Pinar Oner jewelry is a true Turkish delight

By Rachel Garrahan in New York

Take one look at Pinar Oner's jewelry and you are immediately whisked away to the designer's native Turkey and its storied history.

Few countries embody so many diverse cultures as Turkey, from Byzantine to Ottoman, Anatolian to Ionian, and together these influences converge and are made modern in Pinar's vibrant, wearable designs.

Initially trained as a graphic designer before translating her skills to fine jewelry, Pinar uses richly colored gemstones and the same hot enamel technique used by French master jewelers to create one-of-a-kind jewels.

In her Ottoman collection, traditional floral motifs are enameled by hand in deep greens, blues and blacks and make a striking contrast against rich yellow gold, baby pink morganites and sea-green amethysts.

The Agape cuff in gold and diamonds reflects the designer's versatility and fine craftsmanship. Intricate lacework and Ottoman-inspired carnation motifs are dotted with diamonds in this most feminine of bracelets.

The latest piece to leave Pinar's workshop is the one-of-a-kind Chora ring. Inspired by the outstanding 14th century Byzantine mosaics of Istanbul's Chora church, a large floral blossom of diamonds and blackened gold contrasts with a deep-set enamel pattern of rich blues, reds and yellows that echo the colors of the church's famous friezes.

The color and texture-filled Gezi suite is also inspired by the church. It is dedicated to the Turks killed last year in police attacks while protesting environmental and human rights abuses in Istanbul's Gezi Park.

Ever inspired by her country, whether its history, culture or contemporary life, Pinar is now turning her attention to CSARITE®, a rare gem found only in Turkey's magnificent Anatolian mountains. Ethically sourced, the stone naturally changes color from soft green to warm champagne, peach and raspberry hues depending on the light.

The Jewellery Editor looks forward to seeing what she does with this mysterious stone when she launches her next Pinar Oner jewelry collection at the Couture Show 2015 in Las Vegas.

Pinar Oner's Chora ring features a large floral blossom of diamonds and blackened gold, contrasted with a deep-set enamel pattern of rich blues, reds and yellows.
Pinar Oner has turned her attention to CSARITE®, a rare gem found only in Turkey's Anatolian mountains. Ethically sourced, the stone naturally changes color from soft green to warm champagne, peach and raspberry depending on the light.
Pinar Oner's Gezi earrings are dedicated to the Turks killed last year in police attacks while protesting environmental and human rights abuses in Istanbul's Gezi Park.
Pinar Oner gold Gezi ring with diamonds and floral enameling.
Pinar Oner Gezi necklace with diamonds and floral enameling.
Pinar Oner Agape gold cuff with diamonds.
Pinar Oner Ionian collection enameled Mermaid ring in yellow gold set with a London blue topaz.
Pinar Oner Euphoria Earrings in yellow gold with diamonds and enameling.
Pinar Oner Symbolism ring from the Byzantine Art collection in yellow gold with diamonds and enameling.
Pinar Oner Wish earrings from the Ottoman Designs collection in yellow gold with diamonds and morganite.
Pinar Oner, who initially trained as a graphic designer before translating her skills to fine jewelry, uses richly colored gemstones and the same hot enamel technique used by French master jewelers to create her one-of-a-kind jewels.
Pinar Oner Chora ring is inspired by the 14th-century Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul's Chora church.