Tunisia is a storied land that pulses with the energy of many cultures. The Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Andalusians, and Ottomans all imprinted their knowledge, legends, and artifacts, weaving a diverse tapestry of human experience. This was Adel Chefridi's childhood playground.

When Adel came to New York City in 1998 and first experienced the city's rich diversity, he felt right at home. Inspired by his passion for gemstones, he was always on the hunt for color and light in the famed Diamond District. Adel taught himself the craft of jewelry-making before studying at both GIA and the Studio Jewelers School to fine-tune his skills in metalsmithing.

One of Adel Chefridi's signature design elements is the engraving, which stems from his fascination with the beauty and meaning of inscribing symbols and patterns on stone or in metal. Not only is the etching or engraving an early form of human expression, but it's also a common language and an essential element in Tunisian design - from jewelry and architecture to textiles.

Adel's designs have their own way of communicating with anyone who beholds them, transcending both language and time. A person from any part of the world can relate to the free and boundless concept of beauty, which is meant to inspire, uplift, and unify. Beauty honors the past, is grounded in the present, and looks forward to the future.

Adel has always been drawn to beauty. As a result, he has spent years looking for new ways to express it, and gemstones give him one outlet to do so. Like looking for antique coins in the old roads of Carthage, he is always on the hunt for the most striking gems - like moonstones, sapphires, tourmalines, and turquoise.

Read more about Adel Chefridi's inspiration as he celebrates 25 years in the jewelry business in this interview with JCK Online.