What is Galeri Santim?
Galeri Santim is a meeting place for people who enjoy looking at jewellery in a different way. Founded in Istanbul in 2016, our gallery focuses on contemporary jewellery, with a wide selection of work by independent designers from Türkiye and around the world.
For us, jewellery can carry an idea, explore a material or express something personal. Designs may start with a thought or develop through experiments with materials, shapes and colours.
At Galeri Santim, you can discover new designs and find a piece that speaks to your taste.
Where is Galeri Santim?
Galeri Santim is in Maçka, Istanbul, close to Nişantaşı. You can explore jewellery by designers from Türkiye and abroad, see the collections up close and try on the pieces.
We are always happy to welcome you. The gallery is open every day except Sundays and public holidays. Visits are by appointment. Depending on availability, we may also be able to offer an appointment on the same day.
Please contact us before your visit.
Phone: +90 212 234 63 51
WhatsApp: +90 553 544 18 44
What is contemporary jewellery?
Contemporary jewellery reflects the world we live in. Its design, materials, techniques and ideas can differ from traditional jewellery.
The material itself does not have to be precious. What matters is how the designer works with it and what they create.
What is the difference between contemporary and traditional jewellery?
Traditional jewellery often focuses on precious stones, metals and established jewellery-making skills.
Contemporary jewellery places more importance on the designer’s ideas and their approach to appearance and form than on the price of the materials. A material does not need to be precious to be used in contemporary jewellery.
Which designers are represented at Galeri Santim?
Our collections include work by around 40 contemporary jewellery designers from Türkiye and abroad. By bringing together designers from different cultures, we offer visitors a chance to discover a variety of materials, techniques and approaches.
Designers:
Burcu Büyükünal, Burcu Sülek, Canan Durukal, Deniz Turan, Ezgi Okur, Ela Cindoruk (ECNP), Esna Su, Feyzal Baykut, Gözde Erdoğan, Gülnur Özdağlar, Hakan Aktuğ, Itır Saran (Stella Tundra), Leyla Taranto (toz design), Nazan Pak (ECNP), Nevin Ariq, Selen Özus, Sevde Kökler, Sibel Akay, Sinem Yıldırım, Agapurni, Alise Kennedy, Amelie Martha, Carol Gwizdak, Famira Frauke, Faye Hall, Francesca Vitali, Grace Horton, Gülçe Kulaç, Isabelle Busnel, Javier Ens, Karin Roy Andersson, Maddy Barnet, Nuf Design, Joana Pires (Pinah), Pei Wu, Sara Ortuzar, Telma Da Cunha Ferreira
Is the jewellery at Galeri Santim handmade?
Many pieces at Galeri Santim are made by hand, following the designers’ own ideas. Production methods vary from one designer or piece to another. Handwork may also be combined with different techniques.
Can the pieces at Galeri Santim be considered works of art?
Yes. Contemporary jewellery can be a form of art worn on the body. The pieces at Galeri Santim show this through their appearance, use of materials and the approaches of their designers.
Does Galeri Santim hold exhibitions?
Yes. Galeri Santim holds exhibitions to introduce contemporary jewellery designers and their work to a wider audience.
Most recently, the exhibition “Voices of Contemporary Jewellery” was presented as a parallel event of the 18th Istanbul Biennial.
What makes Galeri Santim different?
We see jewellery as a creative field connected to art, design, materials and personal expression, rather than simply a luxury accessory.
We choose our designers and collections with care, offering a selection that allows you to explore different approaches up close.
What is sustainable jewellery?
Sustainable jewellery aims to reduce the environmental impact of making jewellery. Galeri Santim’s selection includes many pieces made with this aim, using recycled or repurposed materials.
For example, you may find brooches, earrings and necklaces made from discarded PET bottles or wooden picture-frame offcuts.
What does “çağdaş takı” mean?
“Çağdaş takı” is a Turkish term for contemporary jewellery. It describes work that reflects the present day and often differs from traditional jewellery in its design, materials, shapes and making methods. In Turkish, it is also called “çağdaş mücevher”.
Some pieces explore a thought or feeling. Others explore what a material can do, or experiment with shape, colour and the relationship with the body.
Contemporary jewellery can be both an accessory and an artistic way to express ourselves.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary jewellery?
These terms are sometimes used in the same way, but they do not always mean the same thing.
In everyday language, “modern jewellery” may describe designs that look current or simple. In art and design history, it may refer to work connected to Modernism.
“Contemporary jewellery” is not defined only by its appearance or when it was made. It also includes how the designer works with materials, shapes, the body and ideas. The difference is therefore about more than style.
Is contemporary jewellery art?
