Neva Balnikova

Jewellery maker

When an artistic mind turns to jewellery

Neva is a self-taught jewellery designer who loves the freedom of making jewellery
At 13 years old, she created her first object: a paper sculpture resembling a dragon
Her work was showcased at London Fashion Week and numerous design festivals

Neva Balnikova's jewellery pieces are audacious, unexpected and sculptural, often bordering on wearable art. Her work mixes pop and traditional references, animal motifs, and surprising combinations of materials and forms. She frequently turns to natural, locally sourced elements such as leather and stone, embracing their texture and irregularity. Her jewellery feels intentionally raw, celebrating imperfection as a form of strength and authenticity. "My jewellery is designed to empower the wearer, support individual expression, and honour the uniqueness we each carry," says Neva. Her workshop is both a workspace and a gallery where visitors stumble upon rare prints, props, antiques and eclectic pieces that reflect Neva’s singular aesthetic and view of the world: refined with a touch of eccentricity.

Interview

What is your journey as a jewellery maker?: I remember drawing a lot as a child. My interest in jewellery began when I noticed a friend's bracelet during a school lesson. It sparked something in me. Later, while studying animation at New Bulgarian University, I began experimenting with jewellery. Nikolay Sardamov played a crucial role guiding me in this craft.
Where do you look for materials?: From all kinds of places. I love the rock collection at the Earth and Man National Museum in Sofia. When they host sales from their archive, I never miss them. I also love antique and secondhand shops as there is unexpected potential in repurposing an object.
How does your creative process unfold?: My process is driven by experimentation. Working with a wide variety of materials allows me to stay open to mixing elements, although this kind of experimentation also demands patience. It often takes time to arrive at the right combination or idea.
What are the challenges of this craft for the future?: AI is powerful when it comes to productivity and optimisation, but it does not work through mistakes. I believe mistakes are essential to innovation. Many of my ideas come from unintentional gestures or unexpected outcomes while working with materials. I may start from a sketch, but rarely end up with what I first envisioned, and this is the magic of craftsmanship.

Neva Balnikova is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008