the artist Nilson de Assis lives and works in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, the fashion capital of South America. Having grown up in one of the
poorest and most dangerous slums in Rio, at the age of 15, Nilson dropped out of
school and got a job to help support the
family. Through hard work and single-minded dedication, he enabled his family to move to
a safe neighborhood and send his brother to college.
In 1991, Nilson was apprenticed to an artisan
who created brass Judaica and it is here he
ďŹ rst discovered his creative talents. Nilson was determined to give his daughter the
opportunities he didn’t have. Drawing on his creativity and design skills, every night after work, he began creating exquisite jewelry, handbags and home goods, using leftover
materials from the workshop. Soon his
designs were selling in a well-known fair in
Ipanema where Suzy and Ed Burke met him. Nilson’s creativity and determination are
evident in his ever-evolving designs, and his collectors span the globe.
contents 3 7 9 13 17 19 21
necklaces pendants bracelets earrings rings handbags gemstone guide
2
necklaces
N
ilson’s necklaces are made by hand of chrome-
plated brass. They have the look and feel of silver, but will never tarnish. These exible pieces are adjustable and set with your choice of raw, natural semi-precious gemstones.
pictured N100AM
N100A AM/C
N100B C
N101M
N103P
all necklace styles ( except N100B ) are available with the following gemstones
AM
amethyst
AM/C
amethyst/citrine
AM/C/Q
AQ
ameth/citrine/quartz
aquamarine
M
AM amethyst
BQ
C
H
citrine
hematite
O
P
Q
blue quartz
black onyx
pyrite
quartz crystal
malachite
RB
raulita blue
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necklaces
N
ilson’s Juniper and Autumn Olive necklaces
are handcrafted in two color choices, chrome and old brass. These elegant designs are lightweight and adjustable - the perfect complement to any neckline.
pictured N110B
N110A
N110B
N120A
N120B
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pendants
N
ilson pendants allow you to create a look for
every occasion. Each style comes in your choice of 10 gemstones that can be mixed and matched with one of Nilson’s 8 stylish collars.
N181C
N175AQ N180AM
N192AM/C/Q N175, N180, N181 and N192 are available with the gemstone choices on page 8
N190A
N150A
N153B
N154A
N155A
N190B
N190, N191 and all collars are available in 2 color choices
A
B
chrome
old brass
N191MUL
AM
amethyst
AQ
aquamarine
BQ
C
H
blue quartz
citrine
hematite
P
Q
RB
AM amethyst
M
malachite
O
black onyxe
pyrite
quartz crystal
raulita blue
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bracelets
N
ilson’s gemstone bracelet collection covers a
range of wearable looks. From a substantial lightweight cuff to a more delicate thin bangle, each style is crafted of pliable brass-plated chrome and set with vibrant natural gemstones.
pictured N202C
N200AQ width 3/4”
N201RB width 1 1/2”
N202AM width 1 1/4”
N207AM width 1 1/2”
N208AM/C width 1 1/4”
N209B AM/C/Q width 3” at top
N211AM width 2 1/4”
N212AM width 1/2”
N240H width 1” ( top )
all bracelet styles are available with the following gemstones
AM
amethyst
AM/C
amethyst/citrine
AM/C/Q
AQ
ameth/citrine/quartz
aquamarine
M
AM amethyst
BQ
C
H
citrine
hematite
O
P
Q
blue quartz
black onyx
pyrite
quartz crystal
malachite
RB
raulita blue
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bracelets
N
ilson’s sculpted metal bracelets are available
in chrome or rustic old brass. These free form, organic designs showcase the beautiful texture of the material with a look that is casual and unique.
pictured N204B
N204A width 1 3/4”
N205B width 1 3/4”
N210B width 1/2” to 1 1/4” ( top )
N206A width 1 1/4”
N230A width 3/4”
all bracelet styles are available in two color choices
A
chrome
B
old brass
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earrings
N
ilson gemstone earrings are carefully hand
crafted using lightweight chrome-plated brass with surgical steel wires. With 91 combinations of design and color, there’s a Nilson earring for every look.
pictured N305RB
N300AQ
N301M
N303P
N304C
N305AM
N306O
* N315MUL
N316AM post
N317C
N318AM
all earring styles are available with the following gemstones, * N315 is available in multi-stone only ( as shown )
AM
amethyst
AQ
aquamarine
BQ
C
H
blue quartz
citrine
hematite
P
Q
RB
AM amethyst
M
malachite
O
black onyxe
pyrite
quartz crystal
raulita blue
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earrings
N
ilson’s lightweight drop earrings are made of
chrome-plated or old brass with surgical steel wires. These organic designs are a wonderful complement to Nilson’s necklaces and bracelets.
