Our Story
Elena Matallana Jewelry: Where Art Meets Nature
Elena Matallana’s journey from a fine artist to a celebrated jeweler began in 2008, during a transformative visit to a jewelry school in Barichara, a beautiful and picturesque town near Bucaramanga Colombia. This visit revealed a new medium through which Elena would continue her artistic expression, merging her passion for art with the intricate world of metals and precious stones. Her fine arts background deeply influences her unique jewelry designs, making each piece a work of art.
While Elena has been a jeweler for over a decade, the Elena Matallana brand was officially in 2021 as a collaborative project with her son, Daniel Matallana, a renowned fashion photographer based in New York. During the pandemic, while separated in different countries, they decided to bring Elena’s designs and art to the world. This collaboration not only celebrated Elena’s artistic journey but also strengthened their connection during challenging times. Daniel’s expertise in photography and visual storytelling has been instrumental in showcasing the brand’s unique pieces to a bigger audience.
Our Philosophy
At Elena Matallana, we are committed to artisanal craftsmanship, ensuring that our production processes do not harm the environment. Our figurative jewelry pieces are designed to educate and inspire, fostering a deeper appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. By merging beauty with a message, our jewelry serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
Cultural Heritage and Environmental Commitment
Elena’s designs are deeply rooted in Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the masterful craftsmanship of pre-Columbian goldsmiths whose works can be admired at Bogotá’s Gold Museum. She blends these traditional techniques with contemporary artistry to create pieces that are both timeless and modern.
A significant influence on Elena’s work is the Serranía del Chiribiquete National Natural Park in the Colombian Amazon. This recently discovered UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the oldest pictograms in the Americas and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Elena’s collections, such as “GUARDIAN,” highlight endangered species like the sacred Jaguar and the exotic Royal Flycatcher, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation. As featured in Flaunt, her jewelry brings awareness to these species, blending art with activism.
Craftsmanship and Design
Each piece of Elena Matallana jewelry is a labor of love and meticulous craftsmanship. Elena begins her creative process with extensive research on the species she aims to protect. She then creates mood boards and sketches, followed by metal trials until the perfect design is achieved. Handcrafted in her workshop, located in the town of Sesquile, one hour away from her home town Bogota, her pieces often feature Colombian emeralds, symbolizing the lush green of the country’s tropical vegetation. The use of gold-plated brass ensures that each piece is accessible while maintaining an air of luxury and sophistication.
Experience the Magic
We want our customers to feel unique, powerful, and connected to a greater cause when wearing our jewelry. Each piece is designed to stand out, whether worn casually during the day or for special occasions, making you feel special and part of a meaningful narrative. As mentioned in Flaunt Magazine, wearing Elena Matallana is more than an aesthetic choice; it is a statement of elegance and environmental consciousness.
Our Vision
At Elena Matallana, we aspire to become a widely recognized brand, cherished by those who wear our pieces and share our values. Inspired by our heritage, culture, and nature, we are committed to continuous evolution, experimenting and creating new pieces while staying true to our unique style. Our goal is to innovate and push the boundaries of jewelry design, celebrating the beauty of the natural world and the rich traditions of our Colombian roots. As we grow, we aim to raise awareness about environmental conservation and cultural preservation, making every piece not only a statement of elegance but also a testament to our commitment to a better world.
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