I just wanted to thank my mom today for being such a wonderful person and a huge influence on me. She is one of the most creative people I know. This photo is of the two of us in her ceramics studio, where I used to spend a lot of time.  Thanks, Mom, for passing some of your talent on to me!

Happy Mother’s Day!

I am happy to introduce the Rose Gold Jada Necklace exclusively for Mother’s Day.  The original inspiration was the Priscilia Necklace, which represents the connection between two individuals – friends, family members or a couple.  From this design, I came up with the Jada Necklace in mixed metals.  Since the Jada design features one larger link interconnected to a smaller link, I decided to dedicate this design in rose gold as a special gift for Mother’s Day.  The rose gold is pretty and feminine, and its color represents love.

The Rose Gold Jada Necklace is available online, and you can come see it in person this weekend at Crafts On Columbus on Columbus Avenue between 77th and 81st Streets. We will probably be at the Nolita Market Friday depending on the weather.  Check us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Order online by Wednesday, May 9th to ensure delivery in time for Mother’s Day!

Sonia Necklace from the New Shaya Gunmetal Collection

I am very proud to introduce the new Shaya Gunmetal Collection to you!

I have been really excited about this new element in my work. Gunmetal is a deep grey, almost black metal finish that adds even more versatility to my designs. The original gunmetal was developed back in the day to make guns, and later it was replaced with steel. We have come a long way today, using gunmetal to make jewelry instead of weapons. Because of its metallic black color, though, it maintains a bit of its sense of danger, which is always a good thing in fashion and design in my book.

The first pieces in the new Shaya Gunmetal Collection are made with mixed metals in gold tones and gunmetal grey. These pieces pretty much go with any outfit for any occasion. They are perfect for this transitional season, and they look very nice with a summer tan.

The designs in this collection include:

• Arza
• Delilah
• Dorothy
• Jada
• Nicole
• Nolita
• Sabrina
• Sonya Earrings and Necklace

Please have a look at the entire Gunmetal Collection. We will be adding new gunmetal designs going forward, so please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Black is one color that never goes out of style.

You can shop from the collection online, or you can come and try them on Fridays – Sundays at the Nolita Market, on Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets. We will also be at Spring Crafts on Columbus starting this weekend, May 5-6 and May 12 – 13, 2012.

Hi!  I’m back!

Last year was a fantastic year for Shaya Fine Handcrafted Jewelry. I launched the new website and had the first sale within the first 10 minutes.  I am working on adding more designs to the site very soon.  It has been amazing to reconnect with friends and customers from around the world on Facebook and Twitter too.

The 2011 season at the Nolita Market, Crafts on Columbus and other fairs was a blast.  I wonder if anyone pays attention to the weather like a people in open-air markets in New York City? Maybe farmers and weather reporters, but that’s about it. Luckily, we had our share of sunny days. The Union Square Holiday Market was great for us, thanks in large part to my awesome team: Debra, Jenna, Leslie and Toni. I couldn’t have done it without them.

And I have to thank my loyal customers for coming back to say hello and see my latest designs. Seeing friends and familiar faces year after year is what it’s all about.

In January and February I took some time off to rest and recharge and visit my family. The break inspired to come up with new designs. And I have decided to build up my collection of jewelry in solid gold, rose gold and sterling silver. It is exciting to expand the line and create pieces that can be passed on to future generations.

Right now I’m getting ready for all the spring fairs, and my parents are coming for a visit! If you’re already thinking about Mother’s Day, I have a special design for a great gift for your mom. Stay tuned for the announcement.

Please come out and see me at the Nolita Market on Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (unless it’s raining — I’ll tweet to let you know).  Nolita is a historical section of the city and a great place to spend the weekend.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

~Shaya

Credit:  The photo of me on Opening Day at the Nolita Market was taken by Jamie Greenberg of Devils May Care

You saw the before photo when we were setting up the booth what feels like a million years ago.  As promised, here is the “after” photo.  I finally shaved.

