"My need to make the world a beautiful and ordered place influences everything I create. If my pieces make you feel more special, lovely and put-together, I will have succeeded."
Born in Portugal into an artistic family, award-winning jewelry designer Joana Miranda first discovered her love for making jewelry at the age of four when, with her father's help, she made a brass and imitation-pearl flower ring for her mother. She graduated to making her own wire and bead jewelry in her early teens and sold her small collection at a local fair.
In 2004, not content with the limitations of beads and wire, Joana sought out training with Master Goldsmith David Liska in Milwaukee, WI. Obtaining the Accredited Jewelry Professional degree from GIA and a design certificate from GIA New York, she also pursued CAD training. In 2006 Joana became David Liska's Design Associate, and was actively involved in every aspect of the business from design to benchwork to marketing.
Joana left that position in July 2007 to start Joana Miranda Studio. Highlights of her first year in business include winning 1st prize in the 2008 WJA DIVA design competition's "Colorful Engagements and Weddings in Platinum" category and 2nd place in the GIA George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest. In addition to creating the pieces you see here, she has designed for a handful of fine jewelry stores in the midwest.
Joana's other training and many years of professional work as a classical violinist and violist serve her well as she brings the same focus, discipline and deep search for beauty to her work at the jewelry bench.
Joana is married to conductor and pianist Andrews Sill. They enjoy ballroom dancing, traveling together and savoring good food.
