Stella Flame Celebrates Her Artistic Journey and Jewelry Legacy
BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y., Nov. 26, 2024 — Stella Flame, a renowned jewelry designer and curator, is making waves in the world of fine jewelry with her award-winning work and her unique approach to gallery ownership. The founder of the Stella Flame Gallery in Bridgehampton, Flame has solidified her place as a true Renaissance woman. In the past year alone, she has received multiple accolades that highlight both her creative talent and her deep commitment to community and philanthropy.
“I’m thrilled that the work we do at the gallery has been recognized,” said Flame, reflecting on the honors she’s earned. “What we aim to provide in our gallery, whether it’s the philanthropic impact, the atmosphere we create for visitors, or our role in the local community, is all part of our essence. It’s gratifying to see it being acknowledged.”
Flame’s achievements this year have been significant. She won the prestigious Visionary Award at an international competition hosted by the Cultured Pearl Association of America, for a ring she designed that tells the story of the Greek mythological figures, Daphne and Apollo. The jewelry design was praised for its narrative power and intricate craftsmanship. Additionally, in August 2024, InStore Magazine named Stella Flame Gallery one of the “Coolest Stores in America,” further cementing her influence in the industry.
The recognition didn’t stop there. In October, Flame was featured as a designer at Rome Jewelry Week 2024, a full-circle moment that also highlighted her deep family connections to Italy. “It was a special opportunity for me, especially when Italian jewelry historian Laura Astrologo Porché invited me to present at the event,” Flame shared. “She asked me about my connection to Italy, and I shared the deeply personal story of my mother’s life during World War II and how I came to be named Stella.”
Flame’s mother, Hanna, was born in Poland and endured unimaginable hardship during the war, including being enslaved in a labor camp. During this time, she befriended an Italian woman named Stella, who tragically didn’t survive. Hanna, determined to honor the woman’s memory, promised to name her daughter Stella if she ever had a child. “It’s a story I don’t often speak about, but when I shared it at Rome Jewelry Week, the audience was moved to tears,” Flame said.
The legacy of her mother’s resilience has shaped Stella Flame both as an artist and a person. Hanna’s love for jewelry and fashion, despite the hardships she faced, has had a profound influence on Flame’s own aesthetic and career. “My mother always had an elegant way about her, whether life was smooth or challenging,” Flame explained. “She was a model of grace, and her story of survival is something I carry with me.”
Stella Flame’s journey into the world of jewelry design began in 2008 when she visited Istanbul, Turkey, with her daughter. It was during this trip that she fell in love with both the city and the art of jewelry making. A few years later, her designs caught the attention of a New York City showroom, and soon, her creations were featured in museums, boutiques, and galleries across the United States.
In 2014, Flame opened a concept shop in Sag Harbor, before relocating her gallery to Bridgehampton, where it now serves as a platform for her vision and the work of other talented designers. The gallery’s concept is a reflection of her personal journey—art, jewelry, and culture interwoven into a space that fosters both creativity and community.
“My gallery is not just a place to buy jewelry; it’s about offering a personalized experience,” Flame explained. “We want people to come in, explore, and feel welcome. Our approach is the opposite of aggressive sales tactics. We want people to discover what we have, and we don’t put pressure on them to buy right away. I’ve had people tell me they come here when they’re feeling down, and that’s exactly what I want—to create a space that makes people feel good.”
Flame and her team—each handpicked for their expertise and passion—strive to make every visitor’s experience at the Stella Flame Gallery meaningful. “We believe in educating our clients and making them feel part of the process. My team is wonderful, and we all share the same philosophy: to make people feel valued and understood,” she said.
As for advice to budding jewelers and consumers alike, Flame emphasizes the importance of emotional connection. “Jewelry, like any art, should speak to you emotionally,” she said. “Whether you’re creating or buying, it’s about finding pieces that resonate with you. I’m always searching for unexpected designs that evoke an emotional response. And if my team isn’t excited about something, we pass on it.”
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