Jinnie Lee
Deniz Gurdalis, the designer behind the UK-based sustainable jewelry brand Ottoman Hands, is likely a bit of a history buff — after all, the “Ottoman” part of the brand’s name is a literal nod to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled much of the area where Europe, Asia, and Africa converge from the 14th to the early 20th centuries. (The “Hands” part of the name honors the brand’s slow, hand-crafted process.) What results from this unique blend of ideas is a vast collection of gilded baubles that blend contemporary design with ancient influences: Think pieces leaning into opulence, flourishes, and maximalism. There are red ruby, blue lapis, and emerald green gemstones punctuated by ornate sunburst, the “evil eye” amulet is one of the brand’s best-selling motifs, and Greek goddesses like Aphrodite and Demeter are the showstoppers of pendant necklaces.