Fine Silver Bird Earrings

Artisan Organization: Alon Diller

Country: Mexico

"For as long as I can remember, I have always been keen on handicrafts, especially jewelry, which I started making when I was a teen. I was born in Israel and traveled through Africa and America, always challenging myself to make different designs with what I found in the different countries I visited, such as wires, seeds, gems, bamboo, ceramic, and bone amongst others.

"In 1995 I arrived in Mexico and became enthralled by the quantity, quality and variety of artesanias. I traveled up and down the country until someone told me about Taxco, describing it to me as the 'jewelry capital of the world.' When I came and discovered their art school, I just knew this was the place for me!

"I enrolled in Mexico's renowned National University (UNAM) where I learned about design, drawing, art history, lapidating, engraving, photography and of course, jewelry-making. By the time I finished in 1999 I felt I had gained a solid foundation that has allowed me to develop my own style and design. My collections have been well-received throughout Mexico.

"As form of expression, through jewelry I am able share what I observe, what I think and what I experience. When I'm designing I search for beauty, aesthetics and elegance. I look for a way to leave my personal mark.

"My favorite themes include contrasts, textures, contemporary designs and geometry. I enjoy transforming the old into the new. They say 'there's nothing new under the sun,' but there are always thousands of ways to create a piece to renew it.""