The brand
Art Shop Unique is a “one-woman brand” focusing on handmade production of unique jewelry since 2008. We specialize in using limestone from the Croatian island of Brač and in our work we strive to combine traditional materials with modern design. In this way, we create pieces that are simultaneously classic and contemporary, as we love to combine Brač stone with stainless steel and similar high-quality but modern materials. Although Brač stone has traditionally been used in architecture and adorns many Croatian historical buildings, in modern times it is increasingly being used for making decorative objects and jewelry. We didn’t choose this stone only for its beauty. We chose it because it tells a story of a wonderful centuries-old tradition which is a part of our cultural heritage. If you are fascinated by this stone as much as we are, you can read more about it on our blog.
Meet the artist
As we mentioned before, one person is standing behind everything that happens at Art Shop Unique – that’s me, Ivana Mrduljaš, so I thought it would be nice to introduce myself. I was born in Zagreb in 1986, but my Dalmatian roots did their job and at the age of 21 I found my calling in a small town on the Adriatic coast – in Primošten. I have always been creative and since I was a little girl I have been experimenting with different materials creating all kinds of jewelry and decorations. In the summer of 2008, I finally ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and opened my small boutique called Art Shop Unique. Then, in a much more modest edition, I offered my handmade jewelry and souvenirs mainly to tourists in our small town. But over time, interest began to grow and the look of the boutique became more serious and professional, as if it was following my path into adulthood. Five years after opening the physical store in Primošten, I realized that it was time for Art Shop Unique to get its own space on the web as well. In 2013, I opened my first web shop and little by little online orders started to pour in. Today I ship worldwide, and you can contact me if you have a special request and want me to make something custom made for you. You want to change the length of the bracelet, the size of the bead or the color of the stone? No problem! I will also add a handwritten note if you are gifting the jewelry to your loved ones. I am here for you and I want you to be satisfied and wear my creations with pride.
Vision and goal
In today’s time, it is increasingly difficult to be sure of the products we buy. In addition, there is a lot of pressure on consumers regarding the use of plastic, buying local, leaving a carbon footprint and such. We believe that greater responsibility should lie with the producers, so it is logical that we start with ourselves and make sure that our products have the least possible negative impact on the environment, people and the local economy. In our work, we strive to follow a zero waste philosophy so we do not create new plastic either in production or in shipping. In addition, the vast majority of the materials we use to make jewelry are sourced locally, from the nearby island of Brač. In this way, we support a centuries-old tradition and encourage the growth of the local economy in Croatia. Our goal is to offer an ethical product of the highest quality to the mutual satisfaction of our customers and all the people involved in the production chain while simultaneously fighting against the increasingly mass-produced jewelry that has flooded the online market.
Where are we located?
Although we are quick to respond to emails and the web shop is at your disposal, we understand that sometimes you are passing by and want to pay us a visit in person. This makes us very happy! The store in Primošten is open during the tourist season (from May to October) but make sure to check the opening hours on our website before you come. You will be happy to know that the selection in the store in Primošten is much wider than here on the web, so feel free to stop by and we will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Until then, let’s hang out in the online world! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and we will welcome you to our community by giving you 10% off your first order.