SHAY LAHOVER

There are fourteen remarkable stations along Jerusalem’s historical route known as the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) in Israel. This centuries-old passage is the destination for thousands who want to trace the path Christ walked prior to the Crucifixion. Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Shay Lahover.

Based on the jewelry items featured on his website, evil eye jewelry and hamsa pendant necklaces--what I consider to be mainstream--are not among the designs of Lahover’s exquisite designer jewelry collections.

His lux gold bead bracelets and gemstone necklaces, however, do reflect Old World artistry reminiscent of lavish ancient kingdoms.

The rich yellow hues of 22- and 24-karat gold along with the icy sheen of fine silver and platinum are stunning. Large faceted gemstones that include emerald, ruby, sapphire, opal, diamond and aquamarine placed within organic metal settings are quite simply gorgeous.

There is a beautiful peal ring wherein a glossy white pearl is held within a clasp of coiling gold; the design of a pair of earrings resemble white ball flowers the petals of which are outlined in gold. Each design is a different entity seemingly imbued with its own story.

His incredibly bold yet delicate fine jewelry takes inspiration from architecture, wrought iron, and ancient rosettes, and is the result of Lahover’s incorporation of time-honored techniques.

“I chose to remain loyal to the tradition of ancient and original jewelry,” he says. “I graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem twenty-six years ago and I have taken the skills I acquired to create my jewelry.

I mold, flatten, solder, stretch, interweave and beat raw materials by hand until I achieve the details and textures I want.

Each item is one-of-a-kind and is made to adapt to the wearer; to ultimately become one with the wearer.”
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Photo 1 (top right): 22-Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Photo 2 (bottom left): 18-and 24-Karat Yellow Gold Rings with Black and White Diamond