Spot the Designer - Lena Yastreb/ Ukraine

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be a hero, then a photo model, then a designer.

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

I was 21, I was a student of Graphic Design University in Kyiv and I saw how my classmates were doing sketches for future jewelry, which was their side job, and I thought to myself "how cool is that! it will live long! I want to do this thing" Also I was looking for beautiful, casual, everyday jewelry for myself and I didn’t find any (it was 2010-2011) and I definitely knew, that I can do it better, in a new and different way.

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?

First significant jewel was this flagman ring from the Crescents collection, I was in love with this design and people admired it too, very much, the entire collection. Here you can find the whole collection: https://yastreb.jewelry/crescents/ Later I've created many interesting and joyful pieces but this one was the firstborn of my creations.

How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

You know what, you've asked a very curious questions! I love to think about them!
My passion is travels and outlooking, remarking the world, finding it's beauty and harmony with my loved one and watch a lot of nature. I like to paint and read classic literature, listening to new music and have a conversations with friends and family.

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?

Tradition is like a religion, you can trust it, but the innovation part feels to me like a spirit, who is guiding you through the challenges of time and helps you find answers to new questions. I deeply respect them all, like guidelines or an inner compass.

Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

Okay, I got it now. But actually it's not only one piece, they come and change each other from time to time, as I am changing myself. I'll show you the last two of them. Several years it was a bold golden asymmetrical ring with yellow natural sapphire which was my zodiacal symbol, that I wore on my left forefinger only. Afterwards I melt it, when the time has come, and created a new one, with a green tourmaline, which represents me better... but for how long?

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

I guess I want to combine in one jewel 3 or 4 different kinds of materials which have different values, to blur the boundaries of appraisal value and combine them to express my idea, and to still identify it as a fine modern jewelry piece.

How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?

We had a growth of 30% in the pandemic period each year. I was shocked for a while, first two-three weeks and then adapted to the new reality.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I see it bright and highly futuristic with implementation of nanotechnologies and AR and other stuff all together. By the way, I already have some ideas and thoughts on this subject.

Find more about the designer Lena Yastreb