Kim Nikolaev

Kim Nikolaev, born in Denver, Colorado, but raised in rural Indiana, found solace in nature during summers with her grandparents in the Rocky Mountains. These experiences deeply influenced her artistic expression, fostering a dialogue with nature that permeates her work.
With a scientific mindset inherited from her father, a former CEO in orthopedic companies, and influenced by her grandfather's expertise in metallurgy, Kim combines artistry with rationality. Her journey began at 16 under a goldsmith's apprenticeship, leading to studies in Metalsmithing and Fine Arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University. She further honed her skills with certification from G.I.A.
Kim's extensive career path wove through roles in advertising, design, and antique jewelry, shaping her taste for luxury and quality. Her marriage to sculptor Tom Bollinger led her to establish her studio within Bollinger Atelier in Tempe, Arizona.
Kim's artistic ethos is rooted in her constant pursuit of new ideas, often inspired by the beauty of nature found in the mountains and deserts of the Western United States.
She is also responsible for Nikolaev Botanical Jewelry, where opulence meets nature's allure in an exquisite fusion of craftsmanship and inspiration. Each piece in her luxury jewelry line is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the natural world, showcasing the delicate beauty and timeless elegance found in botanical elements.
Artist Kim Nikolaev