What Is GOLEM? A Legend? A Clay Man?

September 01, 2018 1 Comment

This silver pendant necklace was created using stainless steel chain, stones, pewter beads, and Golem clay beads.

Before I created my first collection for my website, I was having a tough time trying to decide what to do for it. I wanted to find something very unique that would not be found elsewhere. In June of 2018, I went to the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee, WI. When I saw the 'Golem Design Studio' clay beads and pendants, I knew I had found what I had been looking for. The colors and detail of each of the clay beads caught my eye.

What is Golem? This is the legend of the Golem in the eyes of Vladislav Ivanova, the owner of Golem Design Studio. According to the medieval legend, a Golem was an artificial clay man, made by the Rabbi Jehuda Low Bezalel in the town of Prague. This clay man was a servant to his creator until one day he suddenly stopped being obedient to his master. He became a rebel and devastated half of the town, which was at the time the capital of the Bohemia. According to a legend, this all happened in the sixteenth century.

They liked this story because of the idea that the fate of human creations does not usually lie in the hands of its creator, and in the end, it is about a guy made of clay. They felt close to him, so they chose him for their name and logo. Golem Design Studio came to life in 2000.

I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Vladislav at the bead and button show. I liked the fact that he has a family owned business and that they do all the designing and creations. They live in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria where they also have their clay studio. They started working with clay beads, trying out different techniques with the clay and glazes in 1992. They officially formed their business in 2005. They hand make all of their clay beads and pendants. After they create each of the clay beads, they carve and or stamp the designs on each piece. The stamps they use are also handmade by them in their clay studio. After each of the pieces are dried and baked, they then hand paint each of the clay beads using a variety of brushes and colors.

After visiting with Vladislav, I decided I would use the Golem clay beads and pendants in my first collection. There was a variety of styles and colors to choose from. I enjoy working with teal colors so that is the color theme I chose. Each of the necklaces and bracelets has a Golem pendant or focal pieces along with coordinating Golem clay beads. I chose to make this a limited edition since the pendants and beads are so unique. I only made two of each of the pendant necklaces and bracelets. I used stainless steel chain and jump rings for the necklaces and bracelets. I like working with stainless steel chain because it holds its color and doesn't tarnish. All of the earrings have niobium ear wires which are great for sensitive ears.

Shop The Teal Golem Collection

1 Response

Kathy Crouse
Kathy Crouse

November 09, 2018

When I read your blogs, I can imagine you speaking it! Keep up the great work & I’m so glad you’re having such fun!

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