How It All Began

Our jewelry and glass company began in 2002 as a love story. While our son Tom was working in Wales, he met and fell in love with Katerina, a Czech National. When we met her, we too fell in love with her and were enchanted by her gentility and sweet nature. Her stories about her homeland fascinated us and we resolved to learn more about the Czech Republic, its people and their customs.

We began doing research to expand our knowledge of all things Czech. The more we learned about this charming nation nestled in the heart of Europe, the keener was our desire to become involved with a business showcasing Czech-made products. To that end, we consulted our future daughter-in-law for her advice. Armed with the information she provided, we made contact with some amazing glass artisans. A dialogue was established, and lengthy communications led to a strong long-distance relationship. Our enthusiasm for the crystal was enhanced by the excitement of everyone to whom we showed images of the exquisite designs. We decided that if we were to sell this unique, elegant crystal and jewelry from the Czech Republic, we must have a name for it. A list of provocative English words was compiled, and the Czech translation applied to each. After studying the list, our eyes locked onto the Czech word for "life"...Zivot. Zivot it had to be! Appropriately, the Zivot creations would be a way of life! Zivot ... hope and beauty entwined in original works of crystal art. (By the way, Zivot is pronounced "Zi" sounds like Zhi in Dr. Zhivago and "vot" like the vot in divot). Now with a name, purpose, and the possibility of uniquely beautiful products, the natural progression was for us to visit the artists face to face, to feel and experience the creative process first hand. What we found was even greater than our wildest expectations. We discovered that the Katerina we had met a year before, who had captivated both our son's heart and our own, was true to her roots. The Czech people that we met in all walks of life were warm and wonderful. The artists that we had communicated with for so long were indeed superbly talented and gifted with a unique eye for beauty. We had come full circle. Zivot and a new way of life for each of us was a reality. Did I mention that this company began as a love story? It is now, and will continue to be one. Zivot... no longer just a figment of a colorful dream, it is now a full reality in blazing Technicolor! Zivot - "The Glass and Jewelry of Life" P.S. Tom and Katerina were married July, 3, 2004 in Wales and moved to the Czech Republic in 2005. PPS In January 2008 another addition to the Zivot family was made with the birth of James…. life and beauty goes on!