Luana Coonen

"I care about my design, craftsmanship, and sourcing of materials in equal regard. Design should be compelling, craftsmanship impeccable, and materials sourced from ethical and reputable sources. My pieces pack a statement, yet are easy enough to wear daily."

Luana Coonen is known for her high-end nature-inspired jewelry, designing modern talismans which encapsulate the mystique of natural movements and celestial phenomenons. Born in Hawaii, Luana has an undeniable connection with nature. Raised in the tropics and later living in a city, she focuses on the delicate balance between the organic and the manmade.

Trained as a traditional goldsmith, yet intrigued by contemporary design, Luana seamlessly combines traditional and alternative materials such as diamonds, sapphires, real leaves, and polycarbonates set in precious metals. Her work is brought together through a combination of casting and fabrication. Dedicated to sustainability, Luana works with recycled metals, traceable gemstones and diamonds.

Luana holds a BFA in Jewelry/Metalsmithing from California Collage of the Arts, and she started her namesake brand in 2008. Her work has been covered by the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and she is a is a two-time recipient of the Niche Award. Luana’s work has been featured in a variety of press, including movies and shows in which her pieces are worn by Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Ray.

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Selected Exhibitions & Awards
One & Only, Kholer Art Center, WI, 2017
American Craft Council Show, San Francisco, CA, 2016
Museum of Miniature: The Islands, Ireland, 2015
Greensmith, Gallery 1 Artisan, Brisbane, Australia, 2014
The Intimacy of Attachment, Safety-Kleen Gallery One, Elgin, Il, 2013
NICHE Finalist, Jewelry: Silver & Gold, Philadelphia, PA, 2017
NICHE Award Winner: Jewelry: Alternative Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 2016
American Craft Council Show, Baltimore, MD, 2020
American Craft Council Show, St. Paul, MD, 2019
"Earrings", Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, TX, 2018