About Us


Alemdara is a fine jewellery collection inspired by symbols of luck and protection. Each piece is hand-crafted by artisans in the ancient markets of Istanbul using traditional Turkish techniques. This spirituality derives from Ottoman legend, where keeping a hand of hamsa or an evil eye on your person wards off any jealousy or ‘evil eye’ from others. 


Founder and director, Mariella Tandy created Alemdara after her own enamel evil eye bracelet caused a stir amongst her friends and continued to attract attention wherever she went. The bracelet was given as a gift of protection by her Turkish mother-in-law during her first pregnancy. 


Seven years on, four children later and with an illustrious list of royal and celebrity fans in tow, Alemdara has stayed true to its spiritual roots and elegantly understated aesthetic. The collection now comprises a series of delicate necklaces, bracelets and earrings, each handmade in 18 carat white, or yellow gold, and all intricately embellished with diamonds, precious stones or coloured enamel.


The simple, designs lend Alemdara jewellery its day-to-evening appeal: moving seamlessly between yoga class, cocktail party and black-tie occasion. They epitomise the art of versatile accessorising – subtle enough to be styled with other favourite jewellery pieces or layered together, yet striking enough in their simplicity to hold court as a single, intriguing necklace, bracelet or earring. 


As Retail Editor of Tatler Magazine and now Country & Town House Magazine, Mariella has spent years honing her own unique style and curator’s eye, equipping herself with the skills required to source quality jewellery and versatile styles that can be worn every day. As an authority on taste, she has artfully restrained and refined her Alemdara collection over the years, forging a strong brand identity and loyal community. 

Having grown up in an international family, Mariella’s nomadic lifestyle is almost as alluring as her jewels, and continues to inspire her designs and nourish the brand with travel tales from the Alemdara community.