Last August I had the pleasure of writing in my Hebrew blog about a unique project for jewelry designers in honor of the late Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
This month is the 5th anniversary of the Colombia space shuttle crash and Ilan’s death. In this project, Israeli jewelry designers designed pieces inspired by John Lennon’s song “Imagine” which Ilan chose to take to space with him and even read his own translation. Ilan spoke of this song, his personal favorite, in the context of a world with no boundaries. In the opening session the participants met with Rona, Ilan’s widow, and watched a movie about Ilan’s work. “In this unique project the artist is manifested as a world of its own, and the imagination is limitless and endless…” said Rona.
I’m happy to present here a few of the models that were designed in the project. My favorite is this necklace, designed by Orna Galila named “Brotherhood of man” or “28”. This necklace is made of different images of people made in brass coated with silver, oxidized silver, gold and rose gold. The piece was inspired by the number 28 which stands for mathematic perfection. The piece sets out to represent humanity by creating a harmony of the four races.

Another piece you can see here is “Become the master of your own destiny” by Keren Peleg-Kvody.  This necklace is made to “make wishes come true” and it was inspired by the known Chinese fortune cookies.

I find Hadas Reisberg’s creation, named “on a personal note”, very interesting. These are name tags made of silver , slides, magnets and a drawing board. Hadas says: “The name tags were inspired by the hope of everyone’s right to maintain its ‘self’ and nurture individualism”.

The exhibition showcasing all the pieces created in the “Imagine” project will open on January 28th. The opening is ‘invitations only’ but you are all welcome to come to the lobby of the David Intercontinental hotel in Tel Aviv, enjoy the works and maybe even become inspired to a better world. Entrance is free.

2007 was a jewelry filled year – according to a survey held by the ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, published today at The Marker, 49% of the adult women in Israel have purchased jewelry in the passing year.
The necklace, as I’ve written before, maintains its place s the most popular and most purchased item and was bought by 72% of the women who bought jewelry.
It seems the women in Israel mainly buy non-expensive jewelry – 60% of purchased pieces cost less than 200 NIS and only about 5% cost over 2,000 NIS. The piece we spend the most over is a ring, with a yearly average of 500 NIS.
There is an alleged contradiction between most women’s declarations that they do not compare prices before buying a jewel and the fact that most stated it is not an “impulse buy”. I think though that since we are talking about jewelry, each piece different and unique, there is really no room for comparison (certainly not of the prices).

I would like to take this chance to wish our talented Israeli jewelry designers a fruitful, creative and inspiring year and a lot of pleasure from their creations to all of us!

Rotem

According to yesterday’s issue of The Marker, Michal Negrin is opening 5 new shops in Israel and 2 more in Mexico.
200 thousand dollars were invested in each of the new shops in Mexico, joining the chains shops in the US, the Far East, South Africa, Brazil and many European countries.
The new shops in Israel will be located at the Dizengoff center and Ramat Aviv mall in Tel aviv, The 7 stars mall of Hertzeliya and the Kiryat Ono mall.
Michal Negrin is, without a doubt, one of the most successful and known Israeli jewelry designers and her creations were even featured in the last Harry Potter movie. Michal will now have 27 shops in Israel and 29 (!!) additional shops all over the world.
Michal Negrin

A unique project is on its way at the Bituy College of Art & design in Hertzeliya – a new shop, named “TALENTO”, displaying young designers is being built on the college’s compound these days. The intent of this project, well implied in the name chosen, is to provide the jump start for new and talented designers, beginning their commercial career. The shop will display fashion designers, industrial designers and of course – jewelry designers.
“Bituy” college offers a variety of courses in the fields of art and design, many of which are recognized by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. Among the courses you can find a computer graphics and web design course, fashion design, interior decorating and more. The college also offers many preparatory schools, training students who wish to apply to Israel’s known art and design schools such as Betzalel academy or Shenkar: architecture, jewelry design, industrial design, fashion and textile design and art.
A number of young designers have already joined the project and all those interested are welcome to write to Evyatar Stern at: :   perachavy@perach.org.il or call 054-7882043.

“Bituy” College

In the mean time, here’s a sneak-peak at the store being built as we speak….

A new and exciting jewelry exhibition will open at the Ramat Aviv mall next week. “Crafting the wonders of the world” will showcase jewelry designed by graduates from the Yael Shkedi workshop inspired by the buildings that were recently nominated as” the new seven wonders of the world”.
I’m honored to be able to give you the first peek at the some of the marvelous designs that will be displayed, among them this fascinating ring, designed by Miryam Aviv, inspired by the El Hambra palace in Spain. The simplicity side by side with the complex engravings captured my heart and took me back to trips in Spain and to this very palace, where I visited several years ago.

I haven’t had the chance to visit the Roman Colosseum yet, but there is no doubt that this ring, designed by Chani Kol Frid, both conveys the spirit of this known structure and testifies to her skills as gifted goldsmith. I really loved the layers Chani created and the fact that the ring is not close - much like the Colosseum itself, where only part of the outer wall survived.

Another ring, and the last piece I’m going to expose here (Go to the exhibition!), will probably remain on display – this impressive ring , rich with engravings and small details was designed by Michal Nayim, inspired by India’s Taj Mahal.

The exhibition will be open from October 9th until October 29th and you are all welcome to call Yael Shkedi’s workshop for more details at: 09-7461715.

On TU BE’AV, the Jewish love day celebrated today, nothing is more appropriate than discussing the most common motive in the world of jewelry – a Heart. In silver or gold, from diamonds or beads, as a pendant, an earring or a ring – hearts rule and can be found incorporated in designs by most jewelry designers in Israel, and all over the world..
And why not actually? Jewelry are one of the most identified items with the idea of a “Romantic present” (for a birthday, reconciliation, flattery and of course – to propose marriage) and the heart is a symbol of love.
Unfortunately, the use of hearts in jewelry has been so worn out it has amounted to pure kitsch. It is nice to see though, some more original uses of a heart by some of our talented designers such as this ring designed by Hagit Re’em, a heart pendant combined with a leather strap by Rosi Ben Tora and of course the heart earrings by Dana Notkovich, of which I told you already.
So, to all you lovers and ‘inlovers’ (of jewelry or anything) here is a selection of all sorts and kinds of heart jewelry and to all of you celebrating – a very happy Love day!! (I will wait with the rest for next year )

Hey everyone and welcome!

Here you can find a lot of information on Israeli jewelry designers I recommend, jewelry stores, interesting jewelry from all over the world, news on jewelry, articles, tips and everything on jewelry I would like to tell you about!

If you wish to help and contribute your knowledge on a specific jewelry designer or anything else regarding jewelry you are more than welcome to write to me at blogger@jewelry4u.co.il . Comments are most welcome.

Yours,

Rotem