Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, my fascination with stones started at a very early age. Perhaps it was my mother's fabulous sense of style and appreciation of this beautiful planet we live in, combined with her love of all things hand made that rubbed off on me. As a small child she would take me to all types of classes from classic oil painting to sewing. Once she gave me my first pair of pliers I really found my calling. At first I worked with vintage beads and non-precious metals. Once I discovered the wealth of gemstones available as beads I never went back to any other medium. I have worked with gemstone beads for over 16 years.

All my knowledge is self-taught. I took flight with that first set of pliers and didn't reconsider. As a teenager I started to get serious about my business after getting an order for over 100 necklaces from a very exclusive jewelry and accessory boutique in Rio de Janeiro. That original order sold out in 3 weeks. I knew I was on the right track. Since then my designs have appeared in several better stores and boutiques in Rio, Recife and New York, and were even photographed with Vivienne Westwood clothing for the now defunct Manchete Magazine in Rio (then the equivalent of Time Magazine). Currently my "babies" are traveling the world in cruise ship boutiques, appearing in Museum stores and some of the best specialty boutiques from Saint Louis to the Hamptons.

At the moment I am developing a line of woven flowers, gemstone clusters and wire sculpted pendants, bracelets, rings, necklaces and pins that are constructed without the use of any adhesives or solder. They are invocative of the great artisans of the past, responsible for the beautiful jewels of such houses as Chanel, Joseph and Schiaparelli. My use of color and shape has been frequently compared to Cartier's. I aim to define my style as Modern Classic, each destined to become a treasured family heirloom, whether the materials are precious or not. They are certainly built to last for many years.

These new styles are being added as they are available (they sell out so quickly!). To be notified of their availability please sign up for our mailing list.

I am very pleased and excited about the results and hope you will be too!

Vera Battemarco.