Drawn 8 November 2011, on a sheet of seven. Fifteen years later it is still in the collection — and the necklace from the same family is the most expensive piece we make.
Still in the collection
about us
The Designer
Joryel Vera — The Artist Behind the Brand
Since 1987, Joryel Vera’s personal artistry has defined the brand’s identity. Every piece begins with his own drawing, transforming his creative vision into distinctive jewelry crafted in sterling silver and natural stone.
One designer. One artistic vision. Thirty-nine years of original design.
1987 — Founded AGTA Member RJC-Audited IJO-Approved
Biography
Thirty-nine years of one signature.
Joryel Vera founded the company in 1987 with a rule he still follows today: keep the line simple, and let the stone do the work. Every ring, pendant and earring in the collection — close to 1,000 designs in the catalog — began the same way, as a sketch he drew before it became sterling silver .925 and a genuine stone, signed with the JV mark.
The company has never brought in an outside design team. What's on the line is what Joryel drew — and what's still in production has stayed in production, family by family, stone by stone, without the seasonal turnover that defines most of the category.
Today Joryel Vera is an AGTA member, RJC-audited, and one of a limited number of IJO-approved vendors nationally — credentials the company treats the way Joryel treats a stone: as something to verify, not advertise.
From the archive
Drawing to Piece.
Every piece starts as a drawing like these — the shape, the stone, the surface and the finish settled before any metal is cut. These are Joryel's own working drawings, with the dates he made them. The pieces they became are on this site today.
1999Twenty-eight seconds at the bench. The sheets on the table are his drawings, the same kind you see below.
The note on this page reads “from part number 209959.” A design does not always start from scratch; sometimes, one begins with a component that is already functional. This design was reworked over time, based on the part mentioned below.
Still in the collection
Its design and draft were created with great precision on July 12, 2022; details such as the oval shape, the bracelet’s gradually tapering profile, and the position of the hinge were all visible in the design before the bracelet was actually manufactured.
Still in the collection
The archive runs to hundreds of drawings. These are three of them.
The Interview
Seven questions for Joryel.
In his own words — From the first spark of an idea to the finished piece-Joryel shares his creative process, design philosophy and what's coming next.
"What does a design start as — paper, digital, something else?"
“Nature—an integral part of my life—is where every design begins. I translate the beauty and inspiration I find in nature onto paper, where the creative process comes to life.”
"What's changed about your process since 1987 — and what's stayed exactly the same?"
“I lead with modern and classic lines—creating timeless designs inspired by modern living.”
"Walk us through one piece, start to finish — from the first sketch to the day it shipped."
“I shape each design in my mind, then refine it through sketching. Once I’m satisfied, my team and I work closely to bring the vision to life. Nearly 40 days later, we present the finished piece to our customers—where its journey truly begins.”
"Is there a piece you'd never discontinue, no matter what?"
“Yes. Some of my classic designs from 30 years ago are still admired and sold today. I design for the modern, contemporary world—but with a timeless quality that never goes out of style.”
"What do retailers get wrong about how this line is actually made?"
“I can’t say whether anyone gets it wrong. What I can say is that my team and I take great care to never compromise the quality of my designs. That commitment is important to us, and I believe our customers truly appreciate it.”
"What would surprise people about running a family jewelry business for almost forty years?"
“I pursue this work with great passion. I want my designs to add an enduring beauty to the portrait of the modern woman. Perhaps what surprises people most is simply how long I’ve been doing it. Nearly 40 years later, I’m still designing with the same passion—and I’m not finished yet.”
"What are you designing right now?"
“I’m an artist, but I’m also a businessman. I want my designs to be loved, worn, and successful in the marketplace. I pay close attention to what the modern woman wants and to the world around me. In my latest work, turquoise takes center stage, paired with modern designs in silver and gold tones. I believe these pieces have a strong place in today’s market—and I’m enjoying creating them.”
Since 1987
One name behind every piece.
AGTA Member · RJC-Audited · IJO-Approved · Designed by Joryel Vera, still drawing today.
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