My Background
Acclaimed jewelry designer Lika Behar is known for her award-winning creations that blend ancient craftsmanship with modern elegance. Born into a family of gold dealers, she developed a love for jewelry at an early age—a passion that continues to inspire her work today.
Her distinctive designs feature high-karat gold, matte or oxidized sterling silver, natural diamonds, and an extraordinary array of colored gemstones, reflecting her lifelong fascination with color and the beauty of natural materials.
A passionate traveler, Lika draws inspiration from the places she explores. From the American West to the South of France, Sicily, Greece, and her native Istanbul, each destination influences her artistic vision. She is particularly inspired by the gemstone treasures of Jaipur and the vibrant markets of India, as well as the artisanal traditions of Vietnam and the gemstone-rich regions of West Africa.
Most of her jewelry is handcrafted in her own atelier in Istanbul, where skilled artisans employ time-honored techniques to bring her designs to life. The result is a collection celebrated for its unique blend of artistry, authenticity, and craftsmanship—jewelry that is highly collectible, effortlessly elegant, and unmistakably Lika Behar.
Meet Lika
How and why
My father and grandfather were gold coin dealers and estate jewelers. 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
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.
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