Meet Lika

How and why

My father and grandfather were gold coin dealers and estate jewelers in Turkey. I make everything there because of the unique talent pool I find in working with high carat gold and pure silver. However I source my gems primarily in the USA. I only buy from reputable stone dealers that source ethically and are known industry wide. I make most of my jewelry in-house in my Istanbul studio-atelier. I have full time master jewelers working with excellent work conditions and benefits. In Istanbul I am lucky to benefit from the years of training and unique skill set my master jewelers bring to the table.

My Passion

My customers today are looking for something unique, something different, and something that has meaning. Perhaps they are looking for a special experience. In essence they are looking for art!

Decades of experience as a children’s wear designer and then product developer in women’s and men’s apparel lead me into an easy transition into becoming a designer of fine jewelry.

My work is handmade and artisanal, much of is one of a kind, unique and different as the gems I use. Very often it is inspired by ancient jewelry yet it is a wearable and attainable modern luxury.

My team makes everything by hand using ancient jewelry making techniques from ancient Greek and Byzantine times. My master jewelers have training in this art form. We love to work with pure and nimble 22 and 24K gold when we can; and blacken the silver just like the way it comes out in archaeological digs.

My Inspiration…

I grew up with this…Istanbul is where East meets West

My design inspiration clearly stems from the city where I grew up, Istanbul.

This beautiful romantic city straddles Europe and Asia geographically as well as culturally. Asian and European influences, ancient and modern are intertwined into an intricate knot.

Istanbul: History lives side by side with the modern world

My Background

Lika Behar was born in the magnificent city of Istanbul.

With roots in ancient Anatolian civilizations, this former Byzantine capital has evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis which juxtaposes sublime historical architectural expressions within a modern skyline. As such, Istanbul is known as one of the truly great romantic destinations of the world and is the fundamental source of inspiration for the Lika Behar Collection.

Lika’s family lineage is one of storied gold coin dealers, a trade long believed to be the economic lifeline of the Mediterranean. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science, and a Master’s in International Business Administration & Finance. She speaks 4 languages: Turkish, English, French and Spanish fluently. She spent 3 years in banking upon graduation and many years in the fashion industry before launching her eponymous jewelry line in 2008.

Her collection elegantly combines the rich inspiration of ancient jewelry traditions, utilizing only pure and nimble 24 Karat gold. The results are pieces created with a sensual and tactile modernism. Her collections are infused with brilliant gemstones reflecting the varying hues that recall the depths of blue waters that cradle Lika’s birth country. Her atelier and design studio in Istanbul deftly reconcile ancient history with the sensibility of the modern world. Each piece from the collection is uniquely hand wrought with the exquisite precision once celebrated by ancient artisans; yielding attainable luxury for the modern woman whose style reflects a classic yet unique and a modern feminine spirit.

Lika’s creations bring a New York City sophistication and elegance to this ancient craft. The collection is available for purchase through Official Lika Behar fine jewelers.

Stay Connected with Lika Behar:

Upcoming Trunk Event

Our extensive jewelry collection travels to various retail stores around the United States to give customers a tactile Lika Behar Collection experience. Touch it, wear it, covet it.

View Details »