HAYA MOLNAR, DESIGNER

BEGINNINGS

I learned how to bead in the 1970’s from a designer who was creating necklaces for Janis Joplin. At the time, I had no money for semi-precious stones, so I looked for interesting beads such as seashells and antique glass beads. Because I was young and had chutzpah (that’s a NYC expression for moxie or nerve) I walked into Bonwit Teller, a luxury store on Fifth Avenue at the time and asked to see the Jewelry Buyer. I only had twenty necklaces to show but she bought them all on the spot and they sold out in less than a week. I waited for my check from Bonwit Teller for over three months. I decided that this was no way to make a living and changed career paths to writing advertising copy. But I still loved great jewelry design and continued to create pieces for myself and for close friends.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH PRECIOUS STONES

Years later, after a successful career as a creative director in advertising, I began to purchase semi-precious stones and other unusual beads and started to design one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Initially, I gave many as gifts to friends and family - eventually I began to sell at Art Fairs.

CENTER PIECES

I am often asked where I find such unusual center stones or carvings for my jewelry. The truth is, they find me! While I do buy semi-precious stones and unusual beads, sterling silver and goldfilled findings, I never go out to intentionally buy a center piece.  The center pieces which are unique and usually one-of-a-kind are found by pure chance at antique stores, flea markets, estate sales, even garage sales. My main criteria are the pieces need to speak to me and inspire me to create something beautiful with them.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Where does creativity come from? I believe it comes from the intersection between one’s inner being or soul to the outside world. We are surrounded by so much beauty, if only our eyes were open to see it. Nature is abundant with subject matter; trees, forests, flowers, water — the ocean, rivers, lakes and the color of the sky as the light changes, birds, clouds, rain, snow, and light - always the light we carry when we are happy and at peace. These and many more things can spark an idea for a design. Because I am primarily a writer, and my work is to tell stories with words, designing jewelry is such a different kind of joy. With jewelry design I am surrounded by color, texture, hardness, softness, size, architecture, and technical challenges.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

I believe that jewelry is much more than adornment. It is sculpture for the body. Each piece is very personal, and the wearer must be comfortable not only with how the jewelry looks, but with how it feels against one’s skin. That’s why before I sell anything, I wear the piece at least once to make sure that it feels right. For the same reason, I prefer to sell my work directly to the wearer. Nothing pleases me more than when I see someone light up when they wear one of my beaded jewels. I therefore have a select few places where I show several times a year. The photos on my website are to show you stylistically what I do. Some pieces are still in my collection and available, while others have sold. Please contact me directly if you are interested in a specific piece. To see my collection in person check my show calendar.