Catching Up With Lika Behar
Lika Behar comes from a family of jewelers, her father and grandfather both working in the business in Turkey. While jewelry design wasn’t Behar’s first major career—she spent a few years in banking, and decades working as a childrenswear designer, as well as in product development for men’s and women’s apparel—the world of fine jewelry came fairly naturally.
Infused with her Turkish upbringing—Behar was raised in Istanbul—the jewels of Lika Behar are striking in two-tone, with rich 22k and 24k yellow gold and silver blackened to look like it came fresh from an archaeological dig.
While honoring history, the pieces are also remarkably fresh and on-trend: a new comeback for two-tone styles is in effect, and Lika’s colorful array of gemstone jewelry is precisely what customers are looking for when it comes to bold beauty.
Below, a conversation with designer and founder of the eponymous Lika Behar.
Favorite jewelry trend/moment of 2022?
Reversible versatile hoop earrings, fun dangles, jewelry inspired by animals and nature.
What was your most popular style this year? Have you noticed an increase in demand for any particular look?
Our Dylan collection still flies out of the case, and our new three- and five-station necklaces were huge sellers this year. Two-tone is doing very well. Chunky chains and variations on the paperclip chains are not going away any time soon, especially when they are a little unusual. Oxidized silver contrasted with high karat gold does not go out of style.
Top three styles/categories going into 2023?
Hinged bracelets, our new snake bracelet is really cool, and our unusual take on pearls is receiving a lot of attention.
How did this year compare with previous years in terms of sales? How about digital vs. in store? Wholesale vs. DTC?
We are mostly wholesale and mostly in store still. Our website is a wonderful tool that builds traffic for our retailers
What do you have planned for the new year? Any sneak peeks you can give us?
We have some great new necklaces in our Dylan collection, half-moon shaped turquoise, labradorite, or lapis, with diamonds—a pop of color with some nice sparkle.
