BOHO CHIC

Brazilian Designer Silvia Furmanovich Gets Inspiration For Her Jewelry And Home Collections From Around The World

BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, jewelry designer Silvia Furmanovich comes from a long line of Italian goldsmiths. Her great-grandfather made ornaments for the Vatican and, as a child, Furmanovich spent hours observing her goldsmith father in his atelier. In 1998, she launched her own collection and opened her first boutique in São Paulo in 2009. Today, her jewelry is available in Brazil, Europe, the Middle East and throughout North America.

“My jewelry is a cross-pollination of traditions,” Furmanovich says. An avid traveler, she loves “discovering crafts in faraway places that I can show in a contemporary way.” For example, she has collaborated with people in the Amazon whose intricate wood marquetry has become a signature of her work. In the past, she has incorporated Japan’s ancient basketwork techniques into woven bamboo jewelry, as well as incorporating India’s centuries-old miniature painting traditions into new designs. Her latest collection, Silk Road, is inspired by a recent trip to cities in Uzbekistan—including Tashkent, Samarkand and Khiva—where the silk trade with China has played a critical role throughout history. “Uzbekistan was the conduit not only for the exchange of products and goods throughout the ages, but also cultures and ideas,” says Furmanovich.

Underscoring the main tenet of her design philosophy, the designer says that “as a brand, our top priority is to preserve craftsmanship in all its many forms. On this trip, we were able to collaborate with female silk weavers deep in the Fergana Valley, a key trade site on the Silk Road. We were also inspired by centuries-old ikat tie-dye and suzani embroidery traditions to create our new collection.”

Furmanovich has recently launched her first home collection, which like her artisanal jewelry, utilizes crafts from various cultures. These are incorporated into jewelry boxes, trays, picture frames and vases, among other objects. Looking ahead to 2023, she plans to continue her exploration of bamboo basketry techniques, applied to jewelry as well as pieces for the home. And Furmanovich is on the road once again: This time she’s off to Japan.

Global Inspirations (clockwise from top left) A colorful selection of Silvia Furmanovich’s designs includes: marquetry earrings set in 18k gold with diamond, turquoise and tsavorite; marquetry clutch with 18k gold, carnelian and silk chord; marquetry box with brass and suede; bracelet with silk weaving, diamond and opal; marquetry vase with silk trimming; and earrings with silk weaving, diamond, sapphire and blue topaz. Prices available upon request. All available through Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, bergdorfgoodman.com, sylviafurmanovich.com.