During my recent visit to COUTURE in Las Vegas, I had the privilege of conversing with the talented Brazilian jewelry designer Silvia Furmanovich. Known for her exquisite butterfly-inspired creations, Silvia shared insights into her artistic process and the profound meanings behind her work.

For over a decade, my trips to Brazil—thanks to the perks of being married to a Brazilian—have been a delightful exploration of art, culture, and exquisite craftsmanship. During those early trips, I discovered Silvia’s remarkable work, and from the moment I encountered her designs, I felt a strong connection. Her enchanting creations seem to embody the perfect jewelry box that every jewelry lover dreams about.

A DEEP CONNECTION TO NATURE

Silvia has a profound passion for butterflies, which is reflected in her beautiful jewelry. She expressed, “I love butterflies because I am always surrounded by nature, and I always see the butterflies.” This appreciation for the natural world profoundly informs her designs, as she captures the grace and beauty of these delicate creatures in her work.

Reflecting on an unforgettable experience that further fueled her inspiration, she recounted, “The first time I was in Akri, in the northeast of Brazil, I was near the river, and there were thousands of yellow butterflies. Whenever I see a yellow butterfly, I remember my late husband.” This personal story highlights the significance of butterflies in her life, serving as a poignant reminder of love and transformation.

“The first time I was in Akri, in the northeast of Brazil, I was near the river, and there were thousands of yellow butterflies. Whenever I see a yellow butterfly, I remember my late husband.”

THE ART OF MARQUETRY

At the core of Silvia’s butterfly designs is the ancient art of marquetry, wherein she transforms this traditional woodworking technique into fine jewelry. “This is a real butterfly; it’s like this. I have a book of all the butterflies from all over the world. They are exactly the same as nature,” she shared.

Her exquisite pieces utilize lightweight materials, such as sustainably sourced balsa wood, allowing for both comfort and a lifelike appearance. “They look like real butterflies on my ears because they’re not flat. There’s a lot of curves in the front as well as on the back,” she explained. This intricate attention to detail ensures that each creation embodies the essence of a butterfly in flight.

Each piece begins with the careful selection of natural materials, from sustainably sourced woods to diamonds and sapphires. Artisans, under Furmanovich’s guidance, meticulously assemble these materials to form lifelike butterfly wings, paying attention to the smallest details—from the veins in the wings to their natural symmetry. The result is jewelry that feels alive, with a tactile beauty that sets her work apart.

 

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SYMBOLISM AND TRANSFORMATION

The butterfly motif in Silvia’s jewelry represents more than just beauty; it embodies themes of transformation and resilience. These delicate creatures reflect the notion of change—a concept that resonates deeply with many jewelry lovers, including myself. Adding butterfly earrings to my personal collection brings me closer to that perfect jewelry box every jewelelry collector dreams about, especially around Christmas time. Each piece encourages wearers to embrace their own journeys and transformations, making them not just accessories but symbols of personal growth.

By adding butterfly pieces to our collections, we not only embrace the beauty of her designs but also carry with us the essence of transformation they represent. Silvia’s work serves as a heartfelt reminder that, like butterflies, we are all on a journey of our own, evolving and blooming in extraordinary ways.

If you’re looking to enhance your collection with a stunning Silvia piece, please reach out to us at info@gemologue.com.

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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.

Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, The New York Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

*Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

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