Meet Christina Magdolna of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Magdolna.

Hi Christina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
With a background in fine art, I spent a decade in Paris and Brussels, which is where my passion for creating jewelry really took off.

In 2018, I founded Christina Magdolna Jewelry, starting with one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate the singular beauty of each gemstone. This approach was inspired by the idea that every stone, with its unique chromatic patterns, could be transformed into jewelry as distinctive as the individual wearing it. This philosophy resonated, leading to our first retail partnership with Roseark in Los Angeles.

Since then, we’ve expanded into Europe ad Asia, partnering with esteemed retailers like WHITEbIRD in Paris and Barney’s in Japan. While we now include small-batch productions alongside our one-of-a-kind creations, the heart of our design remains rooted in celebrating individuality. Each piece draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, including Art Deco, modern minimalism, classic Cubism, ancient Mesoamerican art, and the spirited elegance of La Dolce Vita – all of which have deeply shaped my life and work.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first started creating jewelry, it came from a place of personal expression, as I’ve always been passionate about working with my hands and creating art. A few years down the line, as my work gained attention and the official brand began to take shape, we certainly encountered challenges.

One of which was balancing the scale of production with our commitment to uniqueness. As demand grew, deciding how to expand production while maintaining the handcrafted quality and exclusivity of our pieces was a delicate task. Fortunately, our dedicated team has fine-tuned process optimization and quality control.

Additionally, staying true to sustainable and ethical practices in an industry often driven by quick turnarounds and cost-cutting has been demanding but necessary. This has led to innovative sourcing strategies and partnerships that align with our values, ensuring that we stay true to our ethos.

These challenges, while sometimes daunting, have reminded us to say curious, as the more you learn, the easier it is to anticipate and navigate the path ahead!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Christina Magdolna Jewelry, or CMJ, is a minimalist fine jewelry brand that embodies graceful simplicity through delicate lines, vibrant colors, and glittering movements.

This joyful design language is defined by bold geometric shapes and vivid hues, but the lines in each piece are not static; they carry the subtle energy of motion, brought to life by dangling gemstones or shimmering golden beams.

As the wearer moves, the jewelry dances in response, creating a dynamic story that unfolds with every gesture.

At the heart of CMJ is a celebration of individuality. Each piece features unique gemstones that I enjoy hand-selecting from small, often family-owned lapidaries around the world.

Through these sunlit, kinetic designs, I strive to capture the beauty of nature’s perfect imperfections, blending minimalist aesthetics with a touch of the avant-garde spirit found in cubist art.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When building your own business as a creative person, it can be so tempting to retreat into your studio or office, immersing yourself in projects day and night. However, the true key to growth, exposure, and expansion lies in creating connections. It’s essential to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace a mindset of exploration. By doing so, you’ll meet people eager to support your journey and unlock new opportunities.

My own journey in jewelry craftsmanship began with a chance meeting with my mentor, Martine Frisvold. I discovered her boutique while exploring, drawing in by her stunning work and a desire to learn more. That encounter changed everything for me, as we forged a friendship and she began to teach me the art of metalsmithing.

You never know what connections or relationships await just around the corner, if you’re willing to look. So, while it’s important to stay dedicated to your craft, always remain open to new experiences and seek out opportunities to connect – even when you least expect them.

Pricing:

• $1000-$4000

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinamagdolna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinamagdolnajewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinamagdolnajewelry
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/christinamagdolna/

Image Credits
C Washington, Annabelle Foucher