Ayala Naphtali

"My work is an exploration of form and materials, each equally important. I feel firmly rooted in the historical traditions of my craft."

Jewelry designer Ayala Naphtali draws inspiration from ancient alphanumeric systems, contemporary architecture, and her own personal and cultural history. She is intrigued with balance and proportion and feels that each of her pieces must find its axis on the wearer. She creates work with elegance and bold, minimal forms.

The choice of a particular material is often the motivation for Naphtali to design a specific piece. Its texture, color, and versatility influence the end result. Some materials are hand dyed or carved. Others are shaped using forging, fabricating and casting techniques. Different combinations of techniques allow her to make jewelry pieces that have dimension and volume while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear.