Britta Schwalm

Good in Jewelry Design.

Britta Schwalm

About Britta Schwalm

Britta Schwalm is an experienced goldsmith and graphic designer. She is working with heart and soul. As a goldsmith she is specialised in making jewellerydesign in customer request and upcycling. Her workshop is located in Langen/Hessen, near Frankfurt/Main in Germany. The project "Blessed child" combines the skills of both of her professions in a unique way. Basic part in the manufacturing process is modern 3D technology. She was part of german TV docutainment "Hallo Schatz" as the expert for jewellry because she is an upcycling specialist. She was awarded with national and international prices.

  • Winner of 5 A' Design Awards.
  • Good in Jewelry Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Jewelry
  • Fine Art
Mystery and Confession Rings

Mystery and Confession Rings

Jewelry Design

Eves Weapon Collier

Eves Weapon Collier

Jewelry Design

Glueckskind Charms

Glueckskind Charms

Jewelry Design

Meaningful Heart Concept to perpetuate emotions

Meaningful Heart Concept to perpetuate emotions

Jewelry Design

Blessed Child rings

Blessed Child rings

Fine Art Design

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Interview with Britta Schwalm

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I'm a goldsmith who studied design at university. I always wanted to be a designer and I love designing jewellery the most.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
BrittasSchmiede is a workshop were you can get your unique and individual jewellery made by hand. High quality, high standards, traditionally handcrafted as well as created with the latest technology (laser, CAD, 3D-designed and 3D-printed).There is one series 'Glueckskind' by BrittasSchmiede:'Glueckskind' is brand new and it is all about jewellery and babies. Please visit:http://www.dein-glueckskind.de
What is "design" for you?
Design changes ‘just’ useful things to beautiful things. Design should sum up all emotions. E.g. in 'Eves Weapon' are all emotions, that are represented by an apple (sin, lust, power, health, fertility...), visualised in a collier.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Jewellery fitting to the customers wishes - unique pieces for individuals. I found out there is often a good approach to look what kind of jewellery my customers wear. And it's quite often, that I can work with that piece of jewellery as a basis, adding on or changing some things.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My favourite in design is to 'challenge' the audience to have a second look. E.g. 'Eves Weapon' consists of apples - but you won't notice that at a first impression. 'Glueckskind' play's with a baby-theme, top secret, if you wish. And I love figurative jewellery. A woman wrapped around a finger, a man wrapped around the other finger. A chess set full of figures in silver - each one a naked woman. I love to design figurative jewellery.
When do you feel the most creative?
Spending quality time with our son. Being silent in nature. Best place is our garden, cat on lap, looking to the pond.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I'm happy seeing my design fit their wearer and I'm satisfied that it has the right place to be. I enjoy the design process the best, and once a customer is happy I enjoy getting on with the next design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Sustainability. Design should make things last. As said before I often start with jewellery that is owned by my customers and make it new all over. The gold I use is recycled gold 100%.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think and wish it is evolving in the direction of responsibility - in every kind (for nature, kids, mankind, animals).
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition of 'Eves Weapon' was at Expo in Milan/Italy 2015, after that in Antwerp/Belgium and went at roadshow around the world. My last exhibitions with 'Glueckskind' had been at Parallax Art Fair in London/GB and IHM (Internationale Handwerksmesse) in Munich/Germany after that at "Seele trifft Gold" in Historic Villa Metzler in Frankfurt/Germany.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My creativity is best when I sit at my workplace and stop thinking. I just follow my hands.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I love working figuratively. The human body is a beautiful design. Reframing this artwork with jewellery is fantastic.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Germany. I'm sure that my design is typical German in a way - I just can't describe it. It is easy to work in Germany, I don't have to fear restrictions or limitations.
How do you work with companies?
My jewellery as well as 'Glueckskind' is directly for customers, untill now I have seldom worked work with companies.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I can visualize it. I think about the item I want to design and at one point I can see it in my mind. That's the moment I know it is right and ready. Often I have to think about how to realize my inspiration.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
A picture from Prof. Schreiter. A big wooden bowl made by Thomas Pildner. A spotted Teapot. A glas-skulpture called Nike after the Greek goddess built by me.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I'm a mom of a cool young boy - all days are great but very different. And time is a rare resource.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive: If there something in my reach which is ugly, I can change it. Negative: I see a lot of things for which I have ideas how to change them, but of course that’s not always possible.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depends on the object. At about 3 weeks I would guess on average.
What was your most important job experience?
Designing and building a necklace in 750/000 rose and whitegold with 110 diamonds as a nominee for the HRD award. It is called 'Eves Weapon' and brought me here...
Who are some of your clients?
From Duke of Hohenzollern to my son’s nursery teacher, one is as important as the other!
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I love to carve a figure out of wax. I love to model in gold. I love to set gemstones. I love to draw jewellery designs. I think I love being a goldsmith. Why? It's creative, diverse and demanding.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I'm happy I’ve been selected to receive a A'Design award Gold! continued project is 'Herz aus Altgold'. Next project is the next step for 'Glückskind'.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Usually I work by myself. For the 'Glueckskind' project I have a team member, who is the expert for the 3D program.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/herz-aus-altgold/ Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/sterenenkind/
How can people contact you?
Britta Schwalm britta@brittasschmiede.deinfo@dein-glueckskind.de+49 6103 280306

