Founded nearly four decades ago by Rolf and Helen von Bueren, the family has spent years traveling the world in search of creative inspiration and unique materials, and to nurture their long-standing relationships with some of the most highly skilled craftspeople alive. Now run by sons Sri and Nicki, the brand continues to push the boundaries of imagination with sublime curiosities. Making use of rare materials with auspicious associations, such as seeds, nuts, coconut shells, stingray leather, scarab wings, ebony and other precious woods, seashells and bamboo, the brand’s bold, animal-themed pieces borrow heavily from Asian culture and mythology.

Lotus Arts de Vivre’s jewelry designs are based on the metaphor of Natura Artifex, a philosophy common in medieval times that conveys nature’s role as an intermediator between ideal forms and ideal matter. Their designs incorporate the finest colored gemstones in the world, including emeralds from the legendary mines of Afghanistan, Burmese rubies, sapphires from Ceylon, Tsavorites from East Africa, Brazilian tourmalines, Persian turquoise and Basra Pearls from the Persian Gulf. The precious materials with which they work renders each of their pieces one-of-a-kind; dramatic silhouettes may be repeated, and yet the marks of both artisan and nature are singularly unique.

The brand’s hand-painted antique Japanese fan necklace, which took home the first-place prize in COUTURE’s 2021 Design Awards “Haute Couture” category, is another example of Lots Arts de Vivre’s fearless approach to design. Crafted in 18k gold and sterling silver with red lacquer, buffalo horn, rose cut diamonds, emeralds and baroque pearl, the piece is a breathtaking display of nature’s influence coupled with an inherent understanding of the human form. While the scale of the piece is tremendous, it’s extremely lightweight and comfortable, draping beautifully and gracefully on the bodice.