Artist Spotlight: Emily Rosenfeld

Today we are highlighting one of our favorite jewelry and Judaica designers — Emily Rosenfeld! Her designs are simple, timeless and yet whimsical.

Have you always been an artist?

I have made jewelry for my whole adult life. I started during a gap year in college and continued after I graduated as an English major. Working for other designers not only taught me skills, but it showed me what a creative life looked like. Three years after graduating, I started my own business, in a murphy bed closet in our tiny, perfect Oakland apartment.

What inspires your designs?

I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, especially plants. But also from textiles, prints, and embroidered designs. My goal is to make meaningful pieces, whether through symbols or language, I want it to resonate.

How did you get into Judaica?

My second year in business, I started getting requests from my stores for Judaic jewelry pieces. My line has always been very graphic, using representational, rather than abstract shapes. My buyers saw that would lend itself easily to adding Jewish Stars and Chai's. Mezuzot were the first Judaic pieces I designed. I loved working in a new way, carving wax, rather than only sawing metal. I loved the meaning and the possibilities.

Any future designs you can share?

I am excited about my new Line Drawn Mezuzot series, and will definitely be adding to that group. Tzedakah feels so important, especially now, there will be new box designs soon as well.

I feel so lucky to get to do this work. To be part of people's traditions, to find a place in their homes or as part of what they wear is an honor.