Internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Helen Yarmak is well-known for her vibrant and colorful coats that have been worn by some of the most iconic pop stars in history. Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Mary J Blige have all donned her creations on various occasions. However, what many people may not know is that Yarmak is also a talented jewelry designer, and she has recently launched a captivating ocean-inspired collection called Natural Beauty as part of her Fall/Winter 2024 collection, just in time for New York Fashion Week.
The Natural Beauty collection showcases an exquisite array of rings, earrings, and necklaces that incorporate semi-precious stones often overlooked in the world of jewelry design. One such stone is the soft pink Morganite. Yarmak's aim with this collection is to pay homage to the deep sea and the natural treasures that lie within it.
'I love and appreciate what mother earth gives us,' explains Yarmak. 'Our oceans make up more than 70 percent of our planet, and there's beauty and a whole different life underwater.' Her deep admiration for the wonders of the natural world is evident in every piece of the Natural Beauty collection.
Helen Yarmak has established herself as a luxury fashion designer with a unique background. She obtained a PhD as a mathematician in Kyiv and initially began her fashion journey by designing lingerie in her kitchen for friends in the 1980s. This experience ignited a creative passion within her, leading her to create her namesake lifestyle brand which comprises womenswear and menswear, jewelry, a home accessories collection, and salons. Yarmak describes herself as a scientist who can effectively utilize both sides of her brain, enabling her to bring incredible designs to life.
The new collection showcases stunning aquamarine rings and pieces made from striking stones like Morganite and Kunzite. Yarmak explains that each of these stones possesses a unique story as they have absorbed the earth's energy for millions of years. When selecting stones for her designs, she must instantly feel connected to them. If that connection is absent, she gracefully parts ways with the stone. This connection serves as the driving force behind her imagination and leads her to create the ultimate design for her jewelry.
Contrary to popular belief, Yarmak asserts that jewelry featuring semi-precious stones can still exude luxury. She adores transparent gemstones for their rarity and mentions an assortment of Paraiba tourmaline stones that she collected years ago, which are now difficult to find. Fortunately, she has amassed a significant collection. Additionally, she incorporates a semi-precious stone called Rubellite into her latest collection. With its red hue and mystical properties, Rubellite adds an enchanting touch. Yarmak is particularly fond of using larger-scale stones, as their value increases over time.
Yarmak's journey in jewelry design began in the 1990s when she was invited to a British Red Cross Gala held at Buckingham Palace. She found herself without any suitable jewelry to wear to the event and, in a stroke of ingenuity, headed to a store that sold loose stones. There, she purchased sizable Topaz stones, designed unique settings for them, and created her first ring, necklace, and earrings. To her delight, guests at the gala, who were adorned in luxury brands such as Cartier and Tiffany, approached her to express admiration for her own jewelry. This marked the beginning of her jewelry line.
Each piece in Helen Yarmak's jewelry collection tells a captivating story, serving as a testament to her dedication and mastery. The bold statement stones that she incorporates have become a trademark of her extravagant style. Her other jewelry collections include the Art of Love collection and the Rock & Royal collection, which features diamonds and pearls. She also has the Guardian Angel collection, among others.
Yarmak's philosophy centers around the idea that humans are intricately connected to mother earth and must appreciate the wealth of riches and blessings she bestows upon us. Her jewelry designs represent a celebration of natural luxury, designed to remind us of the beauty and wonder that lies within the world around us. Through her exquisite craftsmanship and deep connection to the earth, Helen Yarmak continues to captivate the world of fashion and jewelry design.
