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It’s Above Par: İTÄ’s Designs Merge Influences from San Juan to Istanbul

From the mythical legends of Macocael to ateliers in Istanbul, cultural fusion and friendship drive the ingenuity in İTÄ’s fine jewelry designs. İTÄ’s Inés Capó was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her co-founder, Afet Burcu Salargil, is from Istanbul, Turkey. The marriage of their unique backgrounds is at the root of every piece in their collections, crafted from solid gold, precious stones, and enamel.

The Caribbean’s rich heritage and expert Turkish craftsmanship come across in every detail–from a Turquoise Encantada Beaded Charm Necklace to a tricolor Buenos Dias Mega Ray Ring inspired by the sun. These two sides of the globe tie design and narrative together in their work–and for both fine jewelry designers, travel is at the root of it all. “Without travel, I don’t think ITÄ would have ever even been a thought,” Capó attests. The intersection of their unique backgrounds also sets their craftsmanship apart. “Our reflections beautifully capture the essence of cultural exchange and the inspirations drawn from diverse experiences,” Burcu adds.

When the wearer of a unique piece of jewelry achieves wanderlust and narrative in material form, it’s undoubtedly an #AbovePar experience. So, we tapped the worldly duo behind İTÄ to share more about their stories and influences, from San Juan to Istanbul and beyond.

Tell us about the influences of ITÄ’s designs.

BURCU: “ITÄ is very much about sharing and experiencing each others’ cultures. We’ve been sharing our cultures and experiences for over two decades—so many of these experiences are based on our travels. Traveling to each others’ homelands has opened up our minds to new possibilities and has provided countless sources of inspiration for us.

Our designs borrow mostly from the mythical stories and symbols of the Caribbean’s rich heritage and are executed flawlessly by our ateliers in Istanbul. The joy and appreciation we have for our friendship and for each other’s cultures is very clear in each piece, and we want the wearer to feel that joyful spirit and that feeling of enchantment when they wear our pieces.”

Are any of ITÄ’s pieces inspired by a particular time or place?

INÉS: “Without travel, I don’t think ITÄ would have ever even been a thought. When I first approached Burcu about developing ITÄ, the initial inspiration was our hours spent together looking for nazar boncuk (“evil eyes”) and other emblematic Turkish trinkets in the Grand Bazaar when I’d go to visit her in Istanbul. Prior to my jewelry life, I traveled often for work and leisure and always searched for jewelry that would remind me of the places I visited and explored.

In the back of my mind, I yearned to have something similar for my Caribbean home—wearable everyday fine jewelry that people could hold close to remind them of our island but also allow them to embrace our culture in a way they didn’t expect. So, in 2018, I quit my corporate job in New York, and Burcu and I combined our creative spirits by tapping into the ancient petroglyphs, artifacts, and stories of the Caribbean to create ITÄ. Ottoman hints are always present in each piece and it’s important that they are there. No matter what, İTÄ is our friendship– steeped in global wanderings, openness, and cultural exchange.”

BURCU: “Our reflections beautifully capture the essence of cultural exchange and the inspirations drawn from diverse experiences. It’s clear that travel has not only broadened our horizons but also enriched our creative process. Our passion for these pieces and the cultural narratives behind them provide constant inspiration for us. It’s a testament to how art and jewelry can serve as vessels for shared experiences and personal connections.”

Tell us about your favorite ITÄ designs and the inspiration behind them.

BURCU: “When examining the icons of the Caribbean—I felt most inspired and connected to the story of Atabex or “Atabey”. Atabex, a supreme Taíno deity, is a symbol of fertility and self-creation. Her story resonates deeply with me. Her ability to embody endless possibilities reflects the richness of identity and the potential within each of us. We have translated her essence into six different enamel color options, each representing a unique geographical inspiration. This approach emphasizes the universality of her story, allowing her to transcend cultural boundaries.

The Yarí “Tesoro” Nugget pendant is a very meaningful piece for us. It serves as a personal treasure chest where memories and connections can be etched into its hexagonal facets. The versatility of representing loved ones and cherished places through symbols and colors adds a profound layer to its significance.

I also love our Acu line because it exemplifies the beautiful fusion of cultures, merging Ottoman design elements with Caribbean motifs. This blend creates a unique narrative that honors both heritages in design and storytelling.”

INÉS: “Txirimiri is a special design for me. I love its universality. It’s drawn from a petroglyph found near rivers and etched on ancient Taíno ceramics found here in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean archipelago, and it’s a design that has really resonated with people from all over the world. And if you look closely, it’s a shape that is reminiscent of Ottoman, Greek, and Celtic motifs from centuries ago. Finding those commonalities is always important for us. And we continue to learn from finding those shared values in unexpected places.”