Nina Basharova is an acclaimed jewelry designer who has launched a successful namesake line after just a few short years since arriving in the United States

Nina Basharova has won many prestigious International awards and has made a name for herself as a truly talented creator of jewelry that is elegant, modern and unforgettable.  

1. WHY JEWELRY?

I got into jewelry completely by mistake!  I always knew from a young age that I would be involved with the visual arts, either applied or constructive.  Thanks to my parents who had recognized my gift from a very early age, I attended an art school for 4 years.  It was a profound experience that shaped me as an artist and a professional.  I also consider myself lucky having grown up in the Soviet Union where there was a strong emphasis on striving, success and discipline.  It was an environment that nurtured ambition and achievement. In 1990, my parents left the Soviet Union and emigrated to Israel.  I decided to apply for graphic design in the art college, but was told that I was too late with the application and the only vacancies available were in the jewelry department.  So I would have to say that jewelry had chosen me and not the other way around!

2. WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

My design ideas seem to appear "out of the blue," completely by surprise and in a most unexpected way, so I always carry a pen and paper with me to sketch. My inspiration is from within and may come from observations of common things and then, the idea will strike. This happened with my "Barbed Wire" collection, as a matter of fact.  I was stuck in subway car, and had nothing to do but to look out of the window and see the barbed wire fences along the tracks.  I had noticed a few rocks and leaves that were set organically by wire and that was the precise "Eureka" moment.

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3. WHAT IS AN AVERAGE DAY IS LIKE?

Completely unpredictable. Being a woman gives me the great advantage - the ability to multitask.  As a business owner, designer, and manufacturer, I juggle about 20 positions on any given day - that range from the receptionist to the CEO (through design, art direction, human resources, manufacture, distribution, PR, sales and accounting etc).

4. YOUR STORY IS QUITE INSPIRATIONAL... YOU CAME HERE ON A TRIP AND ENDED UP LAUNCHING AN INCREDIBLE JEWELRY LINE AND WINNING AWARDS…

There are many curious and mystic twists in my life that I believe lead me to where I am today.  I decided to come to the U.S. for a vacation in 2002.  On the very first night of my stay, just few hours after I had arrived - I found a job, actually, the job had found me.  I have met so many wonderful people though the years and found that America is rich with opportunities. People here are sincerely willing to help just because they can, and because they believe in you and your work. After a few years in the states, I felt that it was an opportune time to start my line.  By the time I had launched my own collection in 2007, I had already won 4 jewelry design awards and was published in jewelry books, as well as national consumer press.

5. HOW HAS BEING AN EMIGRANT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

I came to America with nothing but a suitcase. I had no friends or relatives.  Yet, I managed to not only survive, but to established and a successful brand, relying on the "kindness of strangers."  But I never stopped being Russian. And through my experience, I can truly relate to how it must feel for an orphan who feels alone in this world - I decided to dedicate my efforts to a charity that helps Russian orphaned and disadvantaged children.  After years of searching, I have found Russian Children Welfare Society http://www.rcws.org to dedicate my time, energy and efforts to this wonderful cause. The RCWS was established in US in 1926 by Russian emigrants, and through the years they have helped countless disadvantaged orphans.  I am both honored and proud to be working with them.

6. WHERE IS YOUR JEWELRY SOLD?

I have numerous retailers in US that carry my line.  We have an exclusive distribution - focusing on select specialty stores.  I would like to mention one in particular that had helped me tremendously in launching my name-sake line - Manika jewelry in San Francisco, CA http://www.manikajewelry.com of us being very new to the business of selling jewelry.  Manika is my first account and one of my favorite retailers, where I am their best selling designer, and if it were not for their support, there would probably not be a "Nina Basharova Jewelry Design".

7. WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR OTHER PROFESSION IF NOT DESIGN?

Pastry chef.

8. WHAT IS NEXT?

I am very much looking forward to the future and any new adventures which life has in store for me.  This year I turn 40.  It has been an exciting ride so far, and I am really looking forward to the next chapter!

To learn more about Nina Basharova and her jewelry please visit the website: http://www.ninabasharova.com/

Contact Nina Basharova at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.