So here is my holiday market booth!  We can do pretty much whatever we want with our spaces, and I put a lot of time into creating a warm and welcoming feeling and to make it easy for you to see and touch the jewelry.  I use wood blocks, which have a really great texture.  And the metals really come alive against the natural wood.

I also have a very powerful heater for my team.  I can get away without wearing a coat in my booth the entire season!  Feel free to stop by and warm up while you’re holiday shopping.  We’re in Booth D24.

Also, don’t forget to enter the Shaya Photo Contest!  You could win a $100 Shaya Gift Card on December 24.

This year, I have a whole line of new designs exclusively at the Union Square Holiday Market. I’ve been doing more work with gunmetal and mixed metals, and people really like them.  Gunmetal is a great material to work with.  It can be edgy, and it can be elegant at the same time.

I am very happy about how this new necklace turned out.  The hand-hammered gold-filled squares have a rich texture and feel.  The fifth off-center gunmetal square and chain add the edginess that makes this piece great for everyday and also for more formal settings.  I’m working on a name for it.

Please come see the new collection and all the classics from Shaya designs at the Union Square Holiday Market!  We’re also at the Nolita Market periodically.  Follow ShayaNYC on Facebook and Twitter for locations, updates, and offers!

And don’t forget to enter the Photo Contest!  to upload a photo of yourself wearing your Shaya jewelry and get your friends to like your picture!  The one with the most votes on December 24 wins a $100 Shaya Gift Card!

Happy Holidays!

~Shaya

Set up and load-in at the Union Square Holiday Market started last night.  It’s great to see old friends from previous years and other markets.  This photo is the “Before” picture of me last night, with my friends who are helping me with the construction and installation.

Urban Space NYC encourages us to create unique spaces in our booths.  Personally, I’ve been planning my holiday market booth for months, and I am very excited for everyone to come see it.  We have three days and nights to set up, and all the market sellers have been painting, installing fixtures and lights, and putting up the final details.  The best part is bringing out and arranging our merchandise.  Actually, that’s not the best part.  The best part is when the market opens and people start coming in for some holiday spirit.

I’ll post the “After” picture when the market opens on Friday.  I can’t wait to show you the new jewelry designs I created especially for the Holiday Market!

So come see me on Friday at the Union Square Holiday Market.  I’m in booth #22.  And I’ll definitely shave by then!

~Shaya

I’m having a Photo Contest to help celebrate the holidays!  Enter to win a $100 Shaya Gift Card!

How to Enter:

All you have to do is upload a photo of yourself wearing a Shaya design to my Facebook page (like my friend Karen in the photo).

How to Win

The photo with the most “likes” by 11:59PM on December 24th is the winner!  So feel free to ask all your friends to like your photo, and I’d appreciate it if they’d like the Shaya page too!

I will post the winner on my Facebook page once the contest is over.  If there is a tie, we’ll do a run-off vote through January 1, 2012.

I can’t wait to see your entries!

No little elves here in the Shaya Studio.  It’s just me and my metal working tools, hammering away and creating jewelry for the Union Square Holiday Market!

This will be my second year with a booth boutique at Union Square, and I am very excited to be back.  Last year was great.  So many nice people buying gifts, and the weather wasn’t even so cold.  I have some great heaters, and my booth was so warm most of the time I didn’t need to wear a jacket.

The market runs for almost six weeks, seven days a week from November 18 – December 24, 2011.  So I have been working on inventory, designing my booth, and trying to get enough sleep to stay energized for the entire season.  This is a fantastic time of year in New York City, and I am really happy to be a part of the holiday spirit!

And, by the way, I’ll be sending out an email newsletter this week with an exclusive discount offer for my subscribers!  Please sign up so you can take advantage of this offer code.

Thank you,

~Shaya

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Must have been a great evening.  And it’s amazing to see my designs accenting her dress.   Lauren is wearing the Twista Gold Bangle Bracelets and also a Shaya ring. (Notice the square and rectangle designs?)

Thank you, Lauren!

~Shaya