MADE WITH MEANING
A Story About Nevada Skies, Stone Lifting & A Love for Beauty
“Jewelry has the power to be this little thing that can make you feel unique.”
– Jennie Kwon
Meet the Maker
Stephanie Herr | Founder & Artist, Ilargia
Hi, I’m Stephanie Herr - most people just call me Steph - and I’m the heart and hands behind Ilargia, a small jewelry and handmade goods studio in Elko, Nevada.
I was raised in the mountains and quiet rhythms of small-town Elko, where life moved with the seasons and the land always had something to teach. It’s also where I was first introduced to the Basque community - a culture I grew up around, fell in love with, and now carry with me in the designs I create. Yes, I actually took up Basque weightlifting, the one where you roll a giant stone ball around your neck!
The name Ilargia means moon in the Basque language of Euskera. It’s my way of honoring the natural world, my deep connection to Basque culture, and the quiet strength that comes from place, tradition and intention.
I started making jewelry as a hobby - just me, some wire and a need to create. Over time, that creative spark grew into Ilargia. Now, I handmake each piece with a blend of grounding, spirituality and deep personal meaning. Whether it’s a bracelet, ring, or something for your home, my hope is that it feels like more than an object - something you carry with purpose and connection.
Thanks so much for being here. I’m truly glad our paths crossed.
— Steph
Why Our Logo Matters:
The Moon and the Sunflower, Together in Balance
In Basque, Ilargia means "the moon." In Basque culture, the moon stands for mystery, strong feelings, and the quiet power that comes from nature and life’s rhythms. The eguzkilore, literally meaning “sunflower” in Basque, is a special flower with a lot of meaning. Though not a true sunflower, it is actually a type of thistle. People have placed it on their doors for generations to keep away bad spirits and bring safety, light and strength into their homes. When you put the moon and the eguzkilore together, they tell a story of balance: dark and light, protection and hope, past and future. This symbol shows what Ilargia is all about - honoring tradition, staying close to nature, and making meaningful pieces that remind us of who we are and where we come from.
Rooted in Meaning, Handcrafted with Care
Everything at Ilargia is made by me, from design to finishing touches. No mass production, no shortcuts. Just one woman, a workbench and a belief that slow-made art has a place in our everyday rituals.
Where Nature & Culture Meet
Ilargia draws from Nevada’s wild places and the beauty of the Basque culture and countryside. Each piece honors the land - crafted with natural materials, sustainable practices and a belief that nature isn’t just inspiration, but collaborator.
Shop Small, Support Local
When you buy from Ilargia, you’re supporting an Elko-based small business that pours heart into every product. We’re proud to be part of this community, and even prouder to offer meaningful, locally made goods that carry story, culture and soul.
Grounded in Basque Earth: The Stories, Stones & Spirituality that Shape Ilargia
In the verdant hills and rugged coastlines of the Basque Country, nature and culture weave a tapestry rich with tradition and lore. The Basque people, known for their deep connection to the land and sea, hold steadfast to ancient beliefs that celebrate the earth's bounty and its grounding, healing properties. Central to their culture is a reverence for stones, each believed to possess unique energies and powers, deeply rooted in their mythology and daily lives.
The Earth and Mythology
The Basque creation myth tells of Mari, the earth goddess, who resides in the mountains and commands the forces of nature. Mari is both a nurturer and a fierce protector, embodying the duality of nature itself. According to legend, she fashioned the first humans from the rich soil, breathing life into them with the essence of the earth. The Basque people believe that stones, as pieces of the earth, hold remnants of this divine breath and thus possess inherent healing and mystical properties.
Stones and Their Significance
In every Basque village, there are stories of healers who utilize the power of stones to mend body and spirit. These stones are not mere objects but sacred talismans, each with a purpose and a story.
Clear Quartz is revered as the "master healer." It is said to channel pure energy, bringing clarity and revitalization. Villagers place clear quartz in their homes to cleanse spaces and amplify positive energy, often used in rituals to restore harmony within the community.
Moss Agate symbolizes new beginnings and tranquility. Known to attract wealth and prosperity, it is often gifted to newlyweds or individuals starting new ventures. Healers use moss agate to calm the mind and promote emotional balance, essential for personal and communal peace.
Tree Agate is cherished for fostering spiritual growth and inner stability. Its presence is believed to anchor the soul, aiding in personal development and strengthening one's connection to nature. People wear tree agate as a reminder of their roots and the strength derived from their ancestors.
Granite, ubiquitous in the Basque landscape, embodies strength and protection. It is a symbol of endurance and abundance, often used in constructing sacred sites. Granite is thought to shield against negative energies, providing a solid foundation both physically and spiritually.
Obsidian and Gold Sheen Obsidian are powerful stones for transformation and manifestation. They are used in rituals to transmute negative energies and activate higher will. The shimmering gold sheen obsidian, in particular, is prized for its ability to enhance manifestation, helping individuals bring their deepest desires to fruition.
Garnet is associated with passion, strength, and transformation. It is a stone of courage, used to ignite inner fire and promote change. Healers recommend garnet to those seeking to transform their lives, harnessing its energy to overcome obstacles and embrace their true selves.
Tourmalated Quartz aids in eliminating destructive patterns and provides protection. It is a balance of light and dark, symbolizing the integration of opposites. This stone is often used in cleansing rituals to clear negative energies and restore balance.
Moonstone is revered for its connection to intuition and the divine feminine. It is a stone of balance, often used to enhance intuitive abilities and connect with the deeper mysteries of life. Moonstone is worn by those seeking to harmonize their emotions and access their inner wisdom.
Dumortierite promotes self-reliance, discipline, and calm in difficult situations. It is a stone of resilience, helping individuals remain steadfast and composed during challenging times. Dumortierite is often given to those facing significant trials, providing them with the strength to endure.
Azurite stimulates mental clarity and intuitive thinking. It is known to assist in spiritual guidance, helping individuals navigate their spiritual journeys with insight. Healers use azurite to enhance their own abilities, facilitating deeper connections with the divine.
Petrified Wood embodies the concept of embracing change and grounding oneself. It is a stone of ancient wisdom, used to support transitions and new beginnings. Healers use petrified wood to help individuals anchor themselves while embarking on new paths, ensuring they remain connected to their heritage.
Sodalite enhances self-expression, clarity, and intuition. It is especially recommended for artists and creatives, helping them tap into their inner voice and express their true selves. Sodalite is often placed in studios and creative spaces to inspire and support artistic endeavors.
Dendritic Opal is deeply connected to Mother Earth, symbolizing growth and transformation. It is used in rituals to foster a sense of unity with the natural world, promoting growth both physically and spiritually. Healers use dendritic opal to help individuals transform their lives and align with the rhythms of nature.
Healing and Purpose
For the Basque people, stones are more than just physical objects; they are vessels of the earth's energy and wisdom. Healers, known as "Azti," are skilled in the art of stone medicine, using these sacred objects to align the body, mind, and spirit with the natural world. The Azti believe that each stone carries a specific vibration that can influence the human energy field, promoting healing and transformation.
In their rituals, the Azti incorporate chants, herbal remedies, and the placement of stones on the body to balance energies and remove blockages. This holistic approach reflects the Basque belief in the interconnectedness of all things, where nature and humanity exist in a harmonious relationship.
The Legacy
The legacy of the Basque culture and their connection to nature endures in the modern world. Their reverence for the earth and its gifts serves as a reminder of the importance of grounding oneself in the natural world. The stones, with their myriad properties, continue to be a source of healing and inspiration, carrying forward the ancient wisdom of the Basque people into the future.