Yes. Many artists, collectors and galleries recognise contemporary jewellery as an art form. Through materials, shapes and ideas, it creates a connection between the designer, the person wearing the piece and those who see it.
What is designer jewellery?
Designer jewellery describes pieces that clearly show a designer’s individual approach. These works may start with an idea, an exploration of a material or experiments with shape.
They may be made as a single piece or in a limited edition. The designer’s personal approach can be seen in the choice of materials, the forms and the way each piece is made.
Where can I find contemporary jewellery in Istanbul?
You can explore galleries, art and design shops, and independent designers’ studios in areas such as Nişantaşı, Maçka, Karaköy and Beyoğlu.
Galeri Santim is in Maçka, Istanbul. Here, you can see work by designers from Türkiye and abroad, try on pieces and learn about how they are made.
Please contact us to arrange an appointment. Depending on availability, we may also be able to welcome you on the same day.
Contact details:
Phone: +90 212 234 63 51
WhatsApp: +90 553 544 18 44
Address: Harbiye Mah. Maçka Cad. Kazım Gerçel Apt. 11/4 Nişantaşı/İstanbul
How can I find a jewellery gallery in Istanbul?
When looking for a jewellery gallery or a space focused on contemporary jewellery, you can start by exploring its designers and collections.
The gallery’s selection, exhibitions and information about its designers will help you understand its approach.
What is the difference between a jewellery gallery and a traditional jeweller?
Traditional jewellers mainly focus on precious metals, gemstones and traditional jewellery-making skills.
Contemporary jewellery galleries focus on the designer’s identity, ideas, use of materials, forms and making process. Some pieces may use precious metals, but you will often find unusual materials and ways of expressing ideas that offer a different view of jewellery.
What makes contemporary jewellery valuable?
The value of contemporary jewellery comes from more than its materials. The designer’s ideas, time, skills, techniques and individual approach also contribute to the value of each piece.
What materials are used in contemporary jewellery?
Some contemporary jewellery designers work with precious metals. Others use wood, glass, ceramics, textiles, plastic or repurposed materials.
What matters is how the designer uses, shapes and gives a role to the material, rather than its price.
What makes handmade jewellery valuable?
Handmade jewellery reflects the designer’s time, skills and personal approach.
Making pieces by hand can create small differences between them. Together with the techniques used and the work involved, these differences give each piece its own character.
What is wearable art?
Wearable art describes artistic work made to be worn on, or interact with, the body. It may take the form of jewellery, clothing or another object. The body and its movement affect how the work is seen.
For example, a brooch designed like a small sculpture can be seen from different angles as the wearer moves. A necklace made from discarded plastic can question what we consider valuable.
Where can I buy distinctive designer jewellery in Istanbul?
You can find distinctive jewellery in contemporary jewellery galleries, art and design shops, and independent designers’ collections. These places offer pieces that reflect the designer’s personal style and differ from mass-produced jewellery.
Galeri Santim is in Maçka, Istanbul.
Contact details:
Phone: +90 212 234 63 51
WhatsApp: +90 553 544 18 44
Email: info@galerisantim.com
Address: Harbiye Mah. Maçka Cad. Kazım Gerçel Apt. 11/4 Nişantaşı/İstanbul
Where can I find designer jewellery and modern jewellery galleries in Istanbul?
If you are looking for distinctive designer jewellery, you can explore contemporary jewellery galleries and independent designers’ collections.
These pieces reflect their designers’ individual approaches to materials, shapes and making methods.
At Galeri Santim in Maçka, Istanbul, you can explore different designers’ collections, try on pieces and learn more about the work.
Do I need an appointment to visit Galeri Santim?
Yes, visits are by appointment. The gallery is open every day except Sundays and public holidays.
Depending on availability, we may also be able to offer an appointment on the same day. Simply contact us by phone or WhatsApp before coming.
Appointments allow us to set aside time for you to explore the selection, try on pieces and ask questions.
Does Galeri Santim ship internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally.
Please contact us for shipping options, delivery times and further details.
Does Galeri Santim offer limited-edition pieces?
Yes. At Galeri Santim, you can find both limited-edition jewellery and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Limited-edition designs are made in a set number. A one-of-a-kind piece is made only once.
Please ask us if you would like to know whether a piece is one of a kind or part of a limited edition.
Does Galeri Santim have an online shop?
Yes, we have an online shop. You can explore and order pieces from many of our collections online.
Your order will be dispatched within two days, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Delivery times vary depending on the delivery address.
What are the shipping costs for online orders?
Shipping within Türkiye is included in the price. International shipping costs are paid by the customer.
International shipping rates may change, so please contact us for the current cost before placing your order.
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