BIO INFO: Soni Bergman Designs

Designer: Soni Bergman

Creations: I design jewelry combining traditional and contemporary materials and techniques. One of my unique designs is a silver clasp in the shape of a spiral with a bezel-set stone at the end. A friend who is a metalsmith makes my spiral clasps for me from my designs. I assemble all the jewelry, using pearls, semiprecious stones, sterling silver or vermeil beads and findings, by knotting with silk or nylon, stringing, or various wire techniques. Designs include freshwater pearls and some cultured pearls, semiprecious stones such as amethysts, garnets, labradorites, and moonstones. These beautiful materials are used to enhance and add color and sparkle to each piece I create. Individually handcrafted, these versatile, one-of-a-kind pieces complement any wardrobe.

Workplace: My husband built my studio in our beautiful garden behind our Menlo Park home. He built this unique workplace just over a year ago, using salvaged French doors and other reclaimed materials. It's a 10' x 12' space with sliding glass doors and windows all the way around. Working there is actually relaxing, with all the wonderful natural light and beauty surrounding me.

Past: For over 10 years I did graphics and illustrations for Silicon Valley companies, but wished for the day I could be independent as a jewelry designer and graphic artist.

Present: I'm spending a lot less time behind the computer, and a lot more time with pearls and stones. I still enjoy being a graphic artist. Now that I'm self-employed, I do both the graphics and jewelry design out in my studio, sometimes still in my pajamas. I left a high-tech job to follow a dream I've had for years, hoping happiness and success will follow me on this new road I'm taking. So far, I feel satisfied that it's worth the risk.

Future: I am hoping to incorporate trips to Mexico and other parts of the world as part of my business, buying materials from the actual location they came from. I would like to use them in my designs. I would also like to do more shows out of my studio and include other local artists.

Support: I love my husband and our 3 cats. They give me encouragement, companionship, and support. My many good friends and family are also wonderful, and they buy my jewelry!

For Fun: I love to go shopping-and I love looking through fashion magazines-both for myself, and to see what other designers are up to. I also enjoy getting outdoors and exercising-hiking, biking, travel, the beauty of nature.

For Profit: I get up early to the gem shows, combining the thrill of shopping with buying all the great materials that go into my jewelry. I recently took a trip to Mexico to buy silver chain and findings, while enjoying Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca.

For Fashion: I accessorize most of my wardrobe with my own designs. When I get dressed up, I can often wear the same jewelry I might wear on rollerblading expeditions, or maybe while hiking in Yosemite.

Favorite quote: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it." — Goethe

Where you can find Soni Bergman Designs

You can contact me at: soni@sonidesigns.com