Jewelry that becomes part of your days
VÉRA is a fine jewelry studio at 52 Greene Street in New York, founded by Vera Castellan in 2018. A team of three designs, makes and checks every piece in solid 14k and 18k gold, meant to be worn every day, given at the moments that matter, and passed on.
How it began
Vera Castellan trained as a goldsmith and spent years making other people's designs. What she noticed most was how rarely fine jewelry was worn. It went into boxes after the occasion it was bought for.
In 2018 she started VÉRA to make the opposite: solid gold pieces small and sturdy enough to wear every day, designed so that a ring bought for an engagement or a pendant given for a birthday stays on, and gathers its meaning by being worn. The name comes from her own, and from the Latin for true.
What we design for
Wear first. Every design is tested on the bench and on our own hands for weeks before it is released: how it sits, whether it catches, how it looks after a month.
Honest materials. Solid 14k and 18k gold, stamped with its fineness. No plating, no hollow tubes, no stones we cannot describe to you.
One language. Every piece carries the same three details: the chamfered octagon of the hallmark stamp, one satin plane against polished gold, and a fine line of gold granules. Wear any two together and they belong.
The people behind the bench
Vera Castellan
Founder and designer
Vera founded the studio in 2018 and draws every collection, starting from the chamfered octagon of the hallmark stamp. She still answers most custom requests herself, meets clients for consultations, and approves every design before it reaches the bench.
Jonah Reyes
Head goldsmith
Jonah casts, sets and finishes the pieces at the Greene Street bench, and hand engraves signets and medallions. He checks every claw, clasp and solder joint under 10x magnification and signs off each piece before it is boxed.
Amara Lowell
Gemologist, GIA Graduate Gemologist
Amara chooses and grades every stone we set, discloses any treatment, and writes the report that comes with each gemstone piece. Diamonds of 0.50 ct and above are also sent to GIA for an independent grading report.
Since 2018
Next, we want to stay small enough that the person who designs your piece can still answer your email about it.
- 2018Vera Castellan sells her first ten Thread rings from a shared bench in the Garment District.
- 2020Jonah Reyes joins as head goldsmith. Every piece is now cast and finished in-house.
- 2022The studio moves to Greene Street, with a small showroom for private appointments.
- 2024Amara Lowell, GIA Graduate Gemologist, joins to choose and grade every stone we set.
- 2026The first numbered Ribbon Cuffs, our most demanding piece so far, leave the bench.