Ana Tkabladze’s jewelry, much like her upbringing, is deeply rooted in Georgian culture. Her artistic journey is as intricate and vibrant as her work itself. Growing up in the country of Georgia, she was immersed in creativity from an early age—her parents, George Tkabladze and Tea Okropiridze (both Torpedo Factory artists), introduced her to a wide range of artistic disciplines, from painting and sculpting to tapestry weaving. This lifelong connection to fine art shaped Ana’s path, instilling in her an appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling through visual media.
Despite this broad exposure, Ana felt an undeniable pull toward glass, particularly enameling, inspired by her homeland’s rich traditions in the craft. While she always knew that cloisonné enameling was her true calling, her passion for history and exquisitely crafted artifacts first led her to study art history and archaeology.
Determined to master this centuries-old technique, Ana eventually blended her love for design with her academic background, culminating in the launch of her enamel jewelry brand, GalleriaGeorgiAna. Her work seamlessly fuses history, art, and craftsmanship into timeless, wearable pieces, reviving the centuries-old tradition of enameling while celebrating resilience, femininity, and cultural heritage.
Enameling is an ancient and highly specialized technique that involves shaping and forging metal onto which glass is fused to create intricate designs. While Ana hopes to explore various enameling techniques, she was initially drawn to and mastered cloisonné enameling. In this process, fine metal wires are used to create delicate compartments, or “cloisons,” which are carefully filled with layers of colorful glass and then kiln-fired. Ana’s process is meticulous, and beyond aesthetics, her work requires a deep understanding of the chemical transformations that occur during firing to achieve the perfect finish.
For Ana, jewelry-making is not just a craft but a dialogue between past and present—each creation is an homage to the artisans who came before her while carrying a distinctive, contemporary elegance.
Joining the Torpedo Factory Art Center as a juried artist is a full-circle moment for Ana, as she now shares Studio 3 with her parents, who were instrumental in shaping her artistic foundation.
Her studio’s grand opening in November was a heartfelt celebration of this milestone, attended by longtime clients, colleagues, family friends, Old Town Alexandria small business owners, stylists, art appraisers, and members of the local Georgian community.
“It was incredibly moving to see everyone come out to show their support—I was beyond touched by the turnout,” Ana shares.
Ana describes her artistic practice as deeply personal, drawing inspiration from her life experiences and the unique interplay of materials like copper, glass, and enamel. Whether sketching at home or refining and pushing the boundaries of her enameling techniques, she views art as a way to connect with her heritage, express her individuality, and embed meaningful stories into each piece.
Her work not only revives and preserves the ancient tradition of enameling but also reflects the modern influences of her life in Alexandria—a city she loves for its history, European charm, and echoes of home.
Ana was recently chosen for the 35th Creative Craft Council Exhibition to be held at Strathmore Mansion from March 15 to May 24. She previously received 1st place in Enameling at the same show in 2020. Additionally, she will be donating a piece, for the second year in a row, to Old Town Alexandria’s Festival of Speed & Style and its associated High-Octane Ball.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a jewelry collector, or simply curious about this extraordinary craft, Ana’s work is a must-see.
Stop by Studio 3 to meet her, witness her creative process, and discover the stories behind her stunning enamel jewelry!