The international jewelry market finds a breath of fresh air and an inspired eye in designer Miguel Simek's relationship with art.

Miguel Simek was born in Brazil of European descent and always showed keen fascination for travel. In his early twenties, after graduating in industrial engineering, he realized that this was not his true calling and decided to sail off on a long journey to Southeast Asia and India.

It was in Khatmandu that he began his apprenticeship in the timeless art of metal crafting and jewelry making. With no specific training, Miguel joined with local artisans to learn silversmithing techniques, quickly developing his skills.

Sergio Gutierrez was born in Colombia, in 1965. He studied electronics engineering while living in Medellin, Colombia. In 1991, he moved to San Francisco where he began researching ways of using ball chain to create a mesh like fabric. After two years, he developed what is now the basis of his “Liquid Metal Mesh” jewelry and accessory line. In 1994, designer Betsy Johnson was the first to approach Sergio about creating exclusive designs for her chain of retail stores. She carried his line for two years. He decided to relocate to Miami and then came companies such as Nordstrom, Babe and Cache, when his company started to grow.

Sergio's creativity and dreams for his business continued. He developed techniques for incorporating his “Liquid Metal Mesh” with leather bags, bracelets, belts and jackets along with blue jean pants and skirts.

In 2003, he was granted a patent for creating a unique technique he has named, “Liquid Microchips”, electronic circuitry components have been altered to resemble the most delicate, intricate decorative elements. Sergio fondly refers to them as the “skeletons of today's inside technology”. These “skeletons” are incorporated into his mesh, objects collection and leather items.

His designs are collected and worn by celebrities such as Demi Moore, Cher, Patricia Wettig, Marilyn Manson, Sara Michelle Gellar, Tony Braxton, Sharon Stone, Thalia, Tyra Banks and many more. Britney Spears purchased some of Sergio's jewelry on a recent visit to The Gold Door.

Clients who wear his jewelry and accessories daily, as if they were extension of themselves, value the comfort and uniqueness of the wonderful mesh designs Sergio has created.

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Many other trips to Asia followed. During ensuing longer stopovers in Europe, while visiting museums, antique shops and street fairs, his interest in antique jewelry grew and he used the opportunity to study art history and jewelry design.

Back in Rio, Miguel Simek settled in his charming workshop in Gávea neighborhood, becoming well known for exhibiting his jewelry floating in aquariums at the Babylon Market, as well as in his own elegant store in the heart of Ipanema.

He became active in local events and collaborated to conceive the “Jóia Brasil” (Jewelry Brazil) exhibitions during Rio Fashion Week. This event now receives extensive coverage in leading fashion publications.

Miguel Simek is Rio de Janeiro's Regional Director of The Brazilian Guild of Jewelry Designers, an association of Brazil's most successful and well-known jewelry artists. Through this guild, Miguel's jewelry was appreciated in several cities in Mexico during a traveling exhibition in 2004, the Couture Club at JA New York and the famous BaselWorld 2005.

Through invitation, his designs have also been included in other overseas exhibitions including London (Liberty) and Toronto (Birks).

Today Miguel Simek has gone global and his work can be seen either in silver or gold, in the finest jewelry stores, boutiques and galleries around the world, including The Gold Door.

His keen eye, massive creative energy and knowledge of contemporary trends insure he will remain a major force in the international jewelry market for many decades to come.

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