About Dena


Designer Dena Yasner grew up in the jewelry business - literally! She is a third generation jewelry designer, following in the
footsteps of her father, Sheldon Yasner; and Grandfather, Benjamin Yasner - with her own twist, of course!


Dena's style and approach to jewelry design is very different. She focuses on sterling silver, cultured freshwater pearls, and semi precious gemstone beads in a variety of color combinations and shapes of stones. Never compromising on materials, Dena sources the finest quality stones she can get, based on what's available from sources globally.


As a kid, when there was a day off from school, Dena loved to accompany her father into New York City on business to see suppliers and vendors in the jewelry district. These were some of Dena’s favorite days – so many pretty things!

Dena moved with her family to Vermont in 1975, where her father continued his business, eventually setting up his workshop in the house. Sheldon made some of the most beautiful pieces of fine jewelry, platinum, diamonds, other precious metals and exquisite gems.


Dena worked for a jewelry store in Burlington, Vermont while in high school, her first real job. The Earring Place was in the Burlington Square Mall on Church St. Dena learned a lot about selling jewelry, and piercing ears. She went on to design a few other pieces with her father while she was still in high school, like these 14K gold earrings (L); and this earring and necklace set of 14K yellow gold, Lapis beads, and pearls (R):

       

It was only after her father retired in 2001 that Dena realized she wanted to learn just a little of what he knew. So, after a lengthy and successful career in broadcast radio programming and on-air hosting that spanned some 25+ years; and after many years of loving, wearing, buying, and admiring jewelry from her father and others; and after designing and making earrings for many bridal parties, working craft shows, and doing trunk shows for special clients, it was time to take things to the next level. 

        "My mother, Jean, was my biggest supporter - always. For several years, from about 2005-2007, I would send large

        packages of earrings to her in Florida. She would take them to her dance class and all her friends would buy them up! 

        I'm grateful for all of the early supporters - family, friends, customers - you know who you are, and so do I!" - Dena

Dena's designs are quite different from her father's and grandfather's work - she's currently designing a beautifully versatile line of sterling silver and genuine gemstone bead jewelry, using a variety of colors, shapes and textures. See Dena's work here.

        "Eventually, I'd love to create a couture line, using gold, diamonds, and other high end materials - and perhaps incorporating

        some of my father's and grandfather's design elements!" - Dena