One day reality slaps you in the face, the next day – it grants you saltwater pearls shaped in spectacular designs. True story about how good intentions, amazing jewelry and genesis of the Ethiopian community in Israel meet. This is how it went down.
Last week I've turned 28. Super festive moments at my mom's were supposed to be followed by a romantic dinner with the guy I was dating, only he turned out to be a total disappointment, dumping me at the very day the dinner was supposed to take place. Naturally, I was bummed out and didn't feel like anything much. That was when fate had interfered in the form of my amazing girlfriends.
מתוך אתר: Yvel
I've been wining to almost everyone willing to hear about my desire to own real pearls. Diamonds are nice, but original Keshi pearls? A dream coming true. As it appears, someone was listening. The following morning the girls took me to a surprise Birthday trip to the visitor center of "Yvel", one of the world's leading jewelry retailers.
מתוך אתר: Yvel
The facility is built upon the ruins of an old winery making the atmosphere even more special. We received a fascinating tour including a glimpse at how pearls are being processed from A to Z. but the most incredible part was the display of the final product. Freshwater pearls aside with saltwater pearls combined with gemstones and precious metals were only the tip of the iceberg. The designs vary from colorful yet simple luxurious jewelry for young girls to sophisticated and feminine designs worn by celebrities such as Rihanna and Beyonce. Women of every age and style would fall in love, guaranteed.
מתוך אתר: Yvel
מתוך אתר: Yvel
Yvel was founded in 1986 by Orna and Isaac Levy (Yvel stands for the mirror image of Levy).
The idea was based upon Orna's long established relationship with pearls. Her family has been in the pearl industry for many years, supplying Orna with the eagerness and knowledge of this beautiful gift of nature. Combining their passions, the Levy couple had set up an amazing dream.
Nowadays, over 25 years later, Yvel is an international well-appreciated and repeatedly award winning jewelry brand.
מתוך אתר: Yvel
Another important aspect of Yvel's work is making social change. Yvel mostly hires immigrants, which happen to consist a large part of Israel's heterogenic population. Isaac Levy immigrated to Israel with his family from Argentina as a child. Growing up experiencing the difficulties, he decided to channelize his business to alleviate the struggle of fellow immigrants.
In 2010 the Levy couple have launched the Megemria School for jewelry. Megemria means genesis in Ethiopian and this is indeed the purpose of the project – Granting an equal opportunity for the weakest layer of Israel's immigrant community, the Ethiopian community. Students of Megemria school are those with the lowest chances to succeed in the industrial world (no formal education what so ever). The studies are completely free and the students also receive a monthly scholarship to ensure their everyday needs are provided. They study the refine art of jewelry making and even get a diploma from Israel's ministry of trade and labor which naturally supports this awesome project.
Charmed by the revealed as well as the concealed beauty of the Yvel brand we continued our trip to ancient Jerusalem. Later on, when I came back home, I have continued reading about Yvel. The rare contribution to society and the gradually increasing recognition and support it is receiving. What started as a cheering up spree had been sealed as an inspiring wake up call. Instead of soaking up regarding your awful date, go out and do something good for humanity. And don’t forget to put on your brand new Keshi pearl gold bracelet. Better be making a change with style.
Noy Tamarkin //