Ayala Naphtali

Ayala Naphtali was born in NYC, and began experimenting with jewelry making as a teenager. She studied Gold and Silversmithing at FIT and SUNY NEW PALTZ where she received her BFA in 1985. Since then her work has been collected privately, and by major museums including the Cooper Hewitt and Kunsindustriumuseum in Norway, and is in The White House permanent collection. Ayala currently exhibits in major nationally juried venues such as American Craft Exposition in Baltimore, SOFA  in Chicago and in many top rated galleries nationally and internationally. Ayala’s work has also been featured in selected publications including ELLE, The Fashions of The Times, The New York Times, Mademoiselle, Women's Wear Daily, Glamour, and New Women Magazine. 

“In my work I draw inspiration from ancient alphanumeric systems, contemporary architecture, and my own personal cultural history. I am intrigued with balance and proportion, and feel as if each piece must find its axis on the wearer. The work is designed to be elegant, with minimal and bold forms.

My work is an exploration of form and materials, each equally important. I feel firmly rooted in the historical tradition of my craft. I am committed to the use of materials, for their color texture and versatility. Often the material is the inspiration for the piece of jewelry being designed.  Coconut shell, dyed and carved, is used to achieve rich color and texture. Forging, fabricating and casting are used to create pieces with dimension and volume.”