Designer of the Day Interview with Britta Schwalm

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
After school I learned the skills of a goldsmith. After apprenticeship I decided to study Design. Getting my certificate, I thought I had to decide betwen my professions. But I got jobs as a Designer and as a Goldsmith and did both with lots of energy and fun. Now my goldsmith workshop has grown and I decided to concentrate on being a goldsmith. We are a team of 3 and I train apprentices.
How did you become a designer?
Being a Goldsmith makes me feel like being paid twice: first time with money and second time with the sparkling in the eyes of my customer. Instead of making jewellry and looking for a custumer I make exact the jewellry my customer wants to have. This is very satisfing for me (and for my customer as well).
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
To learn my customers wishes I listen to their stories and ideas. I have a close look at the clothes the wear and ghe kind of presenting themself. This way I get a good ferling for the kind of jewellery they‘ll like to have to feel and be well with it.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
To study Design was a perfect rounding off being a Goldsmith. To see and learn design is influenced by time and you can detect these inflences in all kind of designed stuff. From architecture to furniture or fashion - there is the same form-language.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
At ghe moment I'm perfectly happy with my work. I'm speciallisied for custum destinctions and love to build do many different kind of jewellery. Being present at internet makes more customers notice that they can tell me what they want to have and I make that for them.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
You need luck. Don't give up trying. But if you are not successful at once, it doesn't mean you're not good.
What is your day to day look like?
I'm working hard to get a routine :-) Different custumers with different ideas - so many new things to learn and to try out.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I know there are important trends. Sustainibility is one important to me. But more important to me are the micro-trends my costomers tell me.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Good design makes me feel good. Good design makes the wearer of my jewellry feel good.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Hard question. Sometimes I can feel it, sometimes I just ask the person that wants to wear the jewels and with and for which I create the jewels for. Some projects are under constant review.
What is your biggest design work?
Evas Wepon, a collier I made with 110 Diamonds in 750 rosegold. You can see at A‘ Design Award.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I think in Germany emotions have to have a reason :-) So bringing emotions, wishes and ideas in shape and form by making individual jewellry is a good way to make customers happy. They can see, feel and wear their emotions as jewellery.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I try to step back and listen to the visions and ideas my customer has. He or she is no goldsmith, so I have to translate the things I hear and perceive to jewelry. This is my form of creativity.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Humanitarian projects are highly important. I regulary give money to various organisations that care about kids (especially girls), mankind, nature or wildlife.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
A‘Design Award made me to fomulate all the thoughts about my designs. This was very helpful. And of course winning a A‘Design Award creates attention. Last, but not least it's a chance to proof that you're good in your disciplin.

Extended Interview with Britta Schwalm

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I completed my education as a goldsmith as best of my course. After some time of practice I went to university to study design. I always wanted to be a designer and I love designing jewellery the most.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design jewellery according to the customers wishes - unique pieces for individuals. I'm specialized as a goldsmith to design adaptions. For example, if a customer inherited an outdated golden brooch with pearls from a beloved person I transform it into a pearl ring. If a customer inherited an outdated golden ring with an amber from a beloved person I transform it into a cute brooch. I love to (re-)design beloved outdated jewelry. To find out what fits to each single customer is a exiting design process. The shining in the eyes of the customers when treasured old jewellery gets a new makes me feel good.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A good design is not happening by chance. It´s an evolution dealing with the processes and the persons the design is made for. Good design can be developed in the context of new materials or new technologies. The relevance of the available economical resources is getting more and more important. Everyone should invest in good design because it should fit the needs of each single person.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My joy in designing jewelry is to 'challenge' the audience to have a second look: 'Eve's Weapon' consists of apples which you won't notice at first glance. 'Glueckskind®' (blessed-child) play's with a baby-theme, top secret, if you wish. My secret ingredient is that my designs are meant to certain emotions.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Johannes Schreiter, painter designer and glass sculptor. I´m deeply impressed by the self-effacement of his glass designs matching the surrounding architecture.
Who is your favourite designer?
Glückskind® - love letter to mother and child. A jewellry-familiy with a baby one outside and the other one inside the jewellry. The baby snuggles faithfully against your finger or neck, either visible for all or hidden on the inner side. In German "Glückskind" is a person that has good fortune in life. The closest in English was "blessed child", which is not the same, but some words aren't possible to translate exactly. A baby ON a ring is a quite new idea. A baby IN a ring is unique. The wearer of the ring with the baby outside (Sam) has the chance to show how proud a mom/dad can be. The wearer of the ring with the baby inside (Jamie) might have a secret or keeps things more discreet. He or she can decide whether or not to reveal the baby. For me, all the deep and very private feelings I get as a response by my customers show me the greatness and uniqueness of my design.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
ART should be an essential expression of deep feeling that move people. Art is where the artist has given a piece of himself. And if it is art, than it transcends language, space and time. DESIGN should follow this principle: "form follows function". And making jewelry is a balancing act between art and design.

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