Glamourous Gems
Jewelry Designer Daniela Swaebe Designs with Purpose
Say the name “Daniela Swaebe” around the Miami fashion scene and she is immediately recognized as an exquisite jewelry designer whose gems are worn at many of Miami’s most glamorous events.
“Both of my parents were gemologists so I was surrounded by jewels from any early age,” said Swaebe. “My father would lecture around the world about gems, and my mother started setting stones into high end jewelry. Eventually, I began working with my parents during the summers when I was on break from high school (Beach High).”
However, like many young adults in search for their own identity, Swaebe initially rejected the family business. After attending New York University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Swaebe returned home and earned an MBA from the University of Miami. Following her studies, she ventured into the corporate world of health care administration.
Swaebe quickly learned that corporate America was not her calling and yearned for the creativity that was a staple of her upbringing. She partnered with her mother and moved into their downtown Miami showroom at 150 SE 2nd Avenue.
Swaebe describes her design style as classic. Even her modern pieces have classic undertones. She enjoys working with yellow gold, yet is currently venturing into white gold.
“I am always open to trying new things,” she explained. “I have an extensive collection that is available in my showroom and at Neiman Marcus, and I also do custom work that includes repurposing older pieces. I often take older family heirlooms and rework them into something modern, so it retains its sentimental value yet fits with the times.”
Swaebe chooses to give back to the community through community service and donations of her jewelry to charity events. Among the organizations to which Swaebe has donated auction pieces are Women of Tomorrow, JAFCO, Mount Sinai Medical Center Young Presidents, Humane Society, and many more.
Swaebe also incorporates giving into her exhibitions. “I had a jewelry show at Anick Vorbe’s house last year with proceeds benefiting The Miami Children’s Hospital,” she said. “In January, I had a show at my mother’s house on Fisher Island with proceeds benefiting Community Partnership for the Homeless. And just recently in New York City, I had a show on the Upper West Side that benefited the Yemin Order Youth Village.”
On the horizon, Zuri Pascual will be hosting a show for Swaebe to benefit the March of Dimes, and this summer there will be a Chicago show benefiting the Adam Don Foundation – an organization that gives grants to youth organizations.
Swaebe is a hometown girl who has combined the teachings of her youth and a solid business education to create her own highly successful jewelry design firm. Her classic style and modern thinking ensure that her pieces carry a certain elegance that fit beautifully with today’s luxury lifestyle. Check out Daniela Swaebe at www.danielaswaebe.com.
