Hi there!

 

Hello! I'm Deniz!

The founder and maker of Atelier Ayana.

Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkiye - I started making my own jewelry in middle school. Yet it wasn’t until I passed up on two careers, moved to Canada and been through the pandemic that I decided to take it up professionally. Here’s the longer version of this story, if you’d like to know more.

I started Atelier Ayana in 2021. One year later I finished the “Jewellery Essentials” program at George Brown College. I could finally give life to my visions.

The way I see it, jewelry is intimate and expressive: it touches a person literally and figuratively in a way that not much else does. Therefore its beauty lies not merely in its material value, but also in its practical and artistic function, that is "how it makes you feel."

I aspire to make mindful jewelry: holistic pieces that to help you feel protected, loved, supported: so you feel great inside and out all day and every day. I love making high quality dainty, versatile and fun pieces that carry you from daytime to evening or this month to the next with little to no fuss.

Though I constantly create and come up with new styles, collaborate with other artisans or bring to life my perspective on classic pieces, I do take custom orders. If you'd like to bring new life to old jewellery or wish to have a bespoke piece made for yourself or a loved one, I'd be honored have your trust in bringing your visions to life as well.

Besides, why not have your our own friendly neighborhood artisan jeweller that can “whip up” a piece just the way you want them?

It is possible in the age of social media.

Please feel free to reach out anytime, with any suggestions or concerns or just to say hi!'

 

FAQ:

 

Q: What does "AYANA" mean? 

AYANA is a made up word: it is Turkish in origin, "AY" translates to the "the moon" and "ANA" translates to "mother." Every culture has a deity to honor the divine feminine energy that protects, nurtures and holds space. It is also subtle yet powerful. I thought it's a perfect fit for my brand.

 

Q: Do you make all of your own jewellery?

Jewelry is rarely a one-person operation. Though I design and handmade most of my pieces, I do source pre-made parts and occasionally finished pieces for the sake of range and affordability. But when I do, I always try to make sure I either hand finish them or add a personal touch. 

 

Q: How do you source your materials? 

I work with a number of reputable suppliers from Canada, the US and Turkey both for my metals and gemstones to make sure they're ethically sourced. Other times, I collaborate with other artisans such as glass, beadwork or ceramic artists to be able to bring to life pieces that I wouldn't be able to otherwise. 

 

Q: Do you make your own packaging?

Yes, I design and finish my own packaging. My linen bags are hand-sewn in Turkey and finished at the workshop. My boxes are also customized in house. I design, print and cut all of my jewellery cards and hand-finish them at the workshop. Every online order comes with a handwritten note and a little something extra.

 

Q: Do you take custom orders?

Absolutely! Custom orders may take up to 4-6 weeks to bring to life, so I recommend we start chatting earlier than later so we make sure your vision is realized as close to perfection as humanly possible. 

 

Q: Do you make repairs? 

Yes, but unless it's a piece produced at the workshop, the repairs may be handled by trusted metalsmiths that we collaborate with depending on what that specific repair requires.