Yelena Noah
Jewelry DesignerYelena Noah turned her passion for art and symbolism into a business—crafting jewelry with a narrative. Continually inspired by Buddhist mandalas and West African symbols, most of Yelena’s designs begin with a center expanding out into four cardinal directions. The focal point represents ourselves, while the four opposing directions symbolize the need for inner balance within the dualities of life. The depth put into each design embodies a story, and a celebration of diversity and individuality. Not only is this former model putting forth compassion and understanding through her jewelry, but Yelena also serves on the board of her brother’s foundation: the Noah’s Arc Foundation. (And yes, her brother is Chicago Bulls player Joakim Noah!) She hosts writing workshops with the kids, encouraging them to express through journal entries, poems and rap songs. One thing is certain, Yelena exudes an undeniable aura of compassion and consciousness that takes shape in everything she creates.
We set up shop with Yelena to talk about her designs and her biggest source of inspiration. And what does the future hold for this boho beauty? We busted out the tarot cards for a reading that lets the moon and stars decide. Watch on to learn about stories behind symbolism—and the one improvement that could be made to the Chicago Bulls logo.
Yelena gives us a break down of inspiration for the Vision Ring, a spectrum ranging from other art to music and beauty favorites. She explains the ring, at its core, symbolizes human connectedness and fraternity and the need to overcome our separateness. We mapped out a moodboard below that focuses on her core insight: the vision that all men come from the same source and are created as equals.
Get The Look: A. TUAREG JEWELRY FROM MALI AND NIGER: “It has had a tremendous influence on my own personal style of jewelry.” // B. FIGUIER CANDLE by DIPTYQUE // C. TOGHU PRINTS OF CAMEROON: “On a trip to Cameroon one year, after years of painting in my own style and technique, I found one of these clothes and was amazed at the similarity with my work.” // D. BOB MARLEY’S SURVIVAL ALBUM: “The message within Marley’s music has had a deep influence on me from a very young age.” // E. HYPNOSE DRAMA MASCARA by LANCOME // F. 100 PERCENT PURE ARGAN OIL by JOSIE MARAN // G. LOTION P50 by BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE: “My mother actually introduced me to these products years ago. The p-50 lotion has been a staple in my daily cleansing ritual for years.”
Shop at Yelena-Noah-Jewelry.MyShopify.com
PHOTO: TIM MUSHO