New Jewelry Collection: CROWN
After a long break, I finally sat down at my jewelry bench again. Yes, with the advancements in technology, we can now quickly model forms and produce jewelry flawlessly and lightly using 3D printers. These opportunities allow us to achieve unique and refined designs. However, I have always loved working by feeling the material itself. That’s why I realized how much I missed modeling jewelry using metal and wax. It’s a bit like choosing to read a physical book instead of an e-book. I’m someone who enjoys holding a book in my hands and even underlining passages as I read. In recent years, I have also started reading e-books and have noticed the advantages of digital reading—translating words and taking notes is much faster.
Now, back to jewelry design and craftsmanship… I studied Ceramics and Design at university. My journey into jewelry design began with a newspaper advertisement. In the late 90s, we used to look for and find jobs through newspaper ads. That’s how my life took a different turn. I started working as a designer at URART, a jewelry company based in Istanbul. The most significant aspect of working at this company was that we had to create the first prototype of the jewelry we designed. This allowed me to take an important step in learning jewelry craftsmanship. The two years I spent there were like an intensive school for me.
Later, I worked with different jewelry companies in and around Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, where I had the chance to experience various design approaches. Over the years, I came to realize how lucky I was. After my education in ceramics and design, I found great joy in learning and working with jewelry—a discipline that brings together intricate details and a variety of materials. These years also helped me understand the dynamics of business and production culture in my city.
Sitting at the jewelry bench and shaping the forms I design has always been an exciting process for me. Since jewelry is something we wear on our bodies, considering and implementing ergonomic principles is essential. I’ve always known that being open to experimentation is crucial when pushing the boundaries of both design and materials.
The Birth of the CROWN Collection
The idea for the CROWN collection started with the concept of designing classic solitaire rings and earrings. For some reason, I’ve never been drawn to sparkling white diamonds. Instead, I have always found champagne-colored diamonds to be warmer and more intimate. At one point, I even had the opportunity to work with raw, unprocessed diamonds, and I must admit, I fell in love with their natural beauty.
Black-cut diamonds, on the other hand, have always intrigued me. They feel like the complete opposite of conventional aesthetics—as if they stand in defiance of traditional beauty standards. Taking a stance that is different or even unconventional in society… I have come to realize that I have always quietly appreciated this perspective in my life.
So, when I decided to design a solitaire ring that I would wear every day, choosing a black diamond felt like the right decision.
And that’s how the CROWN collection was born. After creating my first black diamond ring, I began experimenting with stones in different colors. I particularly fell in love with Tanzanite blue, which I believe adds a vibrant and captivating touch to solitaire rings.
Yet, my all-time favorites remain black and champagne-colored diamond rings.
Wishing for us all to inspire each other on our creative journeys…
Özlem