
D
esigner Yana Nesper was born in Russia and grew up in Nikolayev, Ukraine, the daughter of a family of professors. Her training in classical piano, a hobby she maintains today, was deeply influential in establishing her appreciation for beauty and grace. In 1993, Yana moved to Germany and began working for one of the most influential importers of cultured pearls in Europe, Heinz Nesper GmbH, where she discovered her love of design and marketing. She later married the company’s managing director, Frank Nesper. When she began designing her eponymous collection in 2010, she merged the eminence of her husband’s company with her own, discerning point-of-view
Yana’s modern interpretations of pearl jewelry are luxurious, with a minimalist, understated sophistication.

The sense of fluidity Yana evokes through her work is beautifully balanced by the enduring quality of craftsmanship applied to each of her designs. Ever cognizant of the demands made of powerful, independent women—the women for whom she designs—Yana strives to provide through her creations a feeling of stability, tradition and a touch of luxury. Through innovation in design and technical acumen, her work is versatile and adaptable to the distinct lifestyles and personalities of collectors of her jewelry. With pieces such as a necklace that can be worn three ways, earrings with detachable drops and flexible wrap bracelets, women are able to authentically express their individuality through adornment.

Yana’s modern interpretations of pearl jewelry are luxurious, with a minimalist, understated sophistication. She is guided by the natural elegance of the finest pearls, which is a foundational philosophy of her collection, and thoughtfully executed details are evident in every one of her designs. A signature of the collection is a solitary sapphire set in 18k gold carefully handcrafted into every single piece, which represents beautiful blue lagoons, the very origin of pearls. The brand states that the sapphire is, “An ambassador for classic elegance, the ultimate hallmark of quality and the exclusive trademark of Yana Nesper.”

Her commitment to working with only the finest pearls is fueled by her passion for these sublime gifts of nature. Yana’s appreciation for and intimate knowledge of high-quality pearls are evident in designs that enhance the beauty of imperfections in Baroque pearls, or pieces that highlight perfectly spherical pearls with bold, organic lines. Utilizing South Sea, Akoya, Tahitian and Freshwater pearls in her collections, Yana’s fresh approach to pearl jewelry design strikes a stylish arc between tradition and modernity.