pictured N312A
N308B
N310A
N312B
N313A
N311B
all earring styles are available in two color choices
A
chrome
B
old brass
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rings
N
ilson’s gemstone rings are made of chrome-
plated brass and set with raw gemstones in designs that are playful and unique. Adjustable to fit any finger size, these rings make a statement while being comfortably lightweight. Choose from 12 semiprecious stones.
pictured N500P
N500AM
N501BQ
N502C
N503AM
N504AM/C/Q
N505M
N506AM/C/Q
all ring styles are available with the following gemstones
AM
amethyst
AM/C
amethyst/citrine
AM/C/Q
AQ
ameth/citrine/quartz
aquamarine
M
AM amethyst
BQ
C
H
citrine
hematite
O
P
Q
blue quartz
black onyx
pyrite
quartz crystal
malachite
RB
raulita blue
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handbags
N
ilson genuine leather and metal handbags come
in four styles and all are accented with chrome or old brass and raw semi-precious gemstones. These unique works of art combine beauty and function and they always make a style statement!
pictured N400A
400B 6” x 4 1/2” x 2 1/2” ( depth )
401A 7” x 8 1/4”
402A 8 1/2” x 7 1/2”
403B 11 3/4” x 7”
all handbags are available in two color choices and two gemstone choices
A
chrome
B
old brass
AM/C
amethyst/citrine
AM/C/Q
ameth/citrine/quartz
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gemstone guide amethyst Amethyst, the most prized member of the quartz family, occurs naturally in a range of shades from deep purple to lavender. One of the power stones, amethyst has been used for centuries as an aid to meditation and healing because of its ability to focus energy. Amethyst symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom, and is the birthstone for the month of February.
aquamarine A member of the beryl family, aquamarine ranges in color from an almost colorless pale blue to teal. Its ability to give peace and serenity makes it a powerful healing and meditation stone. Aquamarine also offers protection to those on the water, and it is the birthstone of people born in March.
blue quartz This “rock crystal” derives its blue color from microscopic fibrous inclusions in the quartz crystals. Blue quartz is a soothing, stress-relieving stone, and it is an especially fine peace or tranquility stone. It aids in one’s ability to reach out to others, assuage fear, calm the mind, inspire hope, and promote understanding of one’s spiritual nature.
citrine Citrine, a yellow-to-gold member of the quartz family, has been called the “stone of the mind”, and it is used by healers to increase self esteem, protect against negative energy, and open the mind to new thoughts. Ancient cultures believed that placing a citrine on the forehead of an elder would increase his psychic power. It brings joy and love to its owner, and is the official birthstone of November.
hematite Hematite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of iron oxide. Ranging from steel gray to almost black, hematite is a wonderful stone for grounding oneself, increasing intuition, and reducing stress. Native American folklore also holds that war paint made from hematite will make one invincible in battle. Amazingly, the Mars Exploration Rover Project recently found hematite on Mars.
malachite Malachite is a naturally occurring green gemstone with banded tones varying from very dark to soft green. Legend has it that malachite is the guardian stone of travelers. It is also said to promote inner peace and hope by providing protection and security, and it is believed to add balance in relationships. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans not only wore malachite jewelry but also ground it into eye shadow.
onyx Onyx is chalcedony quartz mined in Brazil, India and Uruguay. It most often has a fine texture and black color. Onyx can help release negative emotions such as sorrow and grief, and can be used to end unhappy or bothersome relationships. Onyx also fortifies self-confidence and responsibility, sharpens ones senses and encourages a healthy egotism.
pyrite Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral with a metallic luster, and over the years, its color has earned it the nickname “fool’s gold”. Pyrite is a traditional symbol for money and good luck, and its golden color is associated with the fortification and strengthening of the mind. The name pyrite is derived from a Greek word purites meaning “of fire” because it creates sparks when struck against steel.
quartz crystal Quartz crystal is one of the most common but powerful gemstones on Earth. Colorless and transparent, ancient people believed it was made of ice crystals that would never melt. It is the greatest of all healing stones, and acts as an amplifier for psychic energy. Quartz crystals also aid meditation and visualization.
raulita blue Raulita blue, or howlite, is a silicate that occurs naturally as a white to gray stone with erratic streaks. It is often dyed a turquoise color, and it is the only dyed stone Nilson uses. Named after Henry How of Nova Scotia, howlite is a calming stone and many people use it to relieve stress. It is also an excellent antidote to the insomnia that can result from an overactive mind.
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imported by Alegria Imports www.alegriaimports.net suzy@alegriaimports.net 860.767.3033