How did you become a jewelry designer?

One of my favorite childhood memories is playing with my mother’s jewelry that she collected and brought over from Eastern Europe. Carefully examining the precious ‘Russian rose gold’ pieces and wondering how they were made and discovering a fondness for the intricate details. My mother wore these signature pieces that she had collected as special gifts in her life. I recognized my love for jewelry and fashion at a young age. In college, I studied psychology and metalsmithing with an emphasis on jewelry design. After graduation, I worked as an art consultant and wardrobe stylist for many years. Somewhere along this journey I realized my love for designing and creating jewelry. I started working on my own jewelry line in 2011. In 2015, I founded Skaska on the idea that jewelry is an extension of our story and a collection of our special moments along the way.

How did you come up with the Skaska name? What does it mean to you?

The word skaska is Russian for a beautiful story, a fairytale and also pertains to one’s life story. In order for a skaska to occur, one must dream it up, believe it, put it out into the universe and let go. So in terms of my jewelry line, jewelry can be part of one's skaska that may hold or tell a story form generations before or a piece of your story that is just about to begin.

What are your inspirations?

I pull my inspirations from my daily surroundings. My love for travel, nature, art, the great outdoors and everything in between.

How do you find the materials used in Skaska pieces and how are they made?

All of the materials used in the collection have taken years to source. We strive to cultivate partnerships with companies we love and trust. We pride ourselves on using the finest responsible materials which we acquire from ethical sources that are transparent and abide by the responsible mining standards and the Kimberly law. Every Skaska design is made with sustainable gold and ethical diamonds.

What are your 3 favorite pieces to wear right now?

I am in love with the ‘X marks the spot’ diamond baguette studs. They are so classic and versatile. I wear our mini evil eye pendant on the belcher chain daily. This dainty necklace is perfect for layering and goes with everything! The 3 layer diamond + gold 3 layer ring will always be one of my favorite designs in the collection. This ring took over a year to bring to life. It is beautiful, eye catching with a bit of an edge.

How do you wear jewelry?

I often wear the same jewelry for months on end. I switch out a piece or two here and there, but I definitely pick favorites and layer them up daily.

Most meaningful piece of jewelry/story of a piece of your favorite jewelry?

One of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry that own would be my grandmother's ring that was passed down from my grandmother to my mother and then to me. It is an intricate yet dainty cigar eternity band handmade in true Russian rose gold. The details in this classic Russian design in its own way tell a story of the generations that wore it before me.

Describe Skaska in 3 words.

Ethical, timeless, beautiful.

What’s your favorite quote?

"Beauty is a spirit. It is timeless. Compassion, wit, serenity, and enthusiasm are qualities which make beauty life-enhancing. It's a style of character. There are no rules, no systems, as without any of these qualities, beauty is no more than an inanimate force - a sterile facade." - by Lee Radziwill

What drives you?

The joy of creating something from start to finish by planting the first seed and watching it grow. The journey is filled with ups and downs, obstacles and small victories along the way which provide this invigorating feeling of happiness and a sense of accomplishment. As cliche as it sounds, this is another one of my babies that I’ve I put countless hours of hard work and love into and it feels like the stars are aligning.