Inspired by Life

As a jewelry designer, I’m frequently asked what inspires me to create a certain piece. Often, there is no simple definitive answer... even to me. My new Knot and Lace collections are perfect examples of that. Both focus heavily on texture and are reminiscent of fabric.  But why did I create these textures and these specific designs?

The technical explanation would be that, since moving to New York, I’ve personally spent more time sitting at the bench, thus more focused on hand-working the metal for this collection than I was in the past. Perhaps given my background in various tactile arts like pottery and ceramics, I naturally started to create sculpture from the gold.

I was drawn to fabric, I believe, because of where I now live: New York City… the fashion capital of the world. While living in Brazil, my jewelry focused almost exclusively on the stunning colors of gemstones. They were my passion and my greatest influence. Now, in New York, I am exposed to such a rich mix of fashion, the fabrics of the beautiful clothes I see on the streets every day are influencing my work.

Because gemstones—like my native Brazil—will forever be a part of my soul, Lace and Knot continue my tradition of celebrating beautiful stones… this time set in sculptural gold designs that represent my new home in New York. Given the juxtaposition, I suppose you might say that Lace and Knot are inspired, simply, by the journey of my life.