Join us for an opening celebration ~A new collection of the Talisman necklaces uniquely designed and handmade by Dina Varano. Each one-of-a-kind necklace is composed of symbolic elements and accompanied by an original ink drawing that illustrates the meaning behind each metal form and gemstone used in the composition. Inspired by traditional
Talismans meant to evoke inspiration and protection for the wearer.
The shop is full of lots of new inspiring pieces.
As always, we have a fun selection of ornaments!
Looking for that special something for Mom this Mother’s Day? We’ve got you covered.
Bubble earrings in sterling silver with larimar stones by Dina
and Tracey Tanner leather pouch.
We are all in this together, feeling the weight of this challenge, taking it day by day, and trying to embrace this new routine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this bizarre time of Covid 19 and we are sending good thoughts and well wishes to you and your loved ones.
For November’s First Friday, Dina Varano Gallery is featuring artisan made goods for the harvest table and home. On display will be Coral & Tusk’s beautifully embroidered table linens and festive Table Art trivets and serving utensils. There will also be hand-forged candle holders and creative ceramics for flower arrangements. Join us for a festive Fall evening throughout Chester. Refreshments will be served.
First Friday, August 2nd, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
Shops and galleries will be open late throughout the Village of Chester. Join us!
For First Friday, Dina Varano Gallery will be highlighting the miraculous beauty of nature with a raw crystal and gemstone specimen collection. From Amazonite to Zeolite and many more, there is so much to learn about each stone. For instance, have you heard the lore that some of the Northern Lights are trapped inside of Labradorite?
Points of Departure: Color/Form/Material
November 17th ~ December 31
at the Melanie Carr Gallery in Essex.
This art exhibition features the new work of three Southern Connecticut-based artists: Elizabeth Gourlay, Pat Smith, and Dina Varano. It is curated by Melanie Carr, Owner/Director of Melanie Carr Gallery located at
1 North Main Street in Essex, CT.
Please join us for the Opening Reception on November 17th from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
The artists have been meeting regularly over the past year for critiques, dinners, and discussions to support each other’s work with inspiration and connectivity. Select works that were born from this process will be included in Points of Departure.
Dina will be presenting a new collection of jewelry inspired by the shapes and textures of feathers. Join us to view the new jewelry, along with other new accessories and home decor that have arrived for the Spring season.
February 2, 2018
Dina Varano will be featuring her one-of-a-kind jewelry designs and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2018
Join us in celebrating the New Year and the moons of January!
We will be showcasing Dina’s moon pendants and serving Wild Moon cocktails.
Mobile collection.
Each year Dina creates a new collection in her signature style for the holidays.
A Spirit of Gratitude
We are always happy to take time for thankfulness!
Dina’s sterling silver word pendants and cuff bracelets provide a special reminder of all that is most important.
* Shop Small and Love Your Local *
Dina Varano since 1990
Thank you for all the support over the years!
“Connecticut MADE” book signing
with author Cynthia Parzych on the first Holiday Market Sunday.
We are happy to announce that Dina Varano is featured in a new book. The book, “Connecticut MADE, Homegrown Products by Local Craftsmen, Artisans, and Purveyors”, is a rich and delightful source full of information on a variety of handmade products that can be found throughout the state of Connecticut. The author herself is a writer and professional chef who lives, writes, and runs a food business, using things she grows, in Connecticut. In time for the holiday season, this book, full of possible day trip ideas, is a wonderful gift to give! Please join us for a special day of book signing with the author and Dina on Sunday, November 26th at Dina Varano Gallery on Main Street in Chester, CT.
November 3rd, 2018
Dina has created more one-of-a-kind designs in 14kt and 18kt gold for the new gold jewelry collection that we are showcasing for the season. Be one of the first to see these dramatic creations in gold. We will also be featuring new Fall and Winter fashion accessories.
Necklace pictured above: 14kt gold combined with Tahitian and Baroque pearls.
Necklace pictured below: 14kt gold combined with Aquamarine gemstones.
On Saturday, October 7th, Dina will be exhibiting at RISD Craft on Benefit Street in Providence, RI.
