May 21, 2026 |
BLINGIN’ IT IS TEN’S ONLINE SERIES WHERE WE SPOTLIGHT THE INNOVATORS AND CHANGE-MAKERS OF THE JEWELLERY WORLD.
Does your dream luxury jewellery shopping experience include a piercing bar? Or perhaps a customisation section? If the answer is yes, then we have just the treat for you. Kismet by Milka is the Istanbul-based jewellery label creating sculptural designs for those who are free-spirited. It creates special collections of gemstone-encrusted rings, bracelets, necklaces, geometric earrings, sapphire-adorned charms, anklets, handpieces, etc, and yep, as aforementioned… it offers specialist ear piercings within its boutiques. Using ragged edges, coated in rose gold with crystallised goodness bursting within the seams of each piece, the jewellery house designs only the most unique pieces.
If there’s one thing that Milka Karaağaçlı İnce stands on, it’s to push herself out of her comfort zone. The founder of Kismet by Milka launched her brand in 2009, taking a risk and leaving behind a 14-year-long advertising career. It was quite the pivot, but for Karaağaçlı İnce, who had loved beads and all things blingy from a young age, it was meant to be.
Originating in the jewellery designer’s birthplace, Istanbul, Turkey, Kismet by Milka plays on the contrasting features in the city – of East leaning into West, where ancient history embraces a bustling modernity. It is Istanbul itself that the designer cites as one of her main sources of inspiration – although, she has said you can find that anywhere. Each handpiece and earcuff alike is still crafted in the original Istanbul design house, where Karaağaçlı İnce works with over 70 artists and artisans to hand-pick a vision, and expand it into sculptural form. With each piece, she encapsulates the bustling gold markets, the whispers within the gemstones and the fleeting nature of a city that almost never sleeps. Meanwhile her jewels feature motifs most prominent to her identity, such as the evil eye, or nazar, a Turkish amulet used to ward off malicious energy.
Famous for its bold, expressive aesthetic, Kismet by Milka has gained itself a presence in multiple countries, having 17 standalone stores in the UK, US and France and across the globe in Qatar, Lebanon and Dubai, amongst others. Additionally, stars such as Madonna and Britney Spears have been keen wearers of Kismet’s designs, with supermodel Kate Moss even featuring in a 2025 campaign.
Each gem in the Kismet by Milka world reflects a dual theme of heritage and intention. It is about the designer’s grounded roots, but also about where these have taken her and where she is at now. Having said “everything” inspires her, and meaning it – from visiting bookstores and exploring different mediums of art, to going out in nature and taking in the natural beauty of the world – she gives credit to the many stories of the world and translates these into innovative designs. Here, we talk to Karaağaçlı İnce about the foundations of her jewellery brand, the emotional tactility within her designs and her future plans for Kismet by Milka.
On Her Experience Getting Into Jewellery
Growing up, jewellery was often seen as something only worn for special occasions and then carefully stored away. I always felt it should be part of everyday life instead – something effortless, personal and lived in. That idea was what first drew me into jewellery and eventually shaped the way I approached it creatively.
On Why She Decided To Set Up Her Brand
I’ve always had a passion for designing and creating. There was a strong desire to build something meaningful and share my own perspective with the world through jewellery. I wanted to create designs that people could emotionally connect with – designs inspired by my experiences, memories, emotions and the places that constantly inspire me in life, especially Istanbul, with its incredible energy, contrasts, and craftsmanship culture. Istanbul, where I’m from, has always played a big role in that – it’s a city of contrasts, energy and craftsmanship, and that naturally feeds into everything I create.
On How She Would Describe The Jewellery She Creates
For me, jewellery is very emotional. Every design carries a feeling, a memory or a story behind it. Sometimes inspiration comes from a place I’ve been, sometimes from a moment in my life or even a detail that stays with me emotionally. I love creating jewellery that becomes part of someone’s everyday life and grows with them over time. There’s always a sense of strength in the designs, but also intimacy and softness – they’re personal in a very human way. At the same time, craftsmanship is incredibly important to me – every detail and finish matters.
On Her Creative Process
It usually starts with a feeling rather than a visual. Inspiration can come from anywhere – architecture, movement, conversations, music or moments in everyday life. I collect emotions and impressions constantly, and then slowly translate them into designs. The process is very instinctive and personal.
On The Kısmet By Milka Woman
She is confident, expressive and unapologetically herself. She has a challenger spirit – she questions expectations, pushes boundaries and creates her own path. There is a natural balance of strength and femininity in the way she carries herself and she chooses jewellery as a reflection of her personality rather than trends.
On Her Advice For Someone Trying To Find Their Jewellery Style
Start with what feels right emotionally, not just visually. Jewellery is deeply personal, so there shouldn’t be rules around it. The best style comes from instinct – layering, mixing and wearing designs in a way that feels authentic to you.
On The Kate Moss Campaign
Kate Moss is an icon – she represents a timeless, effortless kind of confidence that aligns naturally with the brand. That’s exactly why it felt so right to showcase the iconic designs on her. The idea was to bring together two icons in a very organic way. The process was intuitive, focused on creating a world where her presence and the designs could exist naturally, without over-direction. The result felt authentic and powerful.
On Her Favourite Design
The No. 43 Necklace. It holds a very personal meaning for me – it’s inspired by my childhood home, from its number to the iron details of the balcony. It carries a sense of memory and identity, which makes it incredibly special.
On Future Plans
The focus is on continuing to grow globally while staying true to the emotion and identity behind the brand. I want Kismet by Milka to keep building cultural connections, reaching new communities and creating jewellery that feels personal, meaningful and timeless while always preserving the craftsmanship and spirit at its core.
Photography courtesy of Kısmet by Milka.
Milka Karaağaçlı Ince
