Alessandra Gallo's new hip jewelry collection is inspired by nature and features natural stones, fossils, shells, leaves preserved in 24k gold, as well as stalactite slices, sliced geodes and semi-precious stones, all framed in 24k gold or in silver. As an Italian designer based in California, her background is eclectic and inspired by her frequent travels to all corners of the globe. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and lovingly hand-made.

In addition to her Trend collection, Alessandra is featuring a line of timeless designs, made of precious and semi-precious stones, gold and silver.

She grew up in Milan, where she was exposed to art, design and fashion since childhood. Her mother had an art gallery and then become a fashion designer and her uncle founded a prestigious avant-garde experimental theater. Their circle of friends included architects, designers, photographers, artists and musicians.

She has been involved in Human Rights work, with Amnesty International, for the last 25 years. After working for 15 years as a marketing consultant in London, Alessandra moved to California, where she dedicated her time to the development of the Amnesty International Film Festival, of which she was pro-bono director for 6 years. The festival expanded to 8 cities around the US.

She recently started her venture in jewelry design and launched her line at the Oscars with the Blood Diamond Pin, highlighting the issue of conflict diamonds. The limited edition pins were worn by actors and directors, Academy Award nominees and presenters and were hand-made by Ricardo Basta Beverly Hills, who also generously donated labor and materials. See the pin >

Her latest pin design, for the film The Kite Runner, was given to selected guests at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York this September.