About the Founder of Orétoille Jewelry

Orétoille began as a return.

Hi, I’m Lilya, the designer and maker behind Orétoille. Jewelry has always been in my blood. I grew up in my father’s workshop, where he taught me everything I know about metalwork — from the technical repairs to the art of shaping gold. While I eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, I found myself drawn back to the bench. That scientific background still influences me today; I’m fascinated by the natural structure of stones and materials that feel "alive" rather than perfect.

For the past few years, I’ve been balancing two worlds. By day, I work at the Diamond Exchange, selling findings to fellow jewelers. It’s a fast-paced environment that keeps me connected to the heart of the industry, but my true goal is to transition out of the 9-to-5 job and dedicate myself fully to Orétoille. My work is also shaped by my personal path. After going through a difficult divorce a couple of years ago, I’ve entered a new chapter of my life where I am finally in a happy, supportive relationship with the man of my dreams. This sense of "starting over" and finding strength is baked into every piece I make.

Life in the Studio

My creative process is purely intuitive — I never draw sketches or force fixed ideas. Everything begins with the stones: I lay out fancy cuts, natural sapphires, or vintage diamonds until a composition calls to me, then sculpt the wax directly around them. Because I refuse to make permanent molds or chase factory perfection, no two pieces are ever identical. Every ring and pendant carries the subtle marks of my tools, crafted to feel intimate and comfortable against your skin. My goal is to create pieces that look as though they were discovered in a great-grandmother’s antique keepsake box rather than taken off an assembly line — jewelry with a tactile soul, made to be worn as a deeply personal talisman.

Today, I work from my home studio in Israel. I’m a one-woman show, and when I’m at my bench, I’m usually accompanied by my cat, Casper. He deals with some chronic allergies that keep me on my toes, but he’s been my constant companion through all the ups and downs of building this brand. Thank you for supporting an independent maker. When you wear Orétoille, you’re wearing a piece of my story, my family’s craft, and my dream for the future.