Rising Star

James Kaya’s Simple Sophistication

"In today’s market, where every other design looks alike, I like to push the limits," asserts James Kaya. One look at his jewelry and you can see that he does just that. Working with platinum, diamonds, pearls, and other precious stones, Kaya makes one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect his desire to stand out and create something truly beautiful and unique.

By Sarah Siegel

James Kaya

James Kaya’s interest in jewelry design began when he was very young and led him to pursue an apprenticeship in metalworking. Now an accomplished goldsmith trained in classic jewelry design, Kaya runs his own studio, Solair Jewelers, in Boston.

As a result of his traditional training, he creates each piece by hand, believing that “it takes time and patience” to produce high-quality jewelry. He also refuses to mass produce because he feels that the personal aspect is lost when the designer does not participate in the actual creation of his designs.

His designs are decidedly modern, although he also draws a great deal of inspiration from ancient Armenian art and architecture. Describing this distinctive characteristic of his jewelry, Kaya explains, “I am proud of my heritage as an Armenian. Armenians by trade have always been very artistic and wonderful craftsmen. I see it as my mission to take beautifully old Armenian craftsmanship and transform it into modern pieces of jewelry.”

The rings, pendants, and earrings that Kaya designs all bear the mark of his mission to create elegant pieces that are both simple and sophisticated. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that he is able to design and produce his jewelry effortlessly. “Simple designs may look easy,” Kaya admits, “however, because of their simplicity, they need to be the best of quality and they leave no room for errors.”

Kaya’s designs have won numerous awards, clearly showing the high caliber of his work. In 2005, he won First Place for Platinum Distinction for a platinum tension set ring with yellow sapphires and diamonds at the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America’s (MJSA’s) American Visions Award design competition. He won Professional Second Place for “Wishes,” an 18K gold rubellite and diamond pendant, at the same competition. Also in 2005, Kaya won the Mort Abelson Award and the title “New Designer of the Year” from the International Jewelry Designers Guild, Inc. Most recently, Kaya was once again awarded First Place for Platinum Distinction by MSJA for his “Golden Bridge,” a beautifully crafted platinum ring set with yellow sapphires and diamonds.

When asked about the future, Kaya is quick to reveal that he has many more new designs in store for the world of fine jewelry. “I’m just getting warmed up,” he declares.

www.jameskaya.com