Ayala Bar, The Artist Behind the Jewelry
Art always played a major part in my life. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been passionate about drawing, sculpture, embroidery, and sewing. Though I studied art, I was never formally trained in jewelry making or silversmithing. Yet, I have always been drawn to jewelry as a form of expression, and I’m proud to say that after crafting jewelry for over 35 years, I still find joy in the creative process. The connection I have with the materials keeps my work evolving and exciting.
I allow my creativity to take its own path, and as a result, unexpected materials often find their way into my jewelry. I once picked up a few autumn leaves on my way to the studio and incorporated them into one of my designs.
The bold use of unconventional materials in jewelry became my signature.
Inspiration
The materials themselves have always been my muse. Fabrics, beads, glass, and threads speak to me more than diamonds or gold. They have a special energy and raw beauty that lets me create jewelry that’s full of life.
My cultural background also deeply influenced me.
Long after my jewelry design journey began, I visited an exhibition of Afghan jewels. As I explored the gallery, I was amazed by the similarities between the artifacts and my work. The designs felt as if they were part of my own collection.
At that moment, I thought of my dear late grandmother who immigrated from Afghanistan to Israel and lived to 111, and realized how my roots had shaped my art, without me being aware of it.
Evolution
My early creations looked like miniature mosaics, crafted from beads, crushed glass, mineral stones, decorative prints, wood, and ceramics. I was captivated by how these diverse elements could unite into something that felt whole.
From a small stall at a street market in Tel Aviv, my journey evolved step by step, almost like magic. Today, my jewelry collections are featured in over 35 exhibitions globally and sold in galleries, boutique shops, and museum stores across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and more.
Guided by my creative curiosity, each collection has a unique energy, with every piece offering its own artistic chic.
80’s
Sprout
The Classic Collection marks the beginning of my journey.
When I started designing jewelry in the 80’s, it was extremely rare to find anything that wasn’t made from materials like gold, silver, and other traditional materials.
I created unconventional designs using surprising combinations of materials such as metals with beads, plaster, wood, and various findings. My early collections had a mosaic-like quality, reminiscent of the ancient Byzantine era.
Being an outsider gave me an unexpected advantage, my designs stood out and sparked interest.
Since then, the Classic Collection has been ever-evolving, and takes on a new look every six months, in tune with the seasons.
90’s
Bloom
In the mid-90’s, I traveled to India, certain I would find extraordinary beads. Instead, I discovered silks and fabrics that excited me. Back in my studio, I crafted beads from these fabrics, giving birth to what is now known as The Hip Collection. Over time, the collection grew to include textiles from across the globe and evolved into one of the hallmarks of my brand.
2000-present
Flourish
My artistic journey often takes me to unexpected places. I created The Radiance collection out of a desire to craft a new type of collage. Each piece in the collection is a rich composition of unique colorful elements I’ve created, encased in a delicate, almost invisible layer of glass.
My love for materials has recently drawn me to metals, and as a result, The Indigo Collection was born, focused on delicate filigree and bold touches of color.
In the commercial market, compromises are inevitable, and I, too, must conform. But from time to time, I allow myself to indulge, to stray. I abandon all conventions to create pieces with an experimental edge that reflects my artistic freedom.
The creations born of this urge are called The Signature Collection.
Looking Forward
Above all, I’m glad that my creations bring joy to women all around the world.
I’m fortunate to have the freedom to keep developing and refreshing my collections.
As I look to the future, my goal is to keep sparking curiosity and beauty with every piece I craft. To me, that captures the true essence of ‘Ayala Bar’.
