Miami Magazine
THE CARAT QUEEN
Daniella Kronfle, 39, is fascinated by unusual pairings. From interesting color combinations to unexpected choices of stones, the jewelry designer seeks to give whoever dons her baubles beautiful but contrasting looks that intrigue the eye. “My style is absolutely about the dualism of the Latin American woman,” she says. “Strong and yet very elegant, glamorous yet bold.” Born and raised in Ecuador, Kronfle grew up in her mother’s jewelry stores and remembers attending trade shows alongside her mother and being exposed to both the design and business sides of the industry at an age when most of her friends were still playing with Barbies. She went on to study jewelry design at the prestigious Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence, Italy, and eventually earned her gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. After working five years as the head designer of her mother’s business, Kronfle branched out on her own, moving to Miami 15 years ago to start her brand. Today, Kronfle’s jewels (which range from $2,500 gold rings to over-the-top $35,000 diamond earrings) have graced the ears and digits of celebrities and artists (too exclusive to mention) on red carpets all over the world. That’s why it wasn’t a surprise when she was recently asked to be the vice chair of this past April’s New Yorkers for Children gala, which paid tribute to the late designer Oscar de la Renta and at which event organizers and many attendees wore Kronfle’s carat creations. “To see your design and all your efforts being recognized is amazing,” she says. “It’s what gives me the thrill for the future and keeps me doing what I love.”