Rotem Zakai

I am a goldsmith, stone setter, jewellery designer and illustrator, specialising in traditional goldsmithing techniques, working with high-karat gold and repoussé. I graduated with First-Class Honours from the Jewellery Design Department at Shenkar in 2022 and completed The Art of Stone Setting course at Maziar School of Jewellery Crafts in 2024.

I create bespoke jewellery that embraces the evolving nature of the material. The subtle traces of its making become part of each piece’s identity, while the marks it gathers over time continue that story. Rather than concealing these changes, I see them as a natural record of the relationship between the jewellery, its maker and the person who wears it.

My jewellery is crafted in 24-karat gold, with 18-karat gold reserved for functional mechanisms such as clasp springs. I work with natural diamonds and carefully selected gemstones.

Traditional techniques lie at the heart of my practice. I draw upon methods that have been passed down through generations, preserving their craftsmanship while reinterpreting them through contemporary design. To me, the value of handmade jewellery extends far beyond the materials themselves; it is equally found in the time, skill and dedication invested in every stage of its creation.