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Rimonim

Original bead jewellery by Leiah Elbaum

Leiah Elbaum makes bead jewellery in a variety of styles and materials, in designs influenced by traditional Jewish, Biblical and Middle Eastern motifs, and by the local colours and landscape.

Based in the new Israeli town of Modiin, ancient hometown of the Maccabees, her pieces reflect this special Israeli blend of modern and ancient.

She enjoys mixing styles and components including crystals, semi-precious stones, old glass, antique coral, cast metal moldings, wood, leather, acrylic and Bedouin and other ethnic components which she finds in local markets. She loves browsing antique stores and markets looking for interesting parts that can be used to create something new.

Israel's rich cultural mix has triggered many creative ideas. A colourful exhibit of ancient glass at a local museum inspired a range of necklaces and bracelets made with old glass beads in shades of blue, pink, green, turquoise and beige.

The pomegranate is the centrepiece of several of her creations. One of the seven species associated with the Land of Israel, it features prominently in ancient Jewish decoration.

Delicate crystal and plastic necklaces centred around drop shaped blue beads were the result of a visit to the holy town of Safed, many of whose old buildings feature blue walls, glass or lamps.

A collection of bright ethnic style jewellery derives from her fascination with traditional Middle Eastern necklaces and the bold designs still sometimes worn by elderly Jewish ladies from places such as Yemen and Morocco, and by the adornments of the Negev Bedouin. Coins, a sign of prosperity, were, and in some places still are, used in traditional bridewealth jewellery across the Middle East, and feature in several of Leiah's designs.

She is always open to new suggestions and custom designs. Contact her at: Leiah Elbaum