I was born in Moscow, Russia, in a family of artists and musicians. As my parents were always working, most of my time passed behind the stage in the theatre, surrounded by decorations, jewellery, costumes and all other magic things which theatre can offer to the child. This is when my fascination with jewellery and art began. I can remember myself spending hours playing with beads and buttons. If we were spending time by the sea, which we did every year, I was forever lost, collecting and arranging beach pebbles. Some beaches on a Black Sea have lots of semiprecious stones still lying around; they even are named by the type of stone – Cerdolique Bay, Opal, Bay, and Agate Bay. Later on, I travelled a lot around the world and lived in many countries ( Czech Republic, Holland, UK, Egypt), for as long as I can remember, I was always attracted to jewellery and nature stones.

But Russia, the Far East and Egypt have been the main influence on my taste.

I began to design the jewellery myself first of all because I like to have and wear a lot of jewellery; I am a jewellery addict. I was feeling guilty spending so much money for yet another necklace or a ring, or I just could not find what I wanted. This changed into a serious passion when I moved to Egypt, where I have been now for 7 years. Living in Egypt is like living in 1001 Nights fairy story. Every time I go to Khan El Khalily, where Egyptian masters of jewellery work, I have a feeling that I have moved in space and time and I am lost in another dimension where I want to stay forever.

This is where I have learned and am still learning most of my techniques.

My designs are influenced by the beautiful nature of Russia, rich colours, the spices of Egypt, and the refined simplicity of the Far East, as well as by my professional ability in geometry, patterns and mathematics. Because when I leave my magic world of Art and Jewellery I go to work as a Mathematician, as this is what I studied at University and this is how I make my living. “Would I ever have believed it when I was a child?” The answer is: “No”.

But Mathematics and Art are very closely related, and you can never predict what turn your life will take!

Elina Velari