Meet the Artist

Sophia Lapat grew up in a home where history lived on every shelf and surface, thanks to her father Martin who balanced two worlds. A lawyer by day, his true passion was Americana antiques, pieces he didn’t just collect but reimagined, transforming them into new works of art. Weekends often meant traveling to fine antique shows, where Sophia and her sister would tag along, surrounded by stories hidden in wood, metal, and timeworn details. While her father showcased his creations, Sophia would slip away, drawn to the trays of vintage jewelry cases, trying on pieces and falling in love with their sparkle and shine. Eventually, she convinced her dad to buy her a simple silver heart pendant, a small treasure that left a lasting impression. That moment, equal parts curiosity and enchantment, set the foundation for what would later become Sophia Martin Jewelry, inspired by her dad.

Her process begins where history lingers, scouring auctions, estate sales and antique fairs and sourcing heirloom pieces with stories still tucked inside them. Sophia selects jewelry from across the ages—from Art Deco to Victorian to Edwardian—gravitating toward pieces that quietly call to her, advice her fashion-forward mom always taught her from a young age. Each piece is viewed through a fresh lens, with one guiding question: how can it be made more modern and wearable while preserving its original character? Once her vision is set, Sophia collaborates with a local jeweler who brings each design to life by hand, transforming past and present into something new and one of a kind.

Sophia lives in Chicago with her husband, two daughters and dog Brownie.