Nava Zahavi

Posted on May 11, 2009 - by pokate

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I have seen this amazing jewelry designer at a series of boutiques in the last five years on both coasts and in between. Nava Zahavi’s name though didn’t stick in my mind as strongly as the style of her pieces, which are unique in both rough stone choice and technique.

In my years making jewelry I was always taught bezels one way. I always tried to make everything line up and keep the bezel short enough to roll onto the stone cleanly. Zahavi throws this tradition out the window and allows for a rough-hewn look out of such fine materials that the pieces remain elegant, timeless and sophisticated.

The above is with a milky chalcedony. I like that Zahavi’s not even remotely shy about mixing gold and silver – coming from New England that “faux pas” is deeply seeded.

This technique works for rough and smooth stones.

Zahavi draws inspiration from growing up in Israel and experiencing the beauty of the Mediterranean. Her choice of various techniques and stones reflect both historical weight and fresh, modern design. I recently had the pleasure of meeting, virtually, Zahavi’s publicist, Phyllis Roback, she’s doing an awesome job as Oprah recently wore a set of her earrings on her show!