RISD alumni artists gather and sell their work at RISD from 10am-5pm
This is always a favorite show and full of talented artists, designers and makers!
More details here: https://www.risdcraft.com
September 1st 5-8pm
Shops & Galleries throughout Chester stay open late, celebrate, and share new work.
Dina Varano Gallery: “Explorations in Charcoal and Oxidized Silver”
Over the summer Dina explored the breathtaking coast and mountains of Maine. The natural treasures found along the paths of the verdant forests, beaches, and crisp mountain air inspired a collection of drawings that connect directly with her jewelry designs in oxidized silver. Nature and drawing have been Dina’s formative sources of exploration since the beginning.
For First Friday we also enjoy crafting a creative beverage that may be served spiked or not.
September’s refreshment will be a quenching pomegranate punch.
August 4th 5-8pm
Dina Varano Gallery will be presenting a new collection of pearl jewelry designs by Dina and nature inspired tabletop designs by Michael Aram. Dina has been showcasing Michael Aram designs since 1995. Like Dina, he has “a deep love for the handmade process” and “nature is his biggest muse”. He works mostly with stainless steel and natural brass. His tabletop designs make a unique gift, or centerpiece, for a special occasion. Join us to view the new collections. We will also be offering a refreshing beverage in celebration of this town~wide festive evening. On this night, there will also be live music and new pop~up openings and events throughout Chester!
Freshwater Pearls and Sterling Silver Necklace by Dina Varano, 20 inches long
First Friday! July 7th 5-8pm
Join us in Chester for an evening full of art, design & conversation!
Dina Varano Gallery is featuring new summer jewelry designs by Dina and introducing a new line of porcelain by Elizabeth Benotti.
“The home is a sacred and personal space… It is worthy to surround yourself with meaningful objects.
My work is a small part in helping to bring back an appreciation for handmade, quality goods.”
– E.B.
“Beach Stones and River Rocks”
Looking closely at nature is a fundamental part of Dina’s creative process. The surrounding shoreline and nearby Connecticut River are continuous sourcesfor inspiration. Pockets full of beach stones and river rocks from countless walks along the shores have inspired a fresh collection of wearable nature.Beach combing and filling her pockets with treasures is a favorite past time. Both the shapes and the organically worn finish of the stones marrythoughtfully with the precious metals that encapsulate them in this new series.
Keep a piece of our beloved coast close to your heart.
Dina Varano Talisman Collection for Chester’s First Friday in April
Opening Reception April 7th 5-8pm @ Dina Varano Gallery, 27 Main Street, Chester, CT 06412
Talisman is a collection of one-of-a-kind necklaces uniquely designed and handmade by Dina Varano. Each necklace is composed of symbolic elements and accompanied by an original ink drawing that illustrates the meaning behind each metal form and gemstone used in the composition. In this way, they are very thoughtful creations inspired by traditional Talismans meant to evoke inspiration and protection for the wearer. To see more: http://dinavarano.blogspot.com
Dina Varano is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design where she studied jewelry design and light metals. She has been selling her jewelry designs and other works of art at her gallery in Chester, Connecticut since 1995.
The shops & galleries of Chester celebrate the First Friday of every month by staying open late
to present new works of art, music, and seasonal collections.
It is a very entertaining night to visit! Join us Friday, April 7th 5-8pm.
We LOVE to celebrate LOVE!
MAKE A STATEMENT !
We look forward to seeing you.
Stop by and peruse our wonderful collection of thoughtfully chosen gifts for everyone.
Travel the World with Us!
For this First Friday, November 4th 5-8pm, we will be highlighting our favorite finds from around the world. These designs, handmade by artisans all around the globe, are truly works of art: from South America and Europe to Africa and India.
“An Exploration of Texture”
Since day one, texture has been a defining feature of Dina’s unique jewelry. First written in 1990, Dina’s artistic philosophy states the importance of “the mark of the hand” in her work and “caring + hammering for the senses”. These key elements still ring true today. It is with her intuition, talent, and heart & soul that she carves and creates her tactile jewelry designs. She saws, files, stamps, engraves, drills, hammers, solders, and like an alchemist she transforms metal into meaningful works of wearable art: one of a kind, one at a time.
