Designer Interview: Sarah Swell

August 04, 2011 Categories: Jewel Skinny, jewelry designer interview by jade 2 Comments

Sarah Greenberg, the designer behind Sarah Swell, creates fabulous jewelry by hand in her California studio. Her line exemplifies “casual luxury”, and each piece is made using ancient techniques. And Sarah graciously agreed to do an interview for JW readers – enjoy!

JewelryWhore: What drew you to the world of jewelry?

Sarah Greenberg: I was a painter from a young age and continued on to attend art school. After my first year, I knew something wasn’t quite right. While I’ll always love the fine arts, I really wanted to create something more tangible that could be worn and enjoyed. I took a silversmithing class and something just clicked. I haven’t wavered since.

JW: Did you study jewelry? If so, where?

SG: I attended the Revere Academy Of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. I also worked the bench at a jewelry store and got invaluable hands-on experience working for designer Sarah Graham.

JW: How long have you been designing jewelry?

SG: I set up my first “studio” at my dining room table when I was 18, and have been creating jewelry in some respect ever since. I launched my first proper collection, Sarah Swell, in 2008.

Sarah's Inspiration Board

JW: What is your most treasured piece of jewelry (that you did not create)?

SG: My mom got me a beautiful turquoise inlay bracelet for high school graduation. I still mix it in with my other pieces.

JW: What’s your favorite piece you’ve created?

SG: Definitely my fishbone necklace. It’s very intricate in its construction, but bold – a statement piece. Right now I’m loving the oxidized version, it has an edgy appeal that I just can’t deny.

Fishbone Necklace

JW: What kind of woman do you design jewelry for?

SG: I design for women that make their purchases thoughtfully and appreciate craftsmanship, but still have a strong love of fashion. I like to think that women who purchase my jewelry are building their collection of carefully curated wearable goods, and my work becomes part of it.

Sarah's Bench and Tools

JW: What (or who) inspires you?

SG: Nature always has strong influence in my design process. Usually it’s subtle, like a texture or shape that morphs into something else and then becomes part of a piece of jewelry. I’m also inspired by street fashion, travel, and ancient cultures. It’s always changing and evolving, though. Recently I purchased a little 1920′s bungalow and I’m having an Art Deco moment. I’m loving the idea of mixing the geometric shapes with organic textures.

JW: What do you think of Chanel’s famous quote “always take one thing off before leaving the house”?

SG: I think this applies to clothing, but not jewelry. I love seeing women with a thick stack of bracelets, rings scattered on all fingers, or cascading layers of necklaces. Each piece holds a memory and I find it really interesting to learn about what people are wearing.

{JW note – I am obsessed with these rings!}

JW: What 3 words would you use to describe Sarah Swell jewelry?

SG: hand-hewn, unique, treasure

JW: What do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

SG: I have a non-traditional bridal collection in the works that I can’t wait to debut! It will feature yummy 18k recycled gold and ethically sourced or upcycled diamonds. The rings will have an organic and slightly vintage feel and be wonderfully unique and timeless.