Named after the Hebrew word for light, Ora jewelry is primed for the spotlight. An original take on your childhood favorite, the friendship bracelet, designer Lanya Snyder crafts this classic out of high-end materials like silks, gemstones, and precious metals. We talked to Snyder about her design process, her signature bracelets, and what’s next in this artist’s bright future.
two + seven: Was it difficult transitioning from a career in photography to jewelry design?
Lanya Snyder: Not really! I’ve always made jewelry as a hobby, and I still take pictures. I like to think that we’re the product of all of our experiences and not one specific title.
2+7: What’s the design process like for you, from start to finish?
LS: I spend a lot of time at Pacific Trimming in the garment district looking at different materials and different shades of silk. Then I spend time thinking about what colors might pair well together. Also I’m interested in sourcing different metals and gemstones.
2+7: Is there any special meaning behind your signature friendship bracelets?
LS:I actually braid the silk by hand — it doesn’t come like that. I like to think of these different loose pieces of being somehow connected and intertwined.
2+7: If you weren’t designing jewelry, what do you think you would be doing?
LS: Taking pictures, making short films, collecting different books I find while browsing different bookstores in New York or on E-bay.
2+7: What’s next?
LS: Right now I’m working on some exclusive pieces for Roseark in Los Angeles, as well as new black diamond pieces for the classic collection.
