SAPFIRA: Creative journey by Valeria Merkouchenko

Valeria, a talented 27-year-old jewelry designer, and gemologist, is a true connoisseur of artistry. From an early age, she has been captivated by the breathtaking allure of natural gemstones, and she has dedicated herself to crafting remarkable jewelry pieces that showcase their unparalleled qualities.

But Valeria’s expertise goes beyond her design prowess. With a genuine passion for educating people about the wonders of natural stones, she seeks to highlight their innate beauty by seamlessly incorporating them into her enchanting creations.

Valeria’s unique approach to jewelry design sets her apart in the industry. Every piece she carefully crafts for her brand SAPFIRA embodies her deep understanding and appreciation for the intricate art of gemology. Through her creations, she aims to adorn individuals with stunning accessories and enlighten them about the extraordinary world of gemstones.

Valeria Merkouchenko, the Founder of SAPFIRA

First, there was an interest in gemology. The desire and passion for creating my own jewelry pieces from precious gemstones emerged. Why such a choice? There may have been an event or a specific moment in life that influenced this decision. Did jewelry become a logical continuation of your choice?

I have always been passionate about design and creating something new. To truly become an expert in my field, I realized that attending a gemology school was necessary to acquire comprehensive knowledge about gemstones.

Honestly, there wasn’t a specific event in my life that prompted me to pursue a career in jewelry. It was a very natural progression for me. I have always had a fondness for gemstones and admired their beauty. Over time, this appreciation gradually led me to the realization that I wanted them to be an integral part of my life, and I genuinely enjoy the process of working with them.

You can be called an “explorer,” as it is evident in your constant search for quality materials and love for travel. The process of creating jewelry is like an adventure. Where does the process of creating jewelry begin?

When I create jewelry for my clients, we often begin with a stone. I always strive to showcase the wide variety of gemstones that exist in nature, including those that may not be widely known but are incredibly stunning. Once we have chosen the stone, we move on to the next step, which is designing the jewelry piece. I listen to their ideas and work towards incorporating them to achieve harmony in shapes and sizes.

The subsequent step involves creating a 3D model, which serves as a blueprint for the production process. What I truly enjoy about custom orders is the exhilarating journey of collaboratively crafting something special. We go through all the stages of bringing someone’s dream to life. Witnessing the satisfaction and excitement of my clients is incredibly fulfilling and brings me immense happiness.

What is your favorite gemstone?

I would say my favorite stone is an emerald. Still, it’s truly a difficult question because, as a gemologist, I have a deep passion for gemstones in general. There are so many stones that possess extraordinary beauty. Lately, I have been particularly captivated by Tanzanite. This stone showcases a mesmerizing deep violet-blue color and is exclusively mined in Tanzania. It stands out from the traditional gemstones we are accustomed to, such as sapphires, diamonds, and rubies.

Where is the production, and how many people work in the workshop?

All the pieces are crafted in Monaco, in a small workshop where meticulous attention is given to every detail.

Your creations are very modern. What inspires you to create them? Are there any ethnic elements from the places where the gemstones are sourced?

For me, it is crucial to highlight the inherent beauty of gemstones as the primary focus. When working on the design, I strive to ensure that the stone remains the center of attention. While my designs lean toward modern aesthetics, I often draw inspiration from contemporary architecture, buildings that incorporate glass, metal, and unconventional forms.

Valeria Merkouchenko, the Founder of SAPFAIRA

Valeria is not only passionate about her craft but also a fervent traveler and adventurer. Her love for exploring new places and immersing herself in diverse cultures often influences her creativity.

Driven by her artistic inclinations, Valeria has embarked on a new project, using natural Brazilian agates to create exquisite, one-of-a-kind art pieces. Inspired by the innate beauty of the world, she strives to encapsulate that essence within her creations.

You don’t limit yourself to just jewelry creations. Tell us about your line of artistic works.

After my trip to Brazil and my discovery of gemstones like Agate, I had the idea that we can not only wear jewelry adorned with gemstones but also appreciate the natural wonder of these stones in our homes. I started slowly, creating simple art pieces, being mindful not to overpower them with intricate designs. As I delved deeper into this artistic journey, I began experimenting with different materials and techniques.

My latest creations incorporate a variety of glass beads in different colors that harmonize beautifully with Agates. It is a meticulous and time-consuming process as I craft everything by hand. However, it is truly worth it, and I derive immense pleasure from it. For me, it is a form of meditation, allowing me to disconnect from the realities and hectic pace of our world. I can spend hours engrossed in this creative pursuit, finding solace and joy in the process.

The artworks by Valeria Merkouchenko

In today’s globalized world, people are interconnected, and travel has become the norm. Where is your home, and where do you enjoy working and creating?

 The process of creating and designing my art pieces and jewelry differs. When I work on art, ideas often come to me during the creative process itself. As soon as I begin working on something, ideas start flowing in my mind, and the final result may end up being completely different from my initial concept.

However, when it comes to jewelry designs, inspiration often strikes when traveling or on vacation. Being in new environments and experiencing different cultures and landscapes provides a wealth of inspiration. During these moments, when my mind feels free and open, ideas for jewelry designs tend to emerge.

In which countries can your products be found today, and what are your plans for expanding your business? Which regions are you interested in?

Currently, my jewelry can mainly be found here in Monaco. However, there is a strong desire to expand and reach customers in different countries.

You and your husband make a beautiful couple. How does your spouse support your calling?

I am truly grateful for my husband, the most loving and supportive person I have ever known. He constantly expresses his pride in me and supports me wholeheartedly in all my endeavors. I genuinely appreciate his unwavering support, as it is something simple and normal on the one hand, yet increasingly rare in today’s world.

 How do you envision your company in 5 and 10 years?

My hope is that in five or ten years, my brand will have gained significant recognition and become known to a wide audience. It will be a brand that resonates with people who share the same passion for gemstones as I do.