in 1948, has maintained a foot in Italy, although its production is oriented mainly abroad. But perhaps it would be more correct to say that the message and the production is aimed at the entire Earth. As shown by the latest collection presented in Vicenza Oro, which has the very unusual goal for the world of jewelry, to remember a problem that affects all of humanity: global warming. The Global Warming Collection, by contrast, seems to evoke the beauty of nature, with bright colors reminiscent of forests and pristine environments. Just those at risk of climate change. Sapphire, gold and diamonds are combined with flowers, butterflies, dragonflies. Alessia Mongrando
Read also The garlands of Roberto Bravo

Orecchini della collezione Global Warming
Orecchini della collezione Global Warming

Orecchini della collezione Global Warming
Orecchini della collezione Global Warming
Collana della collezione Global Warming
Collana della collezione Global Warming
Collana della collezione Global Warming
Collana della collezione Global Warming
Anello della collezione Global Warming
Anello della collezione Global Warming
Anello della collezione Global Warming
Anello della collezione Global Warming
Roberto Bravo, collezione Global Warming
Roberto Bravo, collezione Global Warming

Topkapi in Paris

Topkapi seen from Paris with Lydia Courteille’s eyes.
It was to the most fascinating residence of kings. Indeed, more precisely, of sultans: Topkapi was for centuries the large area on which stood the sultan home in Istanbul, the harem, reserved rooms to the eunuchs, the building where were the ministers, the military garrison . And last, but not least, Topkapi was the treasures place of the Ottoman Empire’s boss. At this exotic atmosphere is inspired by the Parisian designer Lydia Courteille for a new collection called, precisely, Topkapi. The collection includes a series of elaborate jewelry, colorful, rich, imaginative, vibrant, and last but non least, oversized. A bracelet that is worn on the biceps, a necklace with many elements opalescent, a gaudy ring with colored stones that simulate feathers and eyes, a diadem with a central big opal earrings with stones and pearls: they sure are not jewels that can’t become you unnoticed. Although if you aren’t outfitted as a belly dancer. Alessia Mongrando

Anello di Lydia Courteille
Anello di Lydia Courteille

Spilla Topkapi
Spilla Topkapi
La collezione indossata
La collezione indossata
Orecchini Topkapi di Lydia Courteille
Orecchini Topkapi di Lydia Courteille
Collana di Lydia Courteille
Collana di Lydia Courteille