Meet Heike

I am Heike Otten, an archaeologist by training, an adventurer by conviction and a lover of the oceans. However, my greatest passion is creating jewelry. I was born and raised in Germany, I lived for many years in Peru, and I currently reside in Spain. The art of jewelry has always fascinated me, but it was in Peru where I discovered my true vocation and dared to live it: maritime jewelry design.

Connecting with the ocean is connecting with life. The ocean has always played an important role in the archaeological cultures of Peru. During my work as an archaeologist in the Peruvian desert, I found ancient treasures in the form of marine fossils and shells. These witnesses to history captivated me and served as inspiration for my first jewelry lines. My designs, the shape and materials of my jewelry are still influenced by this marine world.

This is how my jewelry brand "Almakaia" was born. But "Almakaia" is not just a name, it is a melody that is born from the confluence of cultures and the very essence of our connection with the ocean. 'Soul' means 'spirit' or 'essence', and 'kaia', inspired by the Hawaiian 'kai', represents the ocean. This term specifically refers to the part of the ocean close to the coast, where most human interactions occur and where we discover those wonderful coastal treasures. Together they evoke the essence of the sea, that deep and eternal heartbeat that resonates in each of us.

All my jewelry pieces are handmade in my workshop in Castilla la Mancha, Spain. I pay attention to every detail and I love seeing how different materials merge and new shapes and textures emerge. For my creations, I use silver, but also gold, precious and semi-precious stones and Tahitian pearls. These black pearls symbolize perfection and exoticism, the silver reflects the shine of the sea waves and the gold represents the sun setting on the horizon. Since returning to Europe, I also work a lot with ancient artifacts, especially coins.

 What does the infinite vastness of the oceans mean to you? The sea brings me peace and allows me to escape from the daily routine. It is my source of inspiration and the place where I can connect with my true essence. With "Almakaia", I give you a piece of this cradle of all life, so that you always carry it with you. The next time you walk barefoot on the beach and listen to the waves, pay attention. Between the squawking of the seagulls and the melody of the waves, you will be able to hear the delicate voice of the mermaids, encouraging you to follow your heart and find your own path :)

From my workshop I leave you a greeting and thank you for visiting my virtual space!