I would like to introduce myself and my art. My name is Shari Deoki and I am a Jeweler.

 

My grandfather was a goldsmith known for his detailed work and his custom alloy of gold. 

I was 6 years old when last I saw him. I  remember watching him create many pieces of custom jewelry. The sound of the hammer on his massive anvil and the sizzle of hot metal being quenched and cooled are a few of the fondest memories of him that I cherish. 

 

Fast forward to adulthood, I went on to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2004 with a Bachelors in Graphic Design and Advertising. I had just started my dream job at Guggenheim Partners and I was getting married in the summer.  My world instantly came tumbling down when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In April, after scheduling several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions over the next nine months, I desperately needed a distraction. A friend had given me some beads and I busied myself with making bracelets and necklaces for family and friends. At this moment, I went down the rabbit hole of beading and Precious Metal Clay. I started taking wax carving classes which lead me to advanced metalsmithing.

 

My jewelry making classes turned into therapy. I began to pick up the pieces of my life. 

I returned to work at Guggenheim, got married in the summer as planned and continued jewelry making.  Metalsmithing became a source of healing for me. It allowed me to recover and distract myself as well as work through my grief.  I was passionate about my work using nature as my muse, learning techniques and creating pieces inspired by art, symbolism and various cultures challenging myself creatively.

 

My work has been featured in fashion magazines in New York and London, television

(CW’s Vampire Diaries), several private runway shows and I placed first in the Raw Artists of New York.

 

Every piece of jewelry I design is made to stand out, encourage, uplift and empower.

I now share my passion through teaching, while honing my craft through continuing education classes, studying in New York, London and Italy. My life experiences have grounded me. We all have stories, we all have our own struggles, you can hide it or choose to share it with others. 

By sharing a glimpse of my life, I hope it inspires you. We all have the strength within us and a passion to guide us.