NOW & THEN: IN SKETCHES

Along the years, production methods evolve in all working environments. For me, the biggest transformation in my craftsmanship has been the switch to manufacturing my jewelry designs using 3-D printers. However, a big part of the jewelry design is the sketch - the first time it comes to life before my eyes.



My design for a gold pair of dice / special edition

When I first started designing jewelry, I used a sketching technique I had learned in "Omanit", of painting the jewelry designs with water colors. As my jewelry was all hand made, the designing process would be as follows: Having an idea, translating it into a painting, and then working hands-on with the materials. When working with materials, the design often altered spontaneously due to the physical restrictions of the substance.

Water color paintings for a collection of mine, back in the 90's



This necklace I made won an award in '97 / Far left: Sketch / Middle: Final product photo / Far right: An article on my wining piece in the newespaper!

In 1997, I first started designing on a computer. This method allows the transformation of more complex design ideas into a reality - designs which could not be reached with hand made crafting. Having said that, no one method is perfect, and computer work comes along with technical restraints. Yet the greatest advantage achieved is the freedom from compromising due to materialistic dictations: Creating a jewel which is an immediate result of the my wildest designs.

Twisted Torus Pendant / Made with 14K gold, Lapis Lasuli Stones and Gold Beads

Twisted Disk Pendant+Clasp / Made with 14K gold and pearls

Flat Mobius Ring / Made with 14K gold

If you are a designer - what are your preferences when sitting down to work?
For any questions about techniques, materials, etc. please post them in the comments section below and I'll be happy to answer.

SHANA TOVA: HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This post is dedicated to Israel's high holidays taking place later this month. It is an exciting time of year, when kids begin their school year, the boiling summer weather is slowly eased with nice cool breezes, and the holidays are a good excuse to meet with the family for a few festive dinners.

Tishrei is the first month in the Hebrew calendar. It happens in fall, usually during September or October. The 1^st of Tishrei is Israel's New Years holiday, called "Rosh Hashana". This year it will happen on Sept 5^th. Some Rosh Hashana traditions are: dipping a slice of an apple in honey for a sweet new year, giving a gift to your loved ones, and wishing each other wishes for the upcoming year.

Here are pictures I took in some of my favorite places in Israel.

Vines in Neve Tzedek

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, the beach of the Mediterranean Sea is one of my favorite places in the whole world. 

Herzelia's Beach in December

A fisherman at work on Bat Yam Beach

Even today, living in Herzelia (which also lies on the coast, just north to Tel Aviv), my day cannot start unless I had my morning walk on Herzelia's beach. This has been a habit of mine for the last 25 years: be it spring, summer, fall, and even winter!

A cloudy morning on Tel Aviv's beach

Winter on Tel Aviv's boardwalk

Israel is known to be a very small country and yet immensely divers in its landscape. We have a long coast, a large dessert, forests, mountains, and one salty sea:

The Dead Sea salts

Dried plants in the Dead Sea

Jerusalem is a city like no other city on earth. Although I wouldn't want to live there myself (my heart belogns to Israel's west coast), every time I visit I am overcome by its magical atmosphere.

Little Girl in Jerusalem

A walk through Jerusalem's neighborhoods

Narrow alleys in Jerusalem's old city

Stunning Jerusalem at night

Haifa is the Third largest city in Israel, and is the business and cultural center of northern Israel. Located on the largest bay on the Mediterranean sea, it has a rich history as an important seaport.

Downtown Haifa in December

Heading back to Tel Aviv, One of my favourite neighborhood is the old Neve Tzedek, which still holds many memories of Tel Aviv's beginning and yet has developed into a gorgeous and unusual resort. 

A lively garden balcony in an old house in Neve Tzedek

Old and new in Neve Tzedek

Colors of vacation in Neve Tzedek

Tel Aviv's oldest train station, or Hatachana, was restored a few years ago into a successful shopping center. It hides a few historical stories as well as galleries, shops, restaurants and bars. This is where my own jewelry shop is located (How fitting for me – it's a 3 minute walk from the beach…).

Hatachana - the old train station in Neve Tzedek

Hatachana - the inner plaza

Thanks for coming along touring some of my favorite spots in Israel. If you are celebrating Rosh Hashana, I wish you have a wonderful, successful, healthy and happy year.

Cafe Bialik in Tel Aviv