Rotem Zakai

28 year old, goldsmith, stone-setter, designer and illustrator. Specializing in traditional goldsmithing techniques, working with high karat gold and repoussé. Graduated with bachelor’s degree with honors from the department of jewelry design Shenkar in 2022, and completed Maziar‘s The Art of Stone-Setting course in 2024.

I produce jewelry with an imperfect, bespoke, appearance. This gives the jewelry personality, it alludes to the journey it went through during the creation process, an ingrained memory of the material’s transformation.
The jewelry, made of 24-karat gold, 22-karat custom-made gold and 18-karat gold in the clasp mechanism’s spring, is set with diamonds and other precious stones.

I use traditional techniques that communicates the cultural representations of these forms. In doing so, I revive the traditional meanings through new designs. It is important to me to preserve and elevate handmade methods that have been carried out since time immemorial, to highlight their beauty as well as the dedication and energy required during the creation process. The meticulousness of the creation process gives the items their added
prestige and status, beyond the value of the materials.

The Process

I begin the creation process with a sketch of my vision. The material I use, 24k gold, comes in grains, which I weigh and melt down into a single mass. The gold is then either pulled into wires or flattened into plates of different thicknesses. The gold can now be transformed into the design.

In some cases, during the shaping process, the metal will react and form differently than was originally planned, this natural behaviour affects and changes the design for the better.

The Materials

The quality of any product begins with the materials chosen, as they determine not only how it looks but also how it endures over time. In jewelry, this choice becomes even more significant, since each piece is meant to be worn, treasured, and passed down.

Gold

All pieces presented on this site are crafted from 24k gold. 18k gold, composed of 75% pure gold, is used for functional elements that require greater durability for daily wear.

Thanks to its malleability, high carat gold can reach shapes and sizes that is otherwise impossible. Additionally, there is the mesmerizing deep yellow color that gives a feeling of warmth and prestige. 

Diamonds

Natural diamonds were formed deep within the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, under immense heat and pressure. Composed purely of carbon, they are the hardest known natural material.

Each diamond carries its own internal structure and light behavior, making no two alike. Through the precise art of cutting, guided by proportion, symmetry, and polish, the stone’s inner brilliance and fire are revealed, transforming a rough crystal into a gem of enduring beauty.

Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes, from the classic round brilliant to elegant emerald, oval, cushion cuts and more, each emphasizing a different aspect of light and character.

Certificate

GIA certificate will be given for diamonds of 0.5ct and above, or by specific requests.

Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

Precious and semi-precious stones encompass a vast range of minerals formed through complex geological processes over millions of years. Traditionally, the term precious referred to diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald, valued for their rarity, durability, and rich color, while semi-precious describes all other colored gemstones.

Each species and variety possesses distinct chemical compositions and crystal structures, resulting in unique hues, optical effects, and levels of hardness. When skillfully cut and polished, these stones reveal their inherent color and brilliance, reflecting both the science of mineralogy and the artistry of human craftsmanship.

Clasps, Mechanism, Posts, Earring Clips, etc

Due to its natural softness, pure 24k gold is not suitable for certain structural components of jewelry. For this reason, clasps, posts, earring clips, and other functional elements are crafted in 18k gold, an alloy containing 75% pure gold, chosen for its strength and durability in daily use.

A detailed description of the materials employed is provided with each piece.

Stamps

Karat stamps serve as official markings that indicate the purity of gold used in a piece of jewelry. Expressed in parts of twenty-four, they denote the ratio of pure gold to alloyed metals. For example, 24k signifies gold of the highest purity, while 18k represents 75% gold content. These stamps are typically applied in discreet areas, such as the inner surface of a ring or the back of a clasp, to ensure authenticity and transparency. The hallmark not only identifies material composition but also reflects a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and integrity in goldsmithing.

Each piece bears a 24k stamp, indicating the use of pure gold throughout the design. In certain cases, an additional hallmark appears on the clasp or closing mechanism to denote components crafted in 18k gold, ensuring accurate identification of every material used.