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...

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 26 years and with all materials since 1972. My current line includes 18k and 14k Gold bracelets, earrings and necklaces, where each stone is individually hand wrapped. It is a labor intensive and time consuming design, but I love the rhythm of creating chains. New styles will also include PMC in Pure Gold and Pure Silver.

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 photographed with Vivienne Westwood clothing for the Sunday Style magazine of Globo Newspaper in Rio (the equivalent of The Times NY). Currently my "babies" are traveling the world in cruise ship boutiques, appearing in Museum stores and some of the best specialty boutiques from Saint Bart to the Hamptons. I have designed exclusive lines for Museums, including the Philadelphia Art Museum.

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.

New styles are 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, Couture
Artisan Jewelry tm