Sonia Esther Soltani
1. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Editor-in-chief for Rapaport.
2. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
My first foray into the jewelry industry was when I was 18 and I worked at a jewelry store. I came to see I was good at selling, but I really wanted to be a writer. I proceeded to studying art and history and went on to first write about architecture and then luxury hotels as a travel editor. Then, five years ago, a week before my wedding, a recruitment agency called me and told me there was a job as an editor at a diamond company, (Rapaport). I told them I wasn’t interested. Then, the HR of Rapaport called me, saying how they had seen my portfolio. When I told them I was about to get married and needed some time, they told me they could wait for me. At that point, I still had no interest whatsoever. However, after speaking with my good friend Claire Adler, she told me it was a great company and she helped me with my prep. She recommended I read the De Beers Insight Report and as I did my research and I learned more, I found it SO interesting! Every week, as I continued learning , it made me realize I wanted the job. Five years later, I couldn’t be happier.
3. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Tel Aviv.
4. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Bordeaux, France.
5. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
My mother had a ring - an emerald cut citrine set in silver. It had a 70s vibes to it. I remember seeing it a lot while I was growing up. Around 16 years ago, I saw my mom was no longer wearing it and when I commented on it, she said it no longer fit her and I could have it if I wanted it. I of course did! It reminds me of my childhood, and while I’m not into silver, I love the golden orangy color of the citrine and it reminds me of my mother growing up.
6. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
I love the creativity of the designers. Jewelry makes people feel happy and good. I love the range from minimalist to opulent. I love that it’s not just for the 1% - there is a market for fine jewelry that a lot of people can access. I also really enjoy hearing the designers’ stories.
7. DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY STYLE.
Classic and less is more.
8. WHERE DO YOU GET MOST OF JEWELRY FROM?
Passed down and gifts (from friends). I rarely buy jewelry for myself. I want to start buying for myself and become a collector.
9. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON/ROLE MODEL?
Suzanne Belperron.
10. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE STONE?
Emerald.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
My wedding band and my upgraded engagement ring. While I didn’t choose my first engagement ring, I was very specific about my wedding style and then later on, I did choose my upgraded engagement ring.
My original engagement ring was a diamond solitaire set in white gold. My upgraded ring is in rose gold as I truly love rose gold, features a bigger round brilliant diamond, and has some pavé on the band. Although I wanted to choose the style, I also didn’t want something that was too different from my first engagement ring. If I were to upgrade my ring today though, I would do something that is completely different! As a side note, I have the stone from my first engagement ring, and I’ve been wondering what to do with it. I want another piercing so maybe a single stud and wear it as a memory.
12. HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL WHEN YOU WEAR YOUR JEWELRY?
Light.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
A pair of earrings by Anais Cartier, a French designer based in Biarritz. They feature pearls, emeralds and diamonds, they are handmade and hand carved. They are beautiful. I love the designer and her style. Everything is ethical, traceable and responsibly sourced. I have been looking at her work for a long time. These earrings are the most beautiful pair of earrings I have in my jewelry box.
14. THE BEST JEWELRY GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED?
After I got engaged, one of my best friends gave me an emerald ring and she told me, “You’ve gotten engaged twice and the men never asked you what you wanted! Why didn’t they ask? I know you always wanted an emerald ring so I got you one. Since I know this is the right fiancé for you, now you’ll have your emerald ring and the right fiancé!”
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
I would love to go to an exhibition. Specifically, I would love to see the Cartier exhibition on Islamic art. I want to be in a place to see historic jewelry and forget about everything for one or two hours.
16. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
Cats. I love the fact that they have an independence about them and you never know where you stand with them.
17. FAVORITE FOOD?
Cheese.
18. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Herring and raw onion.
19. WINE OR CHEESE?
Both.
20. COFFEE OR TEA?
Tea.
21. YOGA OR BOXING?
Swimming.
22. FAVORITE SEASON?
Spring.
23. FAVORITE CITY?
Jerusalem.
24. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
To extend the day – to have more than 24 hours. I would do so many things such as spend more time with my family, go swimming, watch more movies, etc.
25. SECRET SKILL?
I’m very good at remembering people’s stories.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
When I’m with my family.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Any type of disease that I catch or that the people I love catch.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
I count my blessings and I eat some cheese!
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
The jewelry that for that specific day is right for my mood and occasion.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
Anything that has an emotional connection.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t worry so much.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I don’t know how to drive.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
Being aligned with yourself.