Jewellery is also an Art Form: Interprets Israeli Master Designer

- Diamond World News Service%% Sami Zeira, Israeli jewellery designer has always had an eye for aesthetics. It was this gift that first inspired him to take up photography as a child, but it was during a visit in the 1990’s to the beautiful Greek Isle of Santorini that he truly discovered his calling as an artist. Sami’s fascination with the work of the tireless, local goldsmiths was the inspiration for what is today the designer’s magnificently rich line of 22-kt gold and diamond jewellery. Sami describes his struggle so far as a journey. He says, “I see this journey as one that requires persistence and motivation. The process of developing my line both artistically and financially has been arduous, yet rewarding. The greatest accomplishments in life come from hard work and perseverance. I am forever grateful to those who have helped me along the way.”

Mesmerized after his visit by the beauty, skill and mastery of the Greek goldsmiths, he returned to New York City, where he began intensive training in the classical techniques of jewellery-making at the renowned Jewellery Arts Institute. Later in 1998, Sami also studied with the highly regarded Dutch-born jewellery model maker Fred de Vos. With the master model-maker, he learned how to create precise geometric shapes and unique organic wax forms that could be cast in gold and fused with granules. “I love a challenge, and for me it means combining the classical techniques in jewellery-making with my newer methods, and applying them to a timeless, yet contemporary design,” says Sami. %%{{Classical Influence }}:$$ Influenced by the Classical Period (2500 B.C. to Twelfth Century A.D.), Sami weaves the past with the present by making a contemporary line of jewellery on which he boldly applies the ancient technique of gold granulation. “I am inspired by the aesthetic brilliance of the Ancient Greeks. I borrow their method of patiently granulating each piece that I create; I mix in my modern designs to produce my line,” he explains. %% Sami’s jewellery line is elegant without being ostentatious. Among his stunning pieces of fine jewellery is a pair of delicately-crafted drop earrings, with an ornamentation of gold granules covering the egg-shaped surface, gracefully accented with faceted, round diamonds. Always one to keep the jewellery connoisseur happy, Sami developed a white gold alloy, on which to fuse his signature gold granules. The combination has produced dramatic pieces featuring a striking color contrast in the yellow-on- white gold jewellery. %%{{Beautiful Gems Mesmerize }}:$$ Sami likes to work with gold and diamonds. “I love the richness of 22kt gold. The glow of the concentrated gold portrays wealth and beauty. I am attracted to high quality sapphires and diamonds. The sparkle of a beautiful gemstone can be mesmerizing,” says Sami.

Sami values his clients immensely and speaks about his patrons with pride. “Customers that are far more than just clients. Most often, they become my close friends; they support me and my vision. They are individuals who understand and appreciate art. Many of them support art education as well.” His pieces are in the price range of $1,100 to $50,000. %% Sami has his own way of doing things. Engaged just past December, Sami’s valiant style can be seen even in the way he proposed to his fiancée, Leah. After inviting his closest clients and friends to his studio opening on 47th street, Sami surprised her with an unparalleled piece of jewellery, a breathtakingly intricate ring designed and created just for her. %%{{Jewellery is also an Art Form }}:$$ “Anyone can make beautiful jewellery from fancy, expensive gemstones. It is the art and the craftsmanship that make a piece significant. It’s about transforming the vision and design into jewellery; combining the inspiration and dexterity in one’s hand that demonstrate the true skill of an artist,” believes Sami. To him, jewellery is art, each piece contains intricate detail, work that he loves doing but that is far different than simply putting a few big diamonds together to create jewellery. %%{{India – Up & Coming Force }}:$$ Sami then turns to describe the latest trends in the market. “High carat gold and long circular necklaces have been doing very well,” he says. He describes India as an up and coming force in the jewellery market as well as in the larger global economy. “I see the Indian economy as a powerful entity in the near future,” he predicts. We ask Sami about his best creation and he says “My best creation? Well, that’s on its way. I will send you a photo when it is finished.” %%{{Be True to the Original Vision }}:$$ “As far as designing is concerned, the most important element is to be true to the vision that you have as an artist. I have created my own version with a twig theme, a truly natural texture,” says Sami as he tells us about his work. While collectors have sought Sami’s jewellery at private shows for nearly a decade, the designer has recently made his line available to the public at galleries in Greenwich, Larchmont and Aspen. Leah’s engagement ring, however, cannot be found in any gallery.