A bracelet can carry a story about a place as well as a design. In this interview, published on 2 October 2024, Andrey Chepurko tells Katerina how Nomad Stones grew from a family hobby into a product inspired by Cyprus legends.
The conversation follows the idea from games-industry skills to physical jewellery, and explores who might want a souvenir that feels personal.
From game development to a physical product
Andrey moved to Cyprus for work with a games studio and continued working there while developing the project. His background includes narrative design, writing, game design and product work. He describes finding that skills used to build a digital product could also help him shape a physical one.
His wife became interested in stones and started making bracelet designs. Around them, people were launching projects and businesses; Andrey describes that atmosphere as an encouragement to try something of their own.
The design comes first
The bracelets combine natural stones and fittings. Andrey explains that the materials are imported: the team initially looked in the Emirates, then found they could source comparable supplies more cheaply in China. He is talking about sourcing, not claiming that the stones are mined in Cyprus.
Katerina asks about the associations people give stones, including energy and esoteric meanings. Andrey acknowledges that some customers care about those associations and that ancient stories include them. But the main idea of Nomad Stones, he says, is design, legends and storytelling. The interview offers no evidence of healing effects.
Cyprus legends and a QR-linked story
The first collection is connected with Cyprus legends within the wider world of ancient Greek stories. A QR code accompanies each bracelet so the wearer can access its story. Andrey talks about themes such as hospitality, kindness, ingenuity and heroism: different people can find a story that resonates with them.
This makes the item more than a generic keepsake. Someone might like its appearance, identify with its story and carry a reminder of Cyprus while travelling elsewhere. That emotional connection is the meaning Andrey gives to the product.
Visitors and residents are different audiences
Tourists may want to take home something linked to a place they visited. People who have moved to Cyprus may want to support a small local project or carry a connection to their new home. Andrey distinguishes these audiences instead of treating every buyer as a tourist.
Katerina suggests collaborations with hotels and links to routes or interesting places. These are ideas discussed in the conversation, not established partnerships.
What was still an idea
Asked about digital support after a purchase, Andrey says the immediate focus is the physical bracelets and their sales. Possible selections, newsletters or travel-route collections are tentative future ideas. The interview does not announce a functioning app or an existing itinerary service.
The value of the story is in seeing how a founder connects materials, design, narrative and an audience—and how he keeps the first product in focus while considering what might come later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea behind Nomad Stones?
Andrey describes bracelets whose design is connected to legends, beginning with Cyprus. A QR code accompanies each bracelet and gives access to its story.
Are the stones presented as Cypriot or as a treatment?
No. Andrey says the materials are imported and emphasises design and storytelling. References to symbolic meanings are not evidence of therapeutic effects.