Biographies
Christopher Berkov
Musician Christopher Berkov has been a guitar-maker and craftsman for over 45 years here in the San Francisco Bay Area. His meticulously crafted classical and Flamenco guitars, and his restoration work of antique instruments are widely respected by musicians across the country. His longtime interest in geology and artifacts led him to gold and opal mining in Nevada and Idaho. Chris’ passion for opals and his creative drive inspired him to expand his jewelry-making techniques to cutting, polishing, and setting precious opals. He built a kiln in his workshop, and taught himself the lost-wax casting process, using gold as a medium. Inspired by the natural world, his designs today are original unique adornments featuring 14 karat gold paired with precious opals. Handwork has always been the hallmark of his endeavors, preferring the soul of the maker to the machine.
Musician Christopher Berkov has been a guitar-maker and craftsman for over 45 years here in the San Francisco Bay Area. His meticulously crafted classical and Flamenco guitars, and his restoration work of antique instruments are widely respected by musicians across the country. His longtime interest in geology and artifacts led him to gold and opal mining in Nevada and Idaho. Chris’ passion for opals and his creative drive inspired him to expand his jewelry-making techniques to cutting, polishing, and setting precious opals. He built a kiln in his workshop, and taught himself the lost-wax casting process, using gold as a medium. Inspired by the natural world, his designs today are original unique adornments featuring 14 karat gold paired with precious opals. Handwork has always been the hallmark of his endeavors, preferring the soul of the maker to the machine.
Melina Berkov-Rojas
Melina Berkov-Rojas has immersed herself in art and design throughout her life. She studied visual arts at Sarah Lawrence College, and has worked in the TV & film industry for over 20 years in southern and northern California. She began creating jewelry in 2009, and her pieces have been featured in films, fashion shows, as well as various boutiques throughout the Los Angeles & San Francisco Bay Areas. Her early pieces displayed youthful edginess through the interplay of mixed-metal chains and colorful antique pendants. Melina’s designs today reflect innovative flare through contemporary styles featuring sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, & semi-precious stones and gems.