Angie Marei

Angie Marei describes the scenario that inspires her continued creativity: “I’m on the train wearing my Damian ring,” she says, referring to a particularly attention-grabbing design, with two sharp horns. “People are intrigued, but they’re also kind of scared. Sometimes, they say, ‘What the hell is that? Like, it looks like a weapon — but it’s also really beautiful.’ I love that reaction.”

Indeed, that reaction motivates much of Marei’s work, which she defines as “luxe-noir.” In designing for her eponymous brand, which launched in 2013, she deploys symbols of power, spirituality and sexuality, drawing from the ancient world.

“My father was really proud about his Egyptian heritage,” Marei explains. “That definitely had a huge impact on me — I grew up learning about ancient Egyptian archaeology and traveled to Egypt as well.”

Marei had a multicultural upbringing in Queens, New York, with a Dominican mother in addition to her Egyptian father. While jewelry was important to both sides of her family — it was “a traditional form of savings,” she explains, in which “you wore your mortgage around your neck” — designing it wasn’t originally in her plans. She earned a degree in communications design from Pratt Institute and went on to become a creative director in advertising for such luxury brands as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Tom Ford.

Marei began taking weekend courses in jewelry design as a creative outlet. What began as amusement evolved into passion. When she was laid off during the financial crisis of 2008, she spent the next two years studying full-time with a master jeweler. “This is your calling,” he told her. Marei didn’t disagree.

Marei’s goal is to create rings, necklaces and other pieces that people will wear, “like a talisman,” she says, “something that will carry powerful healing or empowering energy.” And will continue to do so for generations. “With jewelry,” Marei explains, “you keep it forever. That is a legacy that really draws me.”

Find a collection of Angie Marei jewelry on 1stDibs.