Creating Treasures and Good Luck Charms
Images by Driely S
On a 2008 trip to her father’s birthplace, the island of Puerto Rico, moved by the natural beauty of the beaches and relaxed island culture, Venessa Arizaga was inspired to start hand-making jewellery from the items she found around her. Using colourful silk threading to weave seashells, natural stones and a mix of her own charms, Venessa created whimsical statement jewellery pieces, each with its own story representing a special moment or event in her life. These witty, mixed-media pieces were the impetus for Venessa’s contemporary jewellery brand and the basis for her first full collection, Venessa Arizaga, which she debuted in 2010.
Venessa creates bespoke pieces for the woman with a chic yet playful sense of style. Venessa crafts her jewellery in her studio with ceramic charms made by artisans in Mexico and Peru.
“I like to think of each piece I create as a treasure and a good luck charm, something special to keep close to you to reflect upon good times and evoke your fondest memories.”
Who are you?
My name is Venessa Arizaga and I’m a fashion and jewelry designer based in New York and Puerto Rico.
Close up of Venessa in her studio.
How did you become a jewellery maker?
I got my start in fashion working with some incredible names—several years as an assistant designer at Carolina Herrera and later as Design Director at Zac Posen. Those experiences gave me a solid grasp of both the creative process and the business side of the industry. I’ve taken the core principles of design and seasonal cycles from those iconic fashion houses, but my approach today is a bit different—I like to keep things light, add a playful twist, and infuse plenty of joy into my work. It's still rooted in great design, just with a little more fun and a lot less fuss!
“It was my personal therapy, a way to unwind and recharge. ”
After wrapping up each fashion week presentation, I'd escape to my family home in Puerto Rico about four times a year. While soaking in those chill island vibes, I'd spend my downtime making jewelry from anything I could find—shells, beads, random treasures—basically whatever I could scavenge or pack in my suitcase. It was my personal therapy, a way to unwind and recharge. I’d gift these pieces to friends or rock them myself, and soon enough, some sharp-eyed buyers in New York started paying attention. Next thing I knew, my little therapeutic hobby turned into a thriving business with serious demand. Now, making jewelry is less about relaxing and more about chasing the dream, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it!
Venessa handmaking her jewellery.
What is the importance of jewellery to you?
“To me, jewellery is so much more than an accessory—it’s a form of personal expression, a way to tell a story, and a mood booster all in one. ”
Every piece I design carries a sense of playfulness and joy, but it also reflects deeper emotions and memories. Jewelry has this incredible ability to connect people—it can spark a conversation, evoke nostalgia, or simply make someone smile.
What inspired your nature and garden themed pieces?
Nature has always been a constant source of inspiration for me—there’s something truly magical in the organic beauty of flowers, plants, and even the tiniest details, like seashells or insects. Beyond just admiring nature, I’m an avid gardener myself. I take care of a variety of plants and even grow my own fruits and vegetables—it’s my little oasis and a huge part of who I am. The Plant capsule collection was born from that passion. It’s a playful way for me to showcase my love for gardening and share a bit of that green-thumb joy with others through wearable art.
Venessa’s good luck charm bracelets - Rollin' with my Gnomies and Let It Bee.
Can you tell us a bit about Puerto Rico and the environment there?
Puerto Rico is pure magic. It’s where my roots are, and it’s a constant source of inspiration for me. The island is full of vibrant energy—lush tropical forests, stunning beaches, colourful architecture, and warm, welcoming people. You can feel the rhythm of life everywhere, from the sound of the coquí frogs at night to the salsa music drifting through the air.
A variety of crops are grown in Puerto Rico, including rice, sugar cane, coffee, and corn, guava, aloe vera, what is your favourite and why?
I’d have to say guava! There’s something about its sweet, tropical flavour that instantly reminds me of my time in Puerto Rico. Whether it’s freshly picked or in the form of guava paste paired with cheese—one of my favourite snacks—it’s such a versatile fruit. Guava also carries that vibrant tropical vibe I try to capture in my jewellery. It’s colourful, fun, and full of life, just like the island itself. Plus, the scent of guava is so distinct—it’s one of those fragrances that can transport you straight to a sunny day in the Caribbean!
Some of Venessa’s beautiful handmade garden-themed good luck charm bracelets.
Puerto Rico has many flowers, including its national flower, the Flor de Maga, and other well-known flowers like the hibiscus, coral flower, and poppies, what is your favourite and why?
Puerto Rico's flora is incredibly vibrant, making it hard to choose just one favourite. However, the Flor de Maga holds a special place in my heart. As Puerto Rico's national flower, its large, bright red blossoms are not only stunning but also symbolise the island's rich cultural heritage. Flor de Maga's unique beauty and significance resonate deeply with me, inspiring elements in my jewellery designs that reflect the essence of Puerto Rican identity.
“Flor de Maga holds a special place in my heart. As Puerto Rico’s national flower, its large, bright red blossoms are not only stunning but also symbolise the island’s rich cultural heritage. ”
A quote to leave us with?
Embrace the unexpected, find joy in the little things, and let your creativity shine—life's too short to wear boring jewellery!
