With the creation of her award-winning “Perpetual Motion” and “Rock” jewellery collections, designer Yael Sonia is really rock’n & roll’n.

First came Perpetual Motion—with its rolling spheres, swinging pendulums, spinning tops, and flying kites—and then Yael created the Rock collection, made of large, irregularly faceted or roughly hammered Brazilian stones.

Made in 18K gold, gemstones, diamonds, and pearls, the Perpetual Motion collection was “inspired by the movement in children’s toys,” she explains. “I want my pieces to create the same kind of excitement a child feels for a new, fantastic toy. It’s jewellery that comes alive.”

Following the dramatic success of her rolling and spinning Perpetual Motion collection, Yael has now introduced more casual pieces into the line. “I wanted to create some ‘everyday’ jewellery. One example is an oval version of the Spinning Wheel bracelet, which has three spheres within the gold structure, thus allowing it to be worn for all everyday activities such as writing, typing, etc.”

The Rock collection, which was inspired by a woman’s desire to have a “rock” on her finger, debuted in 2003 with the hammered rings that were quickly followed by rings with irregularly faceted stones. “Around the same time,” says Yael, “the great freedom I felt by having gemstones cut for me in Brazil led to the creation of the Reverse Fit earrings, inspired by the simplicity and lines of Art Deco, launched in 2004.” In these earrings, like the Rock rings, the gemstone is the focal point. “The stones are not ‘set’ in the traditional way but rather pivot on ear wires that hang backwards off the ear, allowing the stones to angle forward,” she adds. Today, this colourful line has expanded to include all shapes and sizes, with the pendant its latest addition. The Deco line itself includes new versions of earrings and rings—entitled Duo Pyramids, Duo Cones, and Navettes—that play on geometry and the reflection of light created by the cut of the stones, giving them a feeling of great depth.

Each of her pieces is handcrafted in Brazil where she works with local stonecutters and skilful goldsmiths. “Brazil is where I feel most creative. I spend several months a year at my studio there, fine-tuning my designs and producing the collection,” she says. The rest of her year is divided between Paris and New York, where Yael opened her own boutique at 922 Madison Avenue, showcasing jewellery that is constantly rock’n & roll’n.

www.yaelsonia.com