It is fitting that during Women's History Month, our featured designer is one who has dedicated her work to lifting up women around her, empowering them and making them feel beautiful. The jewelry brand Armenta was established by the one-and-only Emily Armenta, who created an environment dedicated to creating and preserving the rich heritage of handcrafted jewelry. Emily's passion is to create jewelry with meaning. She and her team use the beauty of things, of places, of people, of ideas and embracing differences to inspire them. Through the jewelry, they share their philosophy and dedication to being a positive force that empowers every person who wears their designs.
Emily Armenta has had a love of all things creative from a very young age, surrounded by artists and her family. Though it wasn't until she began the MBA program at Rice University that she realized her passion of designing jewelry could become a reality. She entered the entrepreneurship program, and that is how the Armenta company and philosophy of doing business was created. Today, the Armenta studio is a source of inspiration, where the impossible can become a reality. Their team of artisans learn the craft of jewelry making, have a sense of empowerment, and gain newfound confidence that transcends into other aspects of their lives. The jewelry is a wonderful byproduct of the magic happening in the studio.
Each piece of Armenta jewelry is handcrafted using 18K gold, sterling silver, diamonds, and semi-precious stones. The jewelry is created right in the heart of Houston, Texas. Their jewelry isn't made by just anyone. The team strongly believes in the idea that from struggle, we can discover a beauty and spirit that easiness and frivolity alone cannot create. From that sentiment comes the term "duende" - it is the spirit of evocation. "Duende" is what gives you chills or makes you smile or cry when you see something beautiful. The hands which create the Armenta jewelry belong to those whose life journeys have been full of struggle and passion. They developed a school for women that come from disadvantaged circumstances, to educate and empower future generations of artisans. The Armenta mission to be socially responsible extends further than the walls of their company. They partner with vendors across the globe that share their dedication to empower and educate.
The story behind the women who work at the studio is truly one of inspiration and embodies the American Dream. Emily feels that she has been given a chance in life to make a difference in the lives of others and challenge the status quo. This belief is a guiding principle at Armenta. They embrace it boldly and strive to pass on to others.
To explore the beautiful Armenta collection at TIVOL, click here. You can also visit us on the Country Club Plaza or Hawthorne Plaza.