A Jewel Box on Canyon Road: Inside Daria de Koning’s Vibrant Santa Fe Sanctuary
Nestled amidst the sun-drenched adobe walls and historic charm of Santa Fe’s famed Canyon Road, a vibrant turquoise door beckons. It stands as a splash of exuberant color against the earthy tones of the desert landscape, a promise of the wonders that lie within. This is the entrance to 821 Canyon Road, the new flagship gallery and studio of jeweler Daria de Koning — a space that is not merely a store, but a breathtaking immersion into her world of color, curiosity, and masterful craftsmanship.
After two decades of honing her craft in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, de Koning sought a new beginning in the Land of Enchantment. It was during a search for her first home in Santa Fe that she stumbled upon a truly unique property: a former horse stable, complete with a rustic hayloft. Where others might have seen limitations, de Koning, with her trained eye for design and potential, saw a canvas. She envisioned a sanctuary, a place that would feel less like a retail environment and more like the inviting, art-filled living room of a dear friend. Opening in June, this transformed hayloft has become one of Canyon Road’s most captivating new destinations.
The Visionary Behind the Turquoise Door
To understand the gallery, one must first understand the artist. Daria de Koning’s journey into the world of fine jewelry was not a direct one, but a path shaped by a profound appreciation for aesthetics, form, and color. Her career began in the world of graphic design, a field that instilled in her a deep understanding of composition, balance, and the emotional power of a well-chosen palette. This foundation is evident in every piece she creates, where bold, one-of-a-kind gemstones are set in compositions that feel both modern and timeless.
A Heritage of Design and an Eye for Beauty
Her aesthetic sensibilities were further refined during a formative period working alongside the legendary interior design icon, Bunny Williams. This experience provided her with an invaluable education in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and livable. It taught her how to layer textures, mix periods, and curate objects to tell a compelling story. This expertise in interior design became the secret ingredient in the creation of her own gallery, allowing her to orchestrate an environment that perfectly complements her jewelry.
“I knew what I wanted and what I wanted it to look like,” de Koning explains with infectious enthusiasm. “I wanted people to come in, sit on the couches, and relax. I didn’t want a stuck-up jewelry store. I wanted them to enjoy a glass of rosé, try on the jewelry, and have fun.” This philosophy of warmth and accessibility is the guiding principle behind every decision made in the space.
Transforming History: A Hayloft Reimagined
The journey from a simple hayloft to a luxurious gallery was a labor of love. De Koning embraced the building’s inherent quirks, celebrating its history rather than erasing it. “It’s come a long way since I first saw it,” she reflects. “It’s what I call ‘Santa Fe authentic’—there’s nothing straight about it, the walls or the ceilings.” This charming imperfection gives the space a soul and a sense of place that a modern, sterile build could never achieve.
The experience begins before you even step inside. De Koning cleverly converted the loft’s entryway into a welcoming exterior landing. Here, guests can pause, sit on chic outdoor furniture, and take in the panoramic view of the bustling arts district below. It’s a moment of transition, a place to breathe and prepare for the visual feast that awaits through the now-iconic turquoise-framed door.
An Interior That Breathes Color and Comfort
Stepping inside is like entering a treasure chest. The gallery immediately envelops you in a warm, sophisticated glow. Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating a space that is both cozy and curated, a testament to de Koning’s masterful interior design skills.
The Living Room Vibe: A Symphony of Coral and Peach
The main seating area is the heart of the gallery, designed to immediately put visitors at ease. The eye is drawn to a pair of vintage mid-century chairs, which de Koning had boldly reupholstered in a vibrant, contemporary coral fabric. They sit opposite a stunning carved-wood couch, its cushions covered in a soft, complementary peach. A patterned rug in these same warm hues ties the area together, grounding the space with color and texture. Simple glass tables provide a modern counterpoint, ensuring the focus remains on the art and jewelry. Dominating one wall is a kiva-style fireplace, its mantelpiece adorned with a curated selection of de Koning’s personal collectibles, adding a layer of warmth and personality that makes the space feel like a cherished home.
A Modern Cabinet of Curiosities
Beyond the seating area, the gallery unfolds as a personal “cabinet of curiosities,” a celebration of natural beauty and artistic collaboration. Here, de Koning’s exquisite jewelry is displayed not in conventional cases, but on elegant tables and within bespoke glass bell jars. These are not just any bell jars; they are sculptural masterpieces created by de Koning’s friend and renowned glass artist, Andy Paiko. Within these crystalline cocoons, her favorite gemstones and mineral specimens are elevated to objets d’art, showcasing their raw, unadulterated beauty. Luminous agate slices catch the light, while a collection of hand-carved lapis lazuli bowls, which she personally curated from Afghanistan, offer a glimpse into her global aesthetic and deep love for the stone itself.
“I love rocks. I love gemstones. I love the creativity of other artists,” de Koning states. “I wanted to show my love of stones by using other artists and my jewelry, collaborating in a way.”
Where Art, Gems, and Craft Converge
While the environment is a work of art in itself, it serves as the perfect backdrop for the main event: the jewelry and curated art. The gallery is a holistic expression of de Koning’s passions, where every element is interconnected.
The Heart of the Operation: Jewelry and the Jeweler’s Bench
De Koning’s own jewelry bench sits proudly within the loft, a visible reminder that this is a working studio, the very place where her creations come to life. Her pieces are known for their exceptional, often one-of-a-kind gemstones—from fiery opals and multi-hued tourmalines to deep blue sapphires—set in rich gold. The inviting atmosphere she has cultivated encourages a playful and personal shopping experience. “It’s the ideal environment for people to come in and try something on that they might have seen online,” she says. The tactile, relaxed setting allows clients to truly connect with the pieces, and as de Koning notes with a smile, “What they come in for might not be what they walk out with.”
The Art of the Inner Stone: Danny J. Sanchez’s Photomicrography
Adorning the walls is not traditional painting or sculpture, but something far more connected to the gallery’s theme. De Koning features the mesmerizing work of gemologist and photographer Danny J. Sanchez. Sanchez specializes in photomicrography, a technique that involves taking extreme close-up photographs of the internal world of gemstones. The resulting images are breathtaking abstract universes of color and form—the hidden landscapes locked within a sapphire or the feathery inclusions of an emerald. This choice of art is a stroke of genius, creating a direct dialogue between the finished jewelry on display and the magnificent, microscopic origins of their beauty. It reinforces the gallery’s core message: a profound reverence for gemstones in every form.
Daria de Koning has created more than just a gallery. She has built a destination. It is a space that reflects her journey, her impeccable taste, and her generous spirit. It is a testament to the idea that a place of commerce can also be a place of comfort, community, and profound beauty. It is a jewel box on Canyon Road, filled with color and curiosities, waiting to be discovered.
