Stories by Alon - Edition 1

With the ever changing times of the current world we thought we would take the opportunity to start a new segment, a place where Alon (founder and head designer of the Alon Shina brand) would share some of his personal life and jewellery stories. People make brands not only products and so many pieces and inspiration around our collections have incredible background narratives. So lets beginning from the very start: 

"Through my journeys and travels I learnt along the way from different crafters & artisans around the world. Even now I still visit numerous places around the world to learn from master craftspeople and gem collectors. 

My passion for gems was born in 1993, when I was 22 years old, on an island in Thailand called Koh Phangan. I came upon a group of travellers, who had displayed their gems on sarongs in the sand. They were making necklaces from Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Amber, Turquoise and Pearl beads. I befriended them and my interest was immediately ignited. I spent 5 months on the island where I made a new friend, also called Alon, who shared the same passion as myself. I knew that gemstones and jewellery was to be my true passion when my new best friend and I put our last dollars together and flew to Jaipur, India  - the city of gems.  

We found ourselves in The Evergreen Hotel, situated next to a gemstone market - The Chimney Walla - this is where the start to my collection of stones began. 

I learnt how to differentiate the  quality and colour of gemstones. We explored the Pink City to discover a generous family who had been dealing in stones for many, many years. They opened their home teaching and trading with us, and we began to travel back and forth from Jaipur to Thailand to sell our stones. At this time the healing power of stones was very popular. 

In Jaipur, I was fortunate to met another Israeli, Nachum, who created beautiful jewellery from thread and leather. He gave me some Milky Amber and Tibetan Turquoise and taught me how to make my first piece of jewellery. I remember spending the entire day drilling and playing with the gems, until I completed my first piece! 

I have returned almost every year to Jaipur since 1993.  Collecting the best quality gems and creating pieces, together with master craftsmen remains my passion to this day.



If you have a gemstone that you would like to know more about, or design a piece together with me, I would be happy to work with you."



One love,
Alon - alon@alonshina.com