Next up in our Meet The Maker series is Yuliya Chorna, an award-winning Canadian Jewelry Designer who celebrates the alternative, showcases the unique, and always delivers truly one-of-a-kind designs. Keep reading to learn more about her design journey, how fashion inspires her, and why she loves rose cut diamonds.
How did you become a designer?
My best friend and I worked for an artist/jewelry maker when we were in high school. We made fun, artsy beaded jewelry for her neighbourhood events – that definitely fueled my passion for jewelry. I also grew up in a family of jewelry lovers – my mom was always talking gemstones with me.
After high school, I went straight to George Brown College for the three-year Jewelry Arts Program. After graduating, I won an entrepreneur award from Made You Look Jewelry Studio which included a few months free rent on a jewelry bench and allowed me to display my pieces in the store. This helped immensely – I got to dip my toes in the industry and learn from other designers. I learned where to get all my supplies, where to find setters, casters, and what my personal design style was.
It took me a while to build up my collection – I did a lot of side jobs until I could stand on my own two feet with just jewelry. I stayed at Made You Look for 10 years and just recently moved to a new studio with a few other designers.