Brand Spotlight: Jewellery Designer Yana Azzopardi

Yana Azzopardi is a 25 year old Maltese jewellery designer who I’ve recently discovered – I honestly think her stuff is AMAZING and I wanted to get to know more about her – look for her on Facebook.

Who is Yana?

Yana Azzopardi aged 25, I completed my 4 year degree in 2009 and graduated as a Social Worker. I work full time and have also dedicated an immense amount of time designing jewellery.

I am a self-taught jewellery designer and never attended any jewellery courses. I also dance Flamenco and love combining the passion I have for dancing, music and design in one.

When did you first get interested in making jewellery ?

My obsession for collecting stacks of bangles and necklaces from around the world inspired me towards designing my own. My family history in jewellery making stems back many years which has been a tribute to my underlying passion too.

When did you actually start selling jewellery

Last year I was offered to take part in an exhibition in Brick lane, London at the Seasons of Love Exhibition and slowly worked my way up through Facebook and various local exhibitions and markets.

Do you have different collections ?

Jewellery design and fashion constantly change, therefore most collections are based on recent trends and seasons. My other collections are focused solely on inspiration. My all time favourite collection is the RING COLLECTION.

Which is your favourite stone and which is your favourite metal ?

Cant really choose!! However my favourite right is the Agate gemstone. The texture and colours always bring a unique and defining design to my piece.

Favourite metal will have to be brass, even though I haven’t started working in metal yet I crave to create my own Brass statement necklace.

Which is your all time favourite piece that you have created ?

Another hard question…but I would go for my semi-precious statement necklace. It brings out all the passion I have for chunky jewellery and vibrant colours.

From where do you draw on for inspiration and are there are any other jewellery designers that

inspire you?

I am deeply inspired by the vibrant feel of Indian, gypsy, hippie and African jewellery. I find that the general colours within these regions are truly free, in the sense that one can see multiple combinations of different stones, gems and materials come together.

I am currently inspired by two jewellery design Isabella Pennefather and Elizabeth Briedis who own their own busisness known as Spell and the Gypsy collection. Their style is just gorgeous, whenever I see their work I want to purchase everything. I get a lot of gypsy inspiration from them as they love to work with tassel, cord, feathers and various materials.

Your best career moment?

When I designed a ring for our Local famous singer, IRA LOSCO, and when I see women wear my jewellery and receive positive feedback. It’s the best feeling in the world when you know women feel glamorous when wearing your jewellery.

Any future plans ?

I plan to further my skills by doing a few courses in jewellery making, design a website, set up my own exhibition and eventually own a shop.