8/29/2008 10:06:00 AM COVER: Jewelry Designers
Thirty-somethings create treasures for all ages
Gen Katz (left) and Amy Leff wear jewelry designed by Leff
Bobbi Livnat (left), Jennifer Boaz (top right) and Amy Leff show their handmade jewelry creations to Gen Katz (center). Photos by Susanne Katz
Susanne Katz Special to the Jewish Times
Sometimes the invitations were e-vites. Friends were going to jewelry parties or opening nights for a jewelry collection at a friend's home, a local store or a gallery. "You should see what some of my friends, and daughters of your friends, are creating," Gen Katz said. So, I would attend because I either knew the designer or knew the parents of the designer.
These were budding artists, not the well-known designers I was familiar with because of Tiffany's or Saks and Neiman's catalogues. I decided to have my own private jewelry party in my living room and invited a few local designers I already knew. They were all of the 30 or almost-30 set, so I asked my fashion-savvy 30-something daughter-in-law, Gen, to join us.
I wanted to know what was special about owning a piece of jewelry from these artists. Gen answered, "It is more meaningful to wear something that someone you know has made. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations ... not like anyone else's. If a friend says they are looking for a certain piece of jewelry, I can say, 'My friend can make that.' "
All three artists create hand-crafted customized pieces, and enjoy the energy and personal connection that gives direction to the work. "These purchases are not random selection," they explained. "They are a personal investment by both the artist and the customer. We have many repeat customers. They are our fan club."
Amy Leff
Amy Leff, 32, is owner of Throwing Stars Jewelry. This Boston University graduate solders and hammers, using sterling silver, copper and gold-filled wire to create geometric, asymmetric designs that are lightweight and versatile. "I have a baby and just don't have time to think about and plan my daily wardrobe. Usually in jeans, I want to layer casual pieces of jewelry and just throw them on and go."
Leff describes her creations as fun and flirty. Sometimes she will incorporate semi-precious stones. Other times she will mix metals. One of her favorite creations is her peace-love bracelet which is made up of one sterling silver bracelet and dangling heart and one gold-filled bracelet and dangling peace sign.
"I often name my pieces," Leff said, "after the people who have inspired the design. Customers can request a creation in 14- or 18-karat gold, which is forever."
Bobbi Livnat
Bobbi Golson Livnat has been creating jewelry using sterling silver, copper and semi-precious stones since 2001 when she began formally studying jewelry-making. This 35- year-old Atlanta native owns Fit for a Queen, and creates hand-crafted jewelry incorporating precious and semi-precious stones, from diamonds and sapphires to amethyst and quartz. Livnat chooses stones that have a personal meaning to her to create bold, organic, earth-inspired pieces. "Sometimes I get attached to a piece and can't sell it."
They have been called statement jewelry or conversation pieces. "Mine are not named. They speak for themselves and express a feeling of confidence. That is their statement."
Jen Boaz
Jen Boaz, almost 30, earned her degree in studio art at the University of Alabama. The artist uses fresh water pearls and semi-precious stones to make 14-karat gold-filled and sterling-silver jewelry. She mixes gold and silver and specializes in taking apart your old jewelry to make new creations that are both sentimental and rich in history.
I thought I would challenge Boaz with what was in my jewelry box. "Just imagine," she said as she inspected my outdated stash, "that you can include memories and milestones that I incorporate into a new necklace for you. It is a great way to use your old jewelry, rings, watches and necklaces you no longer wear, but have a sentimental attachment to."
As Boaz looked through my box of old-but-not-forgotten jewelry, we found oversized rhinestone earrings, garnet- and marchasite-encrusted Jewish-star pendants, and a variety of chains. I couldn't wait to see the new necklace, appropriately named "Brilliant," that she would create.
The artist's names for her jewelry reflect the feelings that inspire the creations. After the initial inspiration, the artist might go back to her studio and find charms or other items to add to the work. Later on, the owner can also ad or edit. "I can tell so much about the person just by what they want to include."
Two days later, my necklace was complete. Included in the final creation were randomly chosen relics of the past, including my mom's college letter pin in music, a silver and turquoise pendant I purchased on a trip out West and a bead from Israel, chosen by the artist.
All three artists describe their work as fashionable and stylish but not trendy, based on classic styles to complement staples in your wardrobe. "We want to design for people of all ages to wear and enjoy."
The artists' works are available in galleries and stores, on their Websites, and "by Jewish word of mouth."
Bobbi Livnat's creations are bold statement pieces.
Bobbi Livnat's creations are bold statement pieces.
