I try not to be biased when featuring jewelry designers, but I do love Keren Peled's designs.  I like the combination of chunky metal structures with delicate crocheted details and soft, feminine accents.  This is jewelry designed to be worn and admired.  Here, she answers our interview questions and talks about how she first started designing jewelry.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
I love to work with silver. Sterling silver is a wonderful metal that allows the use of many techniques. Natural stones are my absolute favorite, they just add color and even give energy. I have also worked with yarn in past collections, although not so much recently.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?
My Gold filled crocheted cuff is an all time favorite and best seller. It's elegant but can be worn casually and with any outfit. It's simple yet the mix of textures is very complex.

How did you first get into jewelry art in general?
Jewelry art was my hobby since I was 4 or 5. I was always a little princess and made myself crowns with shiny things I found around. Later on my Mom taught me how work with wire and beads. The hobby grew into a business much later on.

Can you tell us more about the themes that run through your jewelry?
I often get inspired by non jewelry related themes. I have travelled extensively and get very inspired by architecture. I have an entire collection that is based on the Taj Mahal. Also crocheted textiles that have been around in my family has influenced my work greatly.

What do you have planned for future collections? I started working on my next collection, Melange, which like its name is a mix of media. It's built of layers of different elements and materials and colors.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry art?
I get the most excited about the design, even though I get lost in it sometimes and my head just starts swimming with all the options. Then I just pick one and try to figure put how to technically make it.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?
Alexis Bittar is the most fashion forward and creative designer I know of. I just think his work and his business are fantastic.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?
Inspiring when it works, frustrating when it doesn't... it's very frustrating to spend hours on something and then have it not work out. When something I thought of works out, it's very exciting!

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?
I prefer retail events. It's really fun to talk to people, hear their comments and have them try on pieces.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?  (Perhaps flame throwing hands to fire your pieces quickly?  Mind reading for your customers? Extra arms? :)
Some kind of a marketing genie would be great. Also something that would allow me to be in more than one place at one time... An ability to spot and become best friends with magazine editors would be fantastic!

You can shop for Keren's jewelry at http://www.kerenjewelry.com/,  or visit her blog at http://www.kerenjewelry.com/blog/