For Brazilian designer Carla Amorim, what started out as a hobby became a successful career and a lifelong passion for jewels and adornments. Born in Brasilia, Carla uses the futuristic architecture, varied culture and exuberant nature of her home city as inspiration for her works, alongside her catholic faith.

Initially a hobby whilst she studied for her bachelor’s degree in languages from the Universidade de Brasilia, Carla’s interest in jewelry design soon started to grow as friends and relatives took a shine to her pieces, and her reputation grew. A growing network of clients and admirers promoted the 43 year-old to take a class in Goldsmithery, and as her knowledge grew, so did her enthusiasm. By 1992 she had opened her first store in Brasilia and become dedicated to the trade.

Success continued to follow for Carla, and her business expanded to five stores spread across South America’s largest country - with outlets in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza and Recife. Carla Amorim jewelry is the thing to be seen in for Brazil’s most stylish women.

International trade was the next step, and over the preceding years Carla branched into Europe, hosting exhibitions at the Terzo Millenio in Milan and the Galeria La Reine Margo in Paris.

Fast forward ten years and Carla’s jewels are showcased in some of the world’s biggest department stores, such as Bon Marché, Celux and Bergdorf Goodman. She also maintains a showroom in Paris and has expanded into Hong Kong and Japan.

Primarily working with the colors of pink, yellow and white, Carla’s pieces utilize different tones of gold, diamonds, pearls and gemstones to produce a unique finish. Many of her necklaces, bracelets and earrings are inspired by nature and designed to reflect affectionate moments.

Carla believes her pieces are something to be savored. As she eloquently puts it:

“Jewels are not ephemeral. They should last a woman’s lifetime.”

Carla is a member of the Brazilian Guild of Jewelry Designers. Details of her products and upcoming shows can be found at her website www.carlaamorim.com.