Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sunday Featured Artist!

My Sunday Featured Artist this week is one of my favorite Jewelry Artists - Ilana Diner. As you can see, her jewelry is simply amazing! I am truly in awe of the beauty and intricacy of her work!

Discover more about this talented artist as she tells us her story. I'm sure you will fall in love with her work and be inspired by her story!


Multicolor Gold Wire Crochet Bracelet
with Gemstones

7ART Jewelry is the brand name of my jewelry design studio. My name is Ilana, I am 40 years old, and I live in Modi'in, Israel. I was born in Riga, Latvia (when it still was a part of the USSR) and came to Israel with my family when I was 11.

Ever since I can remember I was fascinated by jewelry, and especially jewelry design. But, as often happens, life took me to different
directions - Chinese (BA) and business strategy (MBA). But I guess that when you really love something you will finally come back to it.

Silver Wire Crochet Ring with Colorful Crystals

It started several years ago with some classes in Goldsmith...and never stopped ever since...I started experimenting, playing with different materials, shapes and techniques - as a hobby at first - until it slowly filled up my whole time.


As I kept on playing I developed a unique technique, based on simple crochet but with an entirely different outcome. Although, my jewelry are made of metal wire they have a lace-like texture and feel like soft lace. I strongly believe that a piece of jewelry must not only be pretty, it has to be durable and feel comfortable. A person has to wear it without fear or discomfort.
Crochet Gold Wire Wide Bracelet with Citrin
Every item is unique, one of its kind. A lot of time and effort is invested in its design and making. It usually starts with an idea born in my head...Sometimes it is something I see, hear or even smell...sometimes I wake up with a vivid picture of a bracelet, necklace or ring. And then I can not stop until I see it done.

Sometimes I use simple copper wire first (although it takes twice as long) and only when the outcome is exactly as I want it, I will do it again using Sterling Silver or 14KT Gold. I like to interlace tiny gemstones, pearls or Swarovski crystals into my work. Usually I use 2mm stones, that are very hard to find. There is no demand for such a weird size and apparently they are much more expensive to make, so jewelry supply stores don't carry them.

I had to choose just a few of my "children" to share with you here - and the choice was hard - I love them all :-)

Handmade Silver and Gold Crochet Bracelet with Tourmaline

*You can see all my designs on my website: http://www.7artj.com/

*My Etsy Shop: http://www.7artjewelry.etsy.com/

*If you would be interested in finding out the meaning of the name 7ART you're welcome to visit my new blog http://7artjewelry.blogspot.com/

*Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/7ArtJ

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Ilana's work is lovely! The large gold cuff is beautiful! Thanks for the mention on your side bar too. You rock!