INHORGENTA 2014

Last week I took part in Inhorgenta Munich jewelry fair!

This exhibition has always excited me both as a visitor and, now, as a presenter. In this enormous jewelry fair, many jewelry designers like myself could learn that it was possible to create modern fine-jewelry designs using gold, platinum and diamonds. They were the first to pave the way to new jewelry concepts as opposed to the traditional Italian jewelry. The emphasis was on innovative designs which maintain high quality and a perfect finish.

In each visit there I learn new things about the European design as a whole, and German design in particular. The exceptional precision is expressed in the jewelry and presentation. That is where I first discovered my favorite jewelry designers.

I was introduced to Niessing at Inhorgenta 20 years ago, was invited to visit their amazing factory, and became their representative in Israel. I was honored when they asked me to exhibit my own jewelry designs in their store on Madison Avenue in New York. It was a fruitful cooperation that started thanks to Inhorgenta.

Inhorgenta is first and foremost a commercial show, displaying all of the major jewelry brands in the world, but it has an important role in the world of contemporary jewelry design. It is a dynamic exhibition giving a platform for young designers as well as established ones.

Here is a short clip from my exhibition...

Thanks for coming along, hope to see you again next year!

FROM THE PRESS...

When you want to get to know someone, you can find out a lot from their own way of introducing themselves. However, sometimes a third person may phrase things differently, and give you some more information to complete the picture. For today's post I'm excited to share with you some of my recent mentions in various publications.


The new book "New Earrings: 500+ Designs from around the world" compiled by Nicolas Estrada was recently published featuring two pairs of earrings from my Netline collection. It is a big honor to be acknowledged as part of the most innovative designers in the world for earrings.

On the left: The book's cover; On the right: two pairs of earrings included in the book by Hella Ganor

My Tel-Aviv shop was mentioned as a recommended tourist spot, according to tourist guide CityGuideTelAviv. The guide collects the best places to visit in Tel-Aviv for food, shops, parks, beaches and art, and I was proud to be a part of it.

On the left: The guide cover; On the right: page 154 from the guide, recommending Hella Ganor's shop in Neve Tzedek 

Prior to my participation in Sieraad international art fair in Amsterdam, I was featured in Edelmetaal magazine. My jewels were included in a section focusing on jewelry made using 3D printing methods.

On the left: Edelmetaal cover; On the right: the page focusing on 3D printing showcasing Hella Ganor's jewelry

Here is a snippet from an Israeli design magazine recommending fashion and beauty products alongside a poetry book and a good place for dinner. On the top left corner you can see my porcelain pebbles necklace.

Top left corner: A porcelain pebble and wire necklace by Hella Ganor

This photo was part of a fashion shoot created by Laisha magazine, featuring my stainless steel earrings. It's always a lot of fun to work in collaborations and take part in a professional fashion production.

Fashion shoot for Laisha magazine, with earrings by Hella Ganor

Want to read more? check out these links of online publications:

• An interview with me on Noblivity website: http://www.noblivity.com/blog/2011/12/interview-award-winning-israeli-fine-jewelry-designer-hella-ganor/
• A recommendation on Indulged Traveler website: http://indulgedtraveler.com/israels-crop-of-jewellery-designers/
• An article in Hebrew on Walla Fashion website: http://fashion.walla.co.il/?w=/2101/1850285

5 IDEAS FOR A SPECIAL GIFT (Part 1)

Giving and receiving a gift is a very special experience. The occasions for buying a gift to a loved one may vary, but the act itself is always imbued with feelings of gratitude, affection, and love. This is why many people will say that giving a gift is much more fulfilling than receiving one.

But this great pleasure does not mean that choosing a gift is necessarily an easy task... So I've decided to assemble some of my most successful gift options to make it a little easier for you.

This post is the first of a two-part series of gift ideas. Part 1 offers gifts made of silver, stainless steel, and white gold. Part 2, in a few week's time, will be of jewels made with yellow gold and different stones and gems [stay tuned for that!]. Here we go:

1. Round Zigzag Pin

Round Zigzag Pin / Hella Ganor

This stainless steel and silver pin is a safe bet. It is a unique looking, handmade piece that can add interest to any blouse, jacket or gown. The zigzagged stainless steel strip made into a spiral, is held in place with a rectangular silver surface, finished with a scraped matte finish. It would also work beautifully on a colorful or black scarf!

Click To Shop: https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/99156848/

2. Small Silver Mobius Earrings 

Small Silver Mobius Earrings / Hella Ganor

The second option is a gorgeous, very practical and light weight pair of earrings. They are perfect for a woman who appreciates artistic designs but does not want to compromise on comfort. The mobius shape, a recurring structure in the Netline collection, gives the classic earrings a twist (literally!). Its bent net surface catches the light from every direction and adds a great shine to the face. 

