Istanbul-based jewelry designer Verda Alaton has a passion for the simple forms and shapes found in nature, which is reflected in the clean lines and striking beauty of her designs. Although her jewelry line Tohum was founded in 2008, her interest in design and art extends much further back. Raised in Istanbul, Verda moved first to Switzerland then to New York City for her university studies, where she developed a strong interest in other cultures. It was when she came across a New York art gallery specializing in artworks from Africa that she discovered her passion for art from the continent. She was so taken with the pieces that she immediately walked in and asked the owner if he could give her a job. Thus began her apprenticeship and education in African art, and the seeds of her first design ideas.

During this time, she began to travel extensively and collect pieces of ethnic art and jewelry. She says that one of the things that she appreciates most about African art is that everything has a function, and even the most beautiful objects are made to be used, to have a purpose in daily life. Upon her return to Istanbul, Verda started working in the shipping sector, but eventually took the big step to leave the corporate world and start her own jewelry company, Tohum. Tohum means seed in Turkish, and the pieces reflect the simple beauty found in nature. The Tohum philosophy celebrates the individuality of the wearer. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind object inspired by the natural beauty of the materials used as well as the personality of the person for whom it is designed, and is often inspired by ethnic adornment pieces.

During her travels, Verda discovered unusual items, such as 19th-century West African trade shells, and wanted to make these beautiful items wearable. Therefore, her first pieces were built from old stones and shells, fossils, and crystals. Some pieces are subtler, while others use more striking colors and materials, such as fossilized coral or an unusual shell known as Hippo Tooth. She only uses 925 carat silver, not gold, in her designs, because her pieces are meant for every woman.In fact, one of her favorite pieces in her collection is a very simple ring made with an almond still in its shell, encased in a thin band of silver. The almond itself has no real value but it is still a strikingly beautiful piece thanks to the use of natural materials and the simplicity of the design.

Although it was not easy to transition from being an employee to being an entrepeneur, Verda has enjoyed a considerable amount of success over a relatively short period of time. Soon after founding her company, she put together an Inspiration Exhibition for Pearlfisher, a London-based design and branding company, and later on the same company designed her brand for her. Verda strongly feels that Tohum should not be a trendy brand, and instead focuses on bespoke pieces. All of the pieces are handcrafted, and while Verda herself has studied jewelry making, she currently concentrates on the business end of the company. Her pieces are all made in a workshop in the Grand Bazaar, where she works with an Armenian craftsman who has been in the same workshop for the past 30 years.

I asked Verda some questions about Istanbul and what makes the city special for her:

What is your earliest memory of Istanbul?

Going to Sultanahmet as a young girl, visiting the Archeology Museum, Yerebatan Saray, and listening to classical music concerts at Aya Irini Church.

What do you love about the city?

The mixture that you have here – Istanbul is a spicy city.

What do you least love?

That there are too many people here who are not aware of what is going on around them.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul?

The old city – Sultanahmet, especially early in the morning, because of the textures, feelings, and the Aya Sofya. Also Arnavutköy and Teşvikiye/Maçka.

Favorite Turkish foods?

Being more of a vegetable person, I like dishes like Türlü, but also Patlıcanlı Kebab.

What’s your favorite place to eat breakfast?

Karaköy Namlı and Lokanta Maya in Karaköy.

What are your favorite restaurants?

Karaköy Lokantasi and X Restaurant.

What food do you miss the most when away from Istanbul?

The air that I breathe.

Favorite view in the city?

Crossing the Galata Bridge going to work in Sultanahmet. Every day I appreciate it.

Favorite break in Istanbul?

Having tea at Sepetçiler Kasrı.

Favorite Turkish designers?

Hussein Chalayan and my uncle, the interior designer Kalef Alaton, who has sadly passed away.

Were you an artistic child?

I don’t know. Not necessarily, but maybe. I was always different, different things interested me.

Do you have any new projects you are planning for the future?

There are currently no galleries in Istanbul that specialize in African art. That is something that I would like to work on, to open such a space.

For more info on Tohum, please click here!