With the Internet, the world has become a marketplace, offering fashion, jewelry, accessories, gifts and more with just a few clicks of a button. One of my favorite sites for the aforementioned is Etsy (etsy.com). This online bazaar features amazing, one-of-a-kind finds from around the globe. A recent search of “Jewish gifts” turned up many amazing ideas and their designers, all with unique stories to share. Here are four Etsy designers and their stories. For another example, read our profile of actress Maria Amorocho, who also creates kippot, which are sold on Etsy.
Nicole Stein
As a designer, I have one simple rule … I only sell what I love. That way I know my customers will love it, too. I’ve been designing fine jewelry since 2004, working with NYC’s top diamond deal- ers and craftsmen to create unique de- signs that are timeless and sophisticated, yet easy to wear.
Once I found my footing as a designer, I decided to tackle a niche in the jewelry space, namely Judaic jewelry. From the time I was a little girl, I always had trouble finding something “Jewish” that I loved and wanted to wear.
In my mind there was no reason Judaica couldn’t be chic, so I started creating Star of David necklaces in more delicate proportions. The response was amazing. Whenever I would wear them around the city, women would always stop me – I was writing orders in the middle of the street!
I started to add new designs – Chai, Hamsa, Evil Eye – and pretty soon a collection emerged. Binah, taken from my Hebrew name, was born.
With Binah, I try to pay tribute to a rich Jewish heritage by refining the timeless symbols one expects to find in a line of Jewish jewelry – and by adding new designs that reflect a more modern sensibility. For me, it’s a perfect way to marry my Jewish center with a love for fine jewelry.
binahjewelry.com
Ely Greenhut
Ely was born in Brooklyn, New York. As a young boy, Ely built small wooden models of boats, houses and much more. When he was in his late teens, he started experimenting with cutting and carving miniature models out of metal. Soon thereafter he started cutting personalized jewelry out of precious metals.
Ely is self-trained and his jewelry is the result of many years of work that have made him well known in the wholesale jewelry industry as a grand master of personalized jewelry. With over 40 years of professional experience, Ely provides the highest-quality crafted jewelry. He has won world competitions in Europe, Asia and the United States. All jewelry is made of heavy solid gold or silver and is created exclusively by Ely.
elygoldart.com
Linda Blatchford
It all started when I was a little girl making necklaces and bracelets out of pony beads. I loved the feel of them. About 10 years ago, I attended a women’s workshop where we made bracelets while listening to a speaker. It was so relaxing and refreshing, I knew I was hooked, or should I say strung?
Each piece is created with love and positive energy. It’s all about joy, celebrating holidays and special occasions. My ideas come from color combinations, gemstone combinations and my clients, who teach me how to make my products better.
My favorite items to make are wire kippot for Jewish women. It’s a joy to have you choose the colors and size of your kippah for your bar/bat mitzvah or wedding and for you to have a memory of the happy occasion.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We live in the Midwest with our four kitty children.
LinorStore.com
Ruth Shapiro
In 1988 I went to Israel to learn techniques from some silver masters and to enhance my spiritual development. My work has taken me to shows and exhibits all over the United States. My mezuzot are in Israel and Canada, as well. A yad of mine even went into space!
I always felt I was somehow supposed to be a Judaic artist. Just as I would start to think about other career directions, a new commission would appear. Just as I think I will never have another fresh idea, a dream supplies me with a new mezuzah and a new technique. Do I think these events are divinely created? Of course I do! In the last year, I have come to believe that I will never be barren. I believe that I am a vessel, and the spirit of God and creativity flow through the vessel. When I feel close to God, I pray. Only in my case, I pray with my hammer, my torch and my sculptor’s tools.
I feel it is a very special gift and privilege to be able to create decorations for the Torah. I was moved to tears the first time I saw a yad I had made hung on the Torah. The rabbi talked about the rich tradition of the Torah and the silversmiths who adorned them. (This in no way implies that the adornments are as important as what they adorn.) growingupjewish.com
