Location: Mandarin Oriental Miami

Shelly Klinger handcrafts "every piece" in her Shelly Swed K line of one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry. "I have to design everything about it. It has to be made perfectly," Shelly says, and her clients—typically women who "can afford anything" and are "really tired" of diamonds—appreciate "the details; the perfection of each piece," she says.

"I love to create," says the Miami-based entrepreneur, who grew up watching her late father, a well-known jeweler in Israel, "designing spectacular pieces." He taught her about much more than craftsmanship. "He was full of good energy, and it transferred to me," she says. Shelly fondly recalls not only her father's talent, but his kindness and "the way he treated each client." She uses her maiden name for her line because "I adored my father so much," she says.

She doesn't quibble, however, when Mario Klinger, her husband of twenty-seven years, confidently chimes in: "I am her inspiration," as she describes the diverse influences on her work. "Every day, something inspires me," she says. Travels with her husband and three children allow her to observe cultural nuances that fuel her creativity, and she's always on the lookout for the wondrous gems and semi-precious stones that figure prominently in her pieces, making most designs impossible to replicate.

Stones such as peridot, amber and rubies have spiritual properties that transcend their visual allure. She encourages women to wear jewelry daily, not just for special occasions. "It does make a difference emotionally for a woman, since every stone has a special good energy," she believes.

Shelly's necklaces, bracelets and earrings are unique not only because the stones are thoughtfully selected for their beauty and power, but because each is strung on 18-karat gold wire or leather and makes a separate, bold statement. "The construction is so different," Mario explains. "Shelly's rings," also created with gold wire, "have movement," says Mario: "The stones are loose on the ring."

Her ability to customize a piece not only to complement a woman's attire, but her skin tone, hair color, eyes—even her personality—is what ultimately makes her creations sought-after. She frequently designs with a specific wearer in mind, whether it's a client described to her by staff at one of the exclusive resorts and boutiques that carry her collection or a gift commissioned by a groom for his wife-to-be. Once he's shared "her colors and what she usually wears, I will take it from there," Shelly says.

While she dreams of selling her work in Europe and owning a "beautiful store in New York or Miami," Shelly is quick to express contentment. "I am very happy with what I've achieved," she says. It's not uncommon for her to receive calls, letters—even gifts—from women who say their Shelly Swed K jewelry constantly elicits compliments. Even some who admit, "I never used to wear this kind of jewelry," send letters "thanking me for how I've changed their lives," she shares. "It's my passion," Shelly says, to make women feel fabulous "because they are wearing my jewelry pieces."

> Written by Kim Knox Beckius; Photography: Ray Santana