“Ocean Dreams”
Dina’s jewelry collection for this summer captures the light, colors, and essence of the beach. The collection features white and light-hued gemstones with brushed sterling silver that is expertly and intuitively crafted into one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The inspiration came from all things seen and felt at the beach: the light breezes, ocean waves, warm sunshine, and salty-fresh air. Join us in celebrating this new jewelry collection, “Ocean Dreams”, this Friday, July 1st, 5-9 pm.
“Delicate Elements”
Introducing Dina’s new collection of necklaces, “Delicate Elements”. They are distinctive creations to be worn on their own, yet they are also perfect for layering together at different lengths. These delicate elements in 14kt gold on sterling silver chains capture the essence of shapes found in nature. The gallery is also full with new seasonal accessories and decor for the home and to inspire the soul. We invite you to join us and celebrate the season. Open Everyday this summer!
It’s Spring! New designs arriving daily from Dina’s studio:
One-of-a kind Fleur pendants, soothing and saturated shades of gemstones combined with silver and gold!
In addition, new accessories, gifts, and home decor objects arriving from our favorite designers.
Some of our favorites include glass art by Laura Kramer (featured in the front window of the gallery)
and beautifully embroidered table runners, wall hangings, and teepees by Coral & Tusk.
Coral & Tusk embroidery on linen for Spring:
Amore Collection
The Amore collection is a collection of pendants Dina creates with a complimentary hand painted card.
It’s always a favorite and a great gift for your Valentine.
Talisman Exhibition at Dina Varano Gallery
Dina Varano will unveil her latest “Talisman” collection of necklaces on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. The second in a series that was first introduced in June 2014 to rave reception. These thoughtful compositions are renderings of traditional Talismans meant to evoke inspiration and protection for the wearer through the use of symbolic sterling silver and gold charms, significant gemstones, and beach and river stones. The charms are rendered in Dina’s usual way; beginning with an inspiration from nature, a personal experience or a historical reference that becomes a symbol, and eventually transforms into a meaningful element for the wearer. A stone such as rose quartz may represent healing and love while an amethyst may evoke a sense of balance and peace. Each tiny sculpture becomes paired with a careful selection of other components to form what the artist refers to as a “family”. Together, the grouping tells a story. What makes these pieces so significant is that the Talisman directly connects the wearer and the creator through an intimate, mutual understanding of the symbolism of it’s attributes.
The designer’s creative process has always involved, not only the construction of shapes using metal and wire, but also using ink and paper. This exhibition shares the evolution of each piece with it’s own original ink drawing. The drawing illustrates, in detail, the meaning of each facet added to the chain and includes the words that resonate from the symbols and stones, such as “faith”, “flexibility”, “protection”. This process unites Dina’s jewelry design and her love for drawing. Dina will continue to create Talisman in her Chester studio as the show proceeds.
Visitors are drawn to this exhibition for it’s overall beauty and elegant display and also for the strength and spirit the Talisman convey. A keepsake. A conversation piece. A one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.
Click on the link below to read a summary of the exhibit that celebrated Dina’s 25th year in business:
September 18, 2015
Visit Dina Varano Gallery on Facebook to see a fun selection of photos from the opening night!
In 1990, I began this adventure. Come see the exhibit of memories, photos, articles, collaborations, shows, jewelry and other creations from over the past 25 years on display. Join us in celebrating 25 years in business. Thank you for so many great years!
Check out our latest project! Dina and Kate have created these indigo scarves. They are all one of a kind.
Each one is hand dyed in beautiful shades of indigo, in assorted fabrics of silk, cotton and bamboo. click for more about the process
Ask about our Birthday Club celebration! It is for our customers during their birthday month. We have a celebration with cupcakes, champagne and sparklers!Time to celebrate! Come alone or bring a friend and enjoy 20% off all purchases that night!!!
Dina has been in her studio creating new designs for the season including sets of jewelry.
Dina Varano is often collecting bits of nature that she finds beautiful.
She impresses these bits into sterling and gold to preserve their graceful forms.
These discoveries have inspired a new collection:
Impressions From Nature
