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Dominican Designer Showcases Larimar in New Art Exhibition
Dominican jewelry designer Gisselle Mancebo has brought her larimar-centered collection to the Dominican Republic for the first time, presenting 15 artworks and jewelry pieces that explore the stone's connection to the country's identity and cultural heritage.
Gisselle Mancebo, a Dominican high-jewelry designer known as the “Queen of Larimar,” has presented her exhibition “Cielo, Tierra y Mar, Delirio Caribeño” at the National Theater in Santo Domingo as part of the Dominican Fashion Awards.
The exhibition brings together 15 artworks made with larimar, along with rings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces designed around the stone’s distinctive veins, colors and shades. The collection places larimar at the center of a contemporary artistic proposal combining design, craftsmanship and visual expression.
Larimar Takes Center Stage in Contemporary Design
Mancebo’s collection explores the natural variations of larimar, using differences in color and pattern as part of the creative process. Each piece is presented as an individual expression of the stone’s characteristics rather than simply as a conventional jewelry material.
For the designer, the project reflects a connection between nature and Dominican identity. Her approach seeks to present larimar not only as a precious stone used in jewelry, but also as a material capable of supporting broader forms of artistic expression.
“This collection is an invitation to discover larimar from another perspective. I wanted to explore all its shades and veins to show that each stone is unique and that, through design, it can become a true work of art,” Mancebo said.
Collection Returns to the Dominican Republic
The exhibition follows a presentation of the collection at the United Nations headquarters in New York, according to the organizers. Its arrival in the Dominican Republic gives local audiences their first opportunity to see the complete proposal in the country.
The presentation at the National Theater places a material strongly associated with Dominican identity within a contemporary fashion and art setting. Larimar’s distinctive blue tones have made it one of the country’s best-known natural materials in international jewelry, while its use by Dominican designers has also connected the stone with local craftsmanship and cultural expression.
Recognition for Gisselle Mancebo
The exhibition formed part of the broader program surrounding the Dominican Fashion Awards, organized under the leadership of Stalin Victoria. The exhibition’s curatorial work was handled by Anny Abate.
Mancebo also received the 2026 Best Jewelry Designer award during the celebration, recognizing her career and contribution to promoting larimar through high jewelry.
By combining fine jewelry with larger artistic works, the collection expands the way larimar is presented to audiences, placing the Dominican stone within a contemporary creative language while maintaining its connection to the country’s cultural identity.
