For centuries, horses have inspired art and artists. Undeniably connected to humans through their soulful majesty, the equestrian world has been translated in landscapes, furniture, sculpture and throughout the decorative arts. Jewelry, which is regarded as one of the most personal mediums, as it is worn on the body and gifted from generation to generation, beautifully celebrates horses as well. Equestrian fine jeweler Karina Brez is internationally renowned for her signature fine jewelry collections: Huggable Hooves, Horse Luv, Bit of Luv, Lucky Horseshoe and the Garden Collection, each of which is an accessories feast.
A first generation Ukrainian-American, Brez earned the title of Miss Florida USA in 2012 and was inspired to design a jewelry collection after fellow contestants were impressed by the design she created for her own pageant dress. A horse enthusiast with a passion for gemstones, Brez completed the Gemological Institute of America’s graduate gemologist program, and is an appraiser and advocates for non-profits that introduce children to the healing power of horses.
Attending the top equestrian shows across the United States, her following has grown organically from riders to those who love horses and to a wider audience locally and nationally. The launch of her Palm Beach, Florida flagship, her social media presence and new wholesale partnerships have propelled the designer through her growth. Brez’s equine designs are worn by celebrities and riders alike, and will only continue to grow as the year of the horse (2026) quickly approaches.
The designer’s first collection, Huggable Hooves, features bracelets and rings, which can be worn solo or collected and stacked. Shaped as wrap-around horse hooves, the bracelets are available in three sizes and are set with diamond pave.
The new look of equestrian jewelry and the design’s characteristic shape resonates with equestrians and jewelry connoisseurs alike. “Let the horses hug you back,” Brez said of the collection upon its launch.
In her Horse Luv collection, Brez combines the form of two horses into a heart, a symbol for those who love horses, and an heirloom for connecting those who have a shared endearment for horses. In its latest iteration, Brez abstracts the outline of the horses, making the heart prevalent and open, the company said. Both 18K solid gold and mixed gold and diamond styles are available in either white, rose or yellow gold. Timeless and elegant, Horse Luv uniquely captures the bond between human and horse in an image that fits into customers’ everyday style.
Regarding the inspiration behind the Bit of Luv collection, Brez said, “A client brought me her horse bit, laying it on the counter, asking me to create a custom piece for her. After careful inspection of the bit and noting its creative details, I created a one-off piece. Since, I would often get requests for horse bit jewelry, yet hadn’t designed more. While in my Palm Beach store recently, I began sketching a bracelet concept that would stack with my Huggable Hooves, offering devoted clients a chance to add to their equine jewelry collection.”
“I decided to go for a mini size on the bit design, which is something I haven’t seen done before, resembling a chain link,” Brez continued. “The Bit of Luv bracelet feels like butter in your hand. All the links are movable, and the pictures are great, but the feel of it is even smoother and more comfortable to wear than one realizes. It is fashioned in solid gold. Bit of Luv is a collection of jewels to experience and wear every day, made for the horse enthusiast.”
In her latest collection, Brez pays homage to the style of her flagship location: the store has a garden jewel box theme, and features faux ivy walls and turf in shades of emerald green.
“Since I was young, I have loved and been fascinated by gardens,” Brez said. “After traveling to see many of the world’s most spectacular gardens, from the enchanting Butchart gardens in British Columbia to visiting the opulent gardens of Versailles, I feel a connection to them, which ultimately have a universal draw to each and every one of us. Flowers are beautiful, soft and feminine, and offer a shared experience that affects multiple senses.”
Featuring Acadian pieces, the Garden Collection is comprised of floral designs, Zahara and Leilani, available in multiple styles. Both names directly refer to the floral inspiration behind the collection: Zahara means “radiance,” “shining” as well as “flower,” while Leilani means “heavenly flower.” The Garden Collection uses both pink and blue sapphires for an ombré, with earring, necklace and ring options available among other floral styles.
A modern heirloom, Karina Brez jewelry is designed with timelessness in mind, so that it can be gifted from generation to generation. The jewelry is a byproduct of Brez’s passion for equestrian sport and horses, and is the perfect gift for any equine enthusiast.
Karina Brez jewelry is available for purchase at karinabrez.com, as well as at the flagship location, 240 Worth Ave., Unit 116, Palm Beach, FL 33480, and at select retailers. Follow the designer on Instagram @karinabrezjewelry.
