UNIVERSAL DECO
FERNANDA DURMER OF UNIVERSAL DECO: CRAFTING LEGACY IN GOLD
When Fernanda Durmer arrived in the United States as a young girl from Costa Rica, she carried with her more than just memories of home—she carried the seeds of an extraordinary creative journey. In a kindergarten classroom far from familiar surroundings, Fernanda’s artistic spirit was immediately recognized. Nicknamed "Georgia O’Keeffe" by those who first witnessed her talent, she began shaping a world of beauty as a way to navigate and express her place in a new country.
For Fernanda, art became an anchor. In her early years, she found comfort in the intricate rhythm of penwork, the luminosity of gold leaf, and the storytelling power of visual detail. Over time, these techniques laid the foundation for something even more personal and enduring: Universal Deco, her Denver-based fine jewelry brand that transforms precious metal into heirlooms rich with meaning.
Founded with the love and support of her husband Jeff and son Hayden, Universal Deco represents a culmination of Fernanda’s lifelong artistry and cultural heritage. Drawing from the ceremonial traditions and symbolism of her native Costa Rica, Fernanda’s jewelry bridges ancestral legacy and contemporary expression. Each piece is more than ornament, it’s a vessel of story, shaped by history and designed to be passed on.
Universal Deco stands apart for its commitment to sustainability and ethics. Fernanda works exclusively with 100% SCS-certified recycled metals and collaborates with stone dealers who share her values of transparency and responsible sourcing. Every design reflects a deeply personal process, guided by the brand’s four core principles: trust, authenticity, kindness, and communication.
Now an established name in Denver’s jewelry community, Fernanda recently took on the role of president of her local jewelry association. With this new chapter, she’s eager to champion mentorship and inclusivity across the industry, fostering spaces where emerging talent is nurtured and supported.
Universal Deco’s work is gaining national recognition too, with recent features in National Jeweler and JCK Magazine spotlighting Fernanda’s singular vision. The brand’s Línea Sagrada collection, an homage to sacred Central American ceremonial objects, continues to evolve, offering clients wearable connections to ancestral power and spiritual artistry.
As a proud member of the American Gem Society, Fernanda views her role not only as a designer but as a steward of values that matter: integrity, education, and community. With Universal Deco, she has built more than a brand, she has built a bridge between cultures, generations, and hearts.
