about maddalena bearzi
 

style meets sustainability

Maddalena Bearzi organic jewelry is inspired by the magnificent natural world around us, a world to not only appreciate but also protect. A deep respect of nature, a passion for the discovery of different cultures, textures and materials, and a commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices are at the heart of this handmade, one of a kind jewelry line. Using methods and materials that avoid depleting or destroying the Earth’s resources, Maddalena Bearzi pieces exemplify that style and sustainability go hand in hand. 

one of a kind creations

Maddalena Bearzi began making jewelry by joining sustainable textiles with distinctive solid elements such as repurposed metals, upcycled vintage charms and natural stones, to reveal unique and texturized pieces. Textile-based creations have expanded to a focus on one of a kind, organic metal jewelry. Each piece is individually handcrafted, mostly of fine & reclaimed silver and gold, with precious and semi-precious stones. Maddalena Bearzi also incorporates bronze, brass and copper by using innovative metalsmithing techniques to create original shapes, textures and subtle color tones. Handmade limited editions, such as the acqua, aria, pianeta and terra collections further the exploration of natural themes translated into striking, coordinated pieces.

wearable art, inspired by nature

Every Maddalena Bearzi jewelry piece tells its own unique, nature-inspired story, providing a lifetime of wearable enjoyment. 

the woman behind the work

Maddalena Bearzi is an Italian jewelry artist, marine biologist and writer. Born in Verona, Italy into an artistic family, she has traveled extensively studying wild animals and learning new ways to express herself. She began to pursue her passion for jewelry craftsmanship on her own, and later studied metalsmithing at the University of California, Los Angeles. Maddalena has learned techniques from master silversmith and jeweler Gordon Wainwright and from world-recognized jewelry artist Harold O’Connor. Her jewelry draws from her experiences in other artistic media such as paint and textiles. Maddalena’s work has been exhibited in galleries and art shows.
 

As a scientist, Maddalena holds a Ph.D. in Biology and works as President of the non-profit Ocean Conservation Society. She has studied whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals in the field for over 30 years and has published several books, including Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins (Harvard University Press, 2008, coauthored with C. Stanford), Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist (The University of Chicago Press, 2012; with sketches by the author), Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times (Heyday, 2023; with sketches by the author), and The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle (Roaring Brooks / MacMillan, 2025). Maddalena has worked as an official blogger for National Geographic, and she writes essays and op-eds on current environmental issues and wilderness for different media.

The Maddalena Bearzi jewelry studio is based in Los Angeles, California, where Maddalena lives with her husband and dog.