"Oya" refers to the needle-lace crafts made in Turkey since the 15th century. It is used as an embellishment for clothing, home textiles, and most commonly as edging for headscarves. Traditionally, these colorful, charming motifs have a symbolic language used as secret communication between family members. They are known to express feelings of joy, sadness, loneliness, jealousy or a myriad of other emotions. The oya jewelry presented here is a celebration of the centuries-old lace-making tradition adapted into contemporary jewelry and works of art made by the women in Turkey today.  See samples below. Meredithstrauss.com