What started as a career representing other jewelry designers paved the way for Harika Ustaoglu to debut her own firm, Harika, in 2014. In 2006, the New York City–based artist represented a Turkish designer, among others, until she gathered the courage to create her own line. Now, her of love asymmetry, organic shapes, and abstract forms shines through as her signature style. All designs are sketched in pen and brought to life in workshops in Istanbul, though Ustaoglu is currently in talks with studios in Manhattan to manage production. The bulk of the collection is fabricated in 14k gold and features diamonds of every color as well as gems such as aquamarine, sapphire, beryl, dendritic quartz, and more. Jewelry training includes several metalsmithing and wax-carving workshops, and a B.A. in business from Istanbul University gives her a strong foundation to steer her new endeavor in a positive direction.
Starting retail price: $530 in 14k gold
Accounts: 18 in the U.S., including Vis-a-Vis in Nantucket, Mass.
Trade fairs: JA New York, JCK Las Vegas, ENK Accessorie Circuit, and NY Now
Retailer buy-in: Six pieces or about $2,000
Contact: Harika Ustaoglu, NYC; 212-675-2882, harikanyc.com
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