Dominican high jewelry designer Gisselle Mancebo has presented her art exhibition Cielo, Tierra y Mar, Delirio Caribeño at the National Theater in Santo Domingo.
The showcase, displayed as part of the Dominican Fashion Awards, features 15 artworks crafted from larimar alongside a collection of rings, bracelets, and other custom jewelry pieces made from the stone in its various veins, colors, and shades.
Exhibited in the lobby of the Carlos Piantini Hall at the venue, the collection marks the first time the works have been shown in the country following a prior display at the United Nations headquarters in New York. During the event, Mancebo, who is widely known as La Reina del Larimar, was also named Best Jewelry Designer 2026 in recognition of her career and her contributions to high jewelry.
Artistic vision and Caribbean heritage
Mancebo said the collection was born from a deep connection with nature and Dominican identity. She explained that her goal was to demonstrate how larimar transcends its traditional role as a precious gemstone to become a true medium for artistic expression.
Each piece in the exhibition was conceived to reveal the natural richness of the stone by fusing craftsmanship with contemporary design. Mancebo said the collection served as an invitation to discover larimar from a new perspective, adding that she explored every shade and pattern to show that each individual stone is unique.
Larimar is a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite found exclusively in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic. First discovered in the province of Barahona, the gemstone is celebrated for colors that range from pale white and light turquoise to deep sky blue and volcanic sea green, making it a recognized symbol of Dominican natural heritage.
Exhibition curation and leadership
The exhibition was curated by Anny Abate, while the overarching organization of the Dominican Fashion Awards was led by Stalin Victoria. Together, the organizers positioned the display as a tribute to national identity inside the country's primary cultural institution.
The National Theater, located in the heart of Santo Domingo, serves as the main cultural center of the nation. Named after the famed tenor Eduardo Brito, the venue regularly hosts major performing arts productions, international galas, and national award ceremonies inside its prominent halls.
Before returning to Santo Domingo, the exhibition was brought to the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The UN headquarters frequently hosts cultural showcases from member states to highlight regional heritage and promote international artistic exchanges.
Recognition in Dominican fashion
The Dominican Fashion Awards honor prominent figures across the nation's garment, accessory, and jewelry design industries. Mancebo's distinction as Best Jewelry Designer 2026 highlights her long-standing focus on elevating larimar into the realm of international high jewelry.
By bringing the collection home to Santo Domingo after its international debut in New York, the exhibition allows local audiences to view the rare gem through a contemporary fine art lens. The pieces remain on display as part of the national celebration of Dominican fashion and artisanal craftsmanship.
