Distinctive and comfortable to wear.
Whether dressing-up or down these consciously, artisan-made necklace sets are 
designed to make a statement .  Signature knots and thoughtfully curated colors, textures and
​eclectic materials combine to bring a fresh, contemporary vibe.

My knotted jewelry designs are inspired by the Inca culture and the metal, charm and chained jewelry combines some contemporary approaches. Both approaches combine unlikely materials into one, harmonious art piece to wear. The idea of using knots came from my desire to communicate as the Incas did  in the 15th century. They created a sophisticated language device of colorful clusters of knots called “Quipu”. A quipu is a cluster of knotted fibers which, back then, communicated statistics and ideas. It was the equivalent of our writing."

• Each knotted necklace is inspired by unique intentions and has its own title. Ultimately, she strives to connect people, thoughts and inspirations through this work.
• Depending on style, necklaces can be worn in a variety of ways and several can be adjusted to desired length.
• Beads I use include: African metal, bone, clay, coconut, copper, crystal, fiber, gemstone, glass, recycled/repurposed material, horn, sustainable tagua and sibucau nuts, paper, pewter, porcelain, resin, cai, sustainable congolo and pachaca seeds, shell, sustainable wood, & many other exotics!

​See How Gemstones Are Made HERE

Some of my favorite sustainable beads to work with are tagua nuts and acai seeds

Tagua nuts come from this Palm

Inca Quipu on display at The CLT Mint Museum

Tagua nuts are in clusters and those fall to the ground naturally

Acai seeds

Small outdoor event

Each tagua nut looks like this

Carved, dyed and drilled tagua nuts and slices

Working with acai seeds. Love them!

More About Tina
​Tina Alberni grew up between Puerto Rico, Colombia and Miami and is of Hispanic heritage. The vibrancy of her culture is clear across her art expression. Bright color combinations and bold shapes weave throughout her paintings, her knotted jewelry and her painted glassware and ornament line.
When she is not in her painting studio with paintbrush in hand tackling a giant abstract, she is designing and creating jewelry or painting on glass.
Her jewelry-making journey started one day when she found herself unable to paint during a time of illness. Looking for a creative outlet she connected color with beads and stories, and so the journey began about 11 years ago.

Her unique knotted jewelry designs combine eco-friendly materials and bright colors inspired by the Inca culture she grew up surrounded by, bringing a fresh, happy, contemporary vibe. Whether dressing-up or down, her fun jewelry wears comfortably and makes a statement. 
Alberni always picks up beads when she travels because she can get them directly from the artisans. Otherwise, she takes care of sourcing eco-friendly beads from reputable companies who often help sustain fair trade practices among artisans. The journey is a big part of her motivation.
   
She is very active in Charlotte’s art scene and is the recipient of multiple grants. Her art has been featured, sold across the U.S and abroad, and published in both print and online.

She practices her art full time out of her Huntersville art studio, and is open to commission work, corporate partnerships and alternative space exhibits. Special orders for jewelry, glassware and holiday glass ornaments need to be made well in advance. Contact HERE

More about glass ornaments Here