Click To Shop: https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/164111879/

 

3. White Gold Heart Pendant with Set Diamonds

White Gold Heart Pendant with Set Diamonds / Hella Ganor

This dainty necklace is a great gift for one who loves delicate jewelry. The asymmetrical heart shape is made of a clean 18K gold line, and decorated with 7 small diamonds for the extra sparkle and edge. The pendant is sold on its own, but I recommend threading it on a stainless steel coil, as seen in the photo. The advantage of this string is keeping a round shape rather than being pulled into a V shape. This way the pendant seems to be floating below the neck. To add a coil to the gift please contact us.

Click To Shop: https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/96321992/

4. Diamond Line Studs

Diamond Line Studs / Hella Ganor

This is a funky pair of earrings, made of 18K white gold with 13 diamonds on each side. They are the definition of the saying "A little that goes a long way". This pair will brighten up any look. They combine a classic clean style with the edge of a straight line, making it possible to wear them horizontally, vertically or parallel to the shape of the ear.

Click To Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/164134751/

5. 6-Cube Pendant on Stainless Steel Coil

6-Cube Gold Pendant on Stainless Steel Coil / Hella Ganor

A geometrical pendant of 6 intertwined hollow cubes made of 18K white gold. This design results in a kinetic pendant - its shape changing with the movement of the body. Threaded on a stainless steel coil, the combination of the angular lines with the round string create a beautiful harmony.

Click To Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/164122122/

Tell me in the comments which ideas you liked the most!

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

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

I am very happy to introduce my new blog. Please make yourself at home...

After years of having a website which presents my designs only, I have decided to open an online space for all things related to them: Jewelry is not all about the finished product - it's about the spark of inspiration, the message it carries, a way of life, and even the philosophy behind it. 

This blog will research those areas by introducing inspirations, interesting art & architecture, unique techniques and methods, fashion tips, photos of jewelry collections, and many more. I am interested in creating a community where people with similar interests can discuss, and so each post will be an invitation for a conversation with you.

Please join me and subscribe to my blog! I hope this is a beginning of a beautiful journey...

See you,

Hella Ganor

From My Netline Collection: Small Twisted Torus on coil / 14k gold

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

Just as the title says, inspiration surrounds us everywhere we look. It is a treasure box that keeps evolving and expanding all the time. Keeping that in mind, I have assembled a short list of topics which have always interested me and keep challenging my imagination and creativity every day. Here is a list of my 7 inspiration topics and photos, as of today... enjoy!

1. NATURE

Fitting for first topic in the list - It is safe to say that all creations, including the latest innovations, are all derived from nature. In a way, we all are. Even though the world we live in is the source which introduced to us to the basic artistic and aesthetic motifs merely by observing it (most of the times unconsciously!), still I am often amazed by the geometry and symmetry found in nature. 

Sand waves in Arizona, USA

2. ARCHITECTURE

One of my biggest passions in life.

Architecture is something that flows in my veins, and has inspired me greatly in my artistic world. I always wanted to be an architect, but since life led me in other directions, I imported my visions into my sculpture and jewelry pieces.  

Calatrava - Denver International Airport, Denver, USA



3. WOMEN

No need to elaborate much. A woman is a work of art, and when designing a jewel for her I aspire to create a piece that would complement her, be comfortable, sophisticated, elegant, made in highest quality, and the list goes on and on....

The beautiful Kate Menson

4. ART

All forms and shapes of art inspire me. Galleries, ballets shows, theater, and music performances have an important part in my everyday life. It doesn't matter in which medium, but as long as a new idea (design, thought, etc.) is presented and well executed, the spark of inspiration will linger in my mind.

Fourfold, Chiara Corbelletto

5. CULTURES

I love to travel. In every new place I visit I observe the local culture, mentalities, and of course, the jewelry too... Any town, city, country is different in the way of life. It is quite liberating to sometimes think of your own way of life as "another option" rather than "the normal way", don't you think?

  Fulani girls, Mali | ©Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

6. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

In my jewelry designs, I have always mixed different materials, such as metals, felt, steel, silicone, and more. I find inspiration in the challenge to create fine jewelry using materials which do not instinctively relate to the popular concept of it. 

 Eleanor Bolton

7. PATTERNS

Parallel to some of the previous topics such as architecture and nature, interesting patterns could be found anywhere and I find them to be fascinating. An inspiring pattern could be a repetitive geometric shape or design, perhaps even a simple looking one, but it will capture my eyes and make me think about what makes it so appealing. What is the hidden element that makes it unforgettable. 

  Sol Lewitt

                                   

8. WHAT'S YOURS...?
I'd love to know what inspires you - in any aspect you wish.

Add a comment sharing your own inspiration below.

All the photos above were taken from my inspiration board on Pinterest, check it out to view many more of my inspirational photos.