Karina Brez: Founder of Karina Brez Jewelry, Which Makes Horse Inspired Pieces With Lots of Heart

Known for her delicately made equestrian inspired pieces which can be worn casually or for a night out, Karina Brez, founder of Karina Brez Jewelry, might be from a family of jewelers, but she is the first one to become a gemologist. With a creative side which became apparent at a young age, Karina, who launched her signature line the same year she was crowned Miss Florida USA in 2012, first thought that she was going to be involved in something more fashion related.

 

“My father and grandfather were never gemologists, they were jewelers. I’m the first one in my family to become a gemologist. Since I was 6, I would win awards in school for my art, and was always involved in creative extracurricular activities— initially I envisioned myself as a shoe designer. My father asked me to continue the family legacy in the jewelry business, and I decided to join the trade, but carve my own path within it. I felt gemology was a good place to start, since it was different from what he was doing, yet complementary.”

 

An enthusiastic horse lover, Karina started riding in her early 20’s, mostly just for fun. Wanting to share this passion while helping others, she began volunteering and supporting Horses Healing Hearts, a 501(c)(3) charity that serves children whose parents are affected by addiction. Using the healing power of horses, it supports their emotional needs and teach coping skills, giving them the tools to lead a healthy life, free of drugs and alcohol, and break the generational cycle of addiction.

Constantly inspired by horses, Karina’s collections clearly symbolize what she set out to do with her line, which is to convey the love and connection we share with these majestic animals. Current collections include the popular Huggable Hooves, where the horse gets to hug you back with hooves which wrap around the wearer.  The Horse LUV Collection combines the form of two horses into a heart, a symbol for those who love horses, and an heirloom for connecting those who have a shared endearment for horses.  The Bit of LUV Collection alludes to the communication between horse and rider, celebrating all parts working in tandem. The horse bit, part of the bridle, is designed to communicate a rider’s wishes to the horse.

The philosophy of the brand is to offer not just special and meaningful pieces, but also personalized client care. “Karina Brez Jewelry provides a vast collection of beautiful jewelry, not seen anywhere else, to equestrian clientele at the top horse shows around the country, matched by exceptional customer service, and value,” says Karina.

 

When it comes to her customized bespoke collection, Karina takes the time to discuss the process and find what the client is looking for. She then sketches the concept before turning their unique jewelry design dream into reality. The process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, when not in horse show season.

 

She might have a storefront on the famed Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, but Karina also developed a traveling showroom called The Jeweled Barn so that she could take her high-quality, horse inspired pieces on the show circuit road.

 

“I always wanted a store I could tow to shows, since many horse shows are temporary, and it would take the burden off unloading and moving in each time. I have always admired tiny home style boutiques that were different and mobile. After a few years of wanting a tiny home boutique, I was able to make my dream a reality. You can find The Jeweled Barn at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, now through April. We are located next to the international club entrance to VIP, next to Hermes.”

In addition to carrying signature Karina Brez collections, the flagship location also sells antique, vintage and signed pieces. “Our prices and quality are what sets us apart. As an appraiser, I pick out items that have value, and I create displays that are beautiful and accessible to buyers. Our price range begins at $300 and goes up to the millions, so there is something for everyone.”

 

In addition to visiting around five to six shows a year, seven stores also currently carry the signature collections, and this is just the beginning. In fact, up next is a collection which is being launched with American-Israeli Olympic equestrian Dani G. Waldman called Fearless Feathers by Dani. G, with each bracelet or ring paying homage to horses by incorporating horse hooves.

“Dani and I both decided to work together on collaborative project that would connect creativity and self-expression to horses. What better way to do that than through jewelry, which is extremely personal to all, and by incorporating her signature feathers as a symbol of fearlessness? We discussed combining feathers to an already existing collection, Huggable Hooves, and soon “Fearless Feathers by Dani G.” was born. The name was created during our first collection photo shoot together.”

 

You will also be able to catch the latest collections at Traverse City Horse Show, where Karina Brez will be exhibiting from June through September.

 

Stay tuned and follow @karinabrezjewelry and @thejeweledbarn on IG to learn more!