NERSEL & IRENE

Many have said that Patara Beach in Lycia Patara, Turkey is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. Bordering the beach's lengthy, crystal-white sands are rolling mountains and undulating dunes.

The beach's quiet, tranquil surroundings cultivate relaxation, and of course, the view of the Mediterranean Sea's gem-tone, turquoise waters completes the picture perfect excursion into a terrestrial Heaven.

Turkey is also home to jewelry design team Nersel zur Muehlen and Irene Sokullu.

Muehlen and Sokullu's lusciously gorgeous, high-end designer jewelry is rich with history and ancient symbolism. In fact, the designers' signature symbol is the iconic feminine archetype: the Twin Goddesses.

A symbol of friendship and nature's continual cessation and rebirth, the designers effortlessly weave the emblem into their necklaces, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. The symbol also serves as the logo for their three-and-a-half-year-old company Nersel & Irene.

Friends since childhood, Muehlen and Sokullu shared a fascination with jewelry, culture, and one-of-a-kind designs. The world's ancient civilizations of Rome, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Anatolia left behind spectacular jewelry unearthed from archaeological digs, and the designers draw enormous inspiration from these significant pieces.

With their headquarters located in Hoboken, New Jersey, the designers work closely with a team of highly trained artisans to create compelling, passionate jewelry from 18- and 24-karat gold with vibrant touches of color-rich gemstones. Their Antique Fire Necklace, made with 24-karat gold and carnelian stones, is steeped in rich tradition and lore. Long ago, carnelian was used to promote inspiration, strengthen family bonds, and increase energy.

Through their fine jewelry, Muehlen and Sokullu want women to embrace their inner goddess. "One day, one of my colleagues told me that she hated her worn out, simple white gold wedding band," Muehlen recalls.

"I told her she would probably need something that sparkles, something unique, and handcrafted to reflect the hard work that goes into maintaining a happy marriage. We created a beautiful 18-karat yellow gold, hand hammered, antique-looking wedding band for her to reflect the unity of two people. She loved it!"

The designers' determination and focus is infectious as they are truly passionate about creating high quality designs that evoke strength and femininity. Muehlen offers this advice to aspiring jewelry designers wanting to distinguish themselves within a competitive jewelry market.


"My partner and I have spent all our weekends and free time building a business from our passion. Aim to create and give timeless, high quality jewelry that women can wear at various occasions, give to a loved one, or pass on to their children.

Distinguish yourself from the rest of the crowd by telling your story, talking about your inspirations, and the meaning your jewelry carries."
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Photo 1 (top right): 24-Karat Gold Antique Fire Necklace with Carnelian Stones
Photo 2 (bottom left): 24-Karat Gold Turquoise Ocean Pendant Necklace