I have fond memories of Rio de Janeiro. My first visit there was after I completed my Masters degree. It was a spontaneous decision to discover Brazil, and the next thing I know is that I am in Rio, buzzing my friends for a meet. This impromptu decision fuelled my interest in the country. Why, I was even offered a position in their jewellery industry! But my calling was Paris and soon I was with my family, having a blast. What days of fun!

Coming back to the present. I had visited the H. Stern boutique in London and was visibly excited with their collections. So when the opportunity came to visit their headquarter in Rio, how could I say no? Oh, Rio…

H.Stern’s headquarter is located about 100 metres away from the picturesque Ipanema beach. After a nice morning swim there and a quick change, a driver took me to the H.Stern’s headquarter to discover the biggest collection of Brazilian coloured stones as well as the Gold exhibition hosted by the Brazilian jeweller at Centro Cultural Banco do Brazil.

Together with Christian Hallot, H.Stern’s global brand ambassador, I headed to a jewellery workshop tour that showed me where the stones are sourced from …

… and how the jewellery is shaped, right from the rough stone to the final product.

He shed light on how H. Stern is not about selling carats, but about presenting a story; a story of inspirations from the Brazilian heritage and most importantly, of it’s people.

Hans Stern’s personal collection of more than 1,000 tourmalines in various colours.

H.Stern stylish museum next to their luxury shopping floor.

My attention caught irresistible emeralds and in usual GEMOLOGUE fashion I styled them – there more the mere. Throughout time Emeralds have fascinated ancient adventurers, treasure-hunters and today’s sophisticated travelers alike.

I was mesmerized too and picked my favourite emerald ring by H.Stern. The emerald stands for courage and victory. To the spiritualists, it symbolizes faith and hope.

Emerald was a favorite of Cleopatra, who wore the stone as an ornament, amulet and antidote to amorous and political conquests.

My favourite stone in the H.Stern collection was the aquamarine. H.Stern aquamarines are the best quality and the colour of water.

For me Brazil is very much about their aquamarines. It does really immerse you in Brazilian vibe and spirit.

The Brazilian vibe surrounds you and do not notice how much fun you are having but the camera does not lie, looking very happy learning about H.Stern collections and the inspirations behind. I had a wonderful time in warm loving jewellery environment. It is not your usual jewellery shopping where you are assessed and measured by your look.

Rio is such an addictive city. Once here, you’d want to come back again and again to enjoy the beach, play with the waves, and soak in the Brazilian vibe of happiness and inspirations. You end up having so much fun! Look how the camera captured my glee.

During my H.Stern’s Gold exhibition visit, I was also amazed by the ancient American civilization inspired pieces. H. Stern captured the magic of those times in their collection and presented a jewellery collection inspired by birds, fish, serpents, jaguars, and turtles.

Like this fancy plumage in which thousands of hand-made, textured, 18-carat gold feathers are weaved into a magical creation. Each H.Stern collection takes up to two years to see the light. Imagine the amount of workmanship in each piece.

My favourite piece: the necklace from the Fluid Collection. Inspired by the flow of water, it is a versatile, 10-feet (3 metre) long strand that pieces together small gold tubes, giving it an amazing flow and dexterity.

It can be worn as a necklace or can double up as a choker, a bracelet, an anklet, or a waist/ body chain. Perfect jewelry piece to remind me the love and pleasures of Brazil.

In the end of my visit in the H.Stern headquarter I was pleasantly surprised to find various objects including jewellery by Brazilian craftsmen, a paradise to pick a few gifts. Stern family believes that gift will go a long way with your colleagues and friends. H Stern is like a house with a very thoughtful owner.

Thanks for stopping by! Have you enjoyed reading about my visit to H. Stern boutique? Leave me a message in the comments below.

I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery. 

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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.

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

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