CAPTIVATING KABANA!

For many years now, my trips to the famed Las Vegas jewelry show, By Couture, always included a visit to the brand KABANA. There are several reasons why I love spending time at their booth, firstly, their jewelry is beautiful! It's all handmade, and each piece has meaning. Secondly, KABANA stands out in a sea of global brands as being one of the few 100% American brands, founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their production remains to this day. And thirdly....the people! The friendliest, warmest team, passionate about KABANA, led by the engaging and effervescent Stavros Eleftheriou.

Together with Stavros and Nick.

Stavros, a Greek immigrant, arrived in New Mexico after meeting a group of American travelers in Europe, who told him to come visit! He arrived in New Mexico with $60 ('But I always felt rich" said Stavros, as he told me the story) in his pocket, and soon met a silversmith who asked him if he wanted to learn how to make silver jewelry. Fast forward a year, and Stavros and his wife of over four decades, Heidi, were making silver in the garage. In 1975 they decided to launch their own business, KABANA, with $1200 to their name! With a passion for quality materials, and an eye for fine design KABANA began with a vision: to create high-end jewelry in the U.S. using traditional methods and modern innovation. Today, every KABANA piece is designed and handcrafted entirely in-house in Albuquerque - something that sets the brand apart in a world of mass production.

When the KABANA team invited me to visit their Albuquerque jewelry factory, I grabbed the opportunity. I love visiting jewelry factories, and seeing how metal and gemstones are combined to create the beautiful jewels we all adore. I've had the good fortune of visiting wonderful jewelry manufacturers in Italy and Germany, but never in the USA, so it was with great excitement that I packed my bags and headed out West. And so began a three day trip which is one of my favorite trips ever.

Drinks with a view, with the amazing Eric and Alicia.

I stayed in the beautiful Hotel Chaco, which has a roof top bar with incredible views of the Sandia Mountains, and wonderful cocktails! We dined out like kings (I enjoyed some of the best meals I've ever had in America, New Mexico is a foodie haven!), and I enjoyed the warm hospitality of Stavros and Heidi in their beautiful home. Best of all was the time I spent in the KABANA factory, where every aspect of the jewelry making process was open for me to view. Full transparency. I truly appreciate that!

What really stood out for me?

1. LEGACY: The company, celebrating it's 50 year anniversary this year, has a rich legacy. It is located in old Mission Church, with a bell tower - did you know KABANA means Bell in Greek? Stavros, together with his son Nick, and a team of loyal, dedicated experts have put their hearts and soul into the business, and its reflected in the pride they have in every pieces. I've never seen such long standing employees, who are as invested in the business as though it was theirs!

   

   With Albino, the expert master of inlay.

2. MATERIAL RESOURCES: My mind was blown at the material resources that Stavros has collected over the past 50 years. Emeralds, sapphires, spinel, pearls, lapis, coral, malachite - it was a gem wonderland. I could have spent hours and opening boxes filled with our planets natural treasures! And before you worry...rest assured everything is legally and ethically sourced. I asked Stavros what his favorite gemstone is, and he replied " Brunettes, Redheads, Blondes, I love them all!" He added that "each stone is life - it was in the earth or the sea, and now someone is wearing it, it's a treasure." He went on to say that he reminds his team that each and every piece goes to a single individual, so they must put love into the making of each piece, because that love will go to its owner.

   

   Magical tourmalines.

3. 

   Emeralds from Colombia, Zambia, and Afghanistan.

   3. NAUTICAL/ NATURE THEME: it's no coincidence that a nautical theme runs throughout many iconic KABANA pieces - Heidi's father was a marine biologist, and instilled a deep love and care for the oceans into the family. Stavros loves sea life, and I saw pieces with whales tails, stingrays, flamingos and of course the mastepiece Nautical Necklace. Added to that is a dizzying array of nature lives - lotus blossoms, palm trees, and more!

Nature and Nautical jewelry by KABANA

Let’s take a dive into The Manufacturing Process: Where Art Meets Precision.

KABANA'S signature is its inlay technique, a meticulous process that involves setting stones into precious metals - typically 14k gold - so precisely that the surface appears seamless.

Here's how it's done:

1. Design & Conceptualization

It all begins with a hand drawn sketch.

Each piece starts as a hand-drawn sketch, inspired by natural forms, Southwestern motifs, or contemporary elegance. The designs are then transferred into 3D models.

2. Wax Carving & Casting

Skilled artisans' hand-carve many of the designs directly into wax, while other designs are cast into a mold that was carved out by hand. The lost-wax casting method is used, a traditional technique used in fine jewelry.

Working with wax.

3. Stone Selection & Inlaying

Stones like mother-of-pearl, turquoise, spiny oyster, onyx, and opal are carefully chosen for color and texture. They're hand-cut, shaped, and inlaid into the gold with precision that can only come from years of experience.

Pink Mother of Pearl which will be hand cut and inlaid into the hearts in the attached packet

Metals ready to be cast.

4. Polishing & Finishing

After setting the stones, each piece is polished by hand, ensuring a smooth, flawless surface and a luxurious feel.

From rough to polished.

5. Quality Control

Every piece undergoes strict quality checks before it leaves the studio-ensuring that it meets KABANA'S exacting standards.

Each piece undergoes a rigorous quality control process, and is then engraved and stamped.

What makes KABANA special?

If you're looking for jewelry that blends artistry, heritage, and the soul of the Southwest, KABANA is more than an accessory - it's a statement. Each piece & fusion of old-world craftsmanship and modern luxury, made with love in one of the most creative corners of America. Explore KABANA'S collections and discover how Albuquerque's heart beats in ever inlaid stone and polished curve.

A selection of beautiful KABANA pieces I saw during my visit.

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