
Caroline Morrissey
SVP; Head of Jewelry, US
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Sold for US$10,000 inc. premium
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SVP; Head of Jewelry, US
Leila Tai is a jewelry artist, designer, and teacher. Best known for her limited-edition creations, masterful use of the 15th-Century technique of plique-à-jour and celebrating the perfection and beauty in nature.
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Leila developed a passion for jewelry as an art form early in life. After studying at the American University of Beirut, Leila received a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, specializing in metalwork. In 1968 she served a brief apprenticeship with Ed Wiener in New York. Leila Tai has worked as a jewelry designer for Van Cleef & Arpels, Gemveto, as well as for Trifari and Monet, and various other houses, all while developing her own jewelry line. She has worked with Donald Claflin, Jean Stark and Robert Kulicke, and plique-à-jour master Valery Timofeev.
In 2009, Leila received the New Talent Award from the American Jewelry Design Council. Among Leila's other awards are a 2007 Niche Award, a 2005 award for "work of exceptional merit" from The Enamelist Society, and a 1995 De Beers Diamonds Today award. Her work has been featured in various art books, including Contemporary Enameling by Lilyan Bachrach and 500 Earrings, juried by Alan Revere, and other numerous publications and exhibitions.
Throughout her career, Leila Tai has shared her enthusiasm and technical expertise with others. She has taught at the American University of Beirut, Parsons School of Design, Revere Academy, Fashion Institute of Technology and The Pratt Institute. Leila Tai's commitment to excellence spans decades and is evident in all of her creations.