Here is jewelry that makes a statement without being gaudy. Designed by Nina Steenwyk, NinaCristinaJewelry offers trendy handmade bracelets. Earrings and necklaces will also be available soon.
Nina Steenwyk has always been interested in DIY projects, just like her Filipina mother and grandmother. As a child, she spent summers knitting and crocheting scarves, sewing sock monkeys, and weaving leaves and flowers into headdresses. Now, she is channeling her creativity into a new jewelry line. A graduate from Loyola Marymount University, Nina majored in Art History and took a summer course on jewelry making. After meeting a friend who was also interested in accessories, Nina began pouring through the garment district of downtown Los Angeles looking for small treasures. “It became a game to find new sources for materials, breaking down old jewelry and repurposing the beads or the chain into new designs.”
Creating new designs is exactly what Nina accomplishes in her debut jewelry collection. Her unique minimalist style results in pieces that make a statement without all the bling. “They’re a little bit quirky, a little bit edgy, and can be dressed up or down. They aren’t fussy designs that have that one element that piques your interest and curiosity. The designs are a mix between dressing for the big city and still being able to take them to the beach.” A trademark of NinaCristinaJewelry is the use of contrasts—light and dark, delicate and bold, old and new. We love her Oval Ring Bracelet, which combines a brass chain with a delicately constructed oval pendant. Other standout pieces in Nina’s collection are her ring-to-wrist combinations, which are unique and fit any outfit.
Nina is constantly drawing inspiration from the world around her. “My jewelry designs are really just my experiences realized in a tangible form.” Her first line carries heavy tribal influences, having studied pre-colonial African masks in school. She is also inspired by the designs of Frieda Sophie. Nina is looking to expand her line, with earrings and necklaces coming soon. Expect the earrings to have the same aesthetic appeal as the bracelets while the necklaces will allow Nina more room to display her unique style. Shop the NinaCristinaJewelry collection here.