Interviews med Bettina Gomez-Latus

Pure elegance, nothing but the radiance of the gemstone should attract attention.

My main focus in designing this work was, that the clear line of metal which serves as a setting and combines purism and functionality into an object that makes the gemstone wearable as a pendant without distracting the viewer from unnecessary details.

This pendant is unique.

However, there is already another line of drop-shaped gemstones, which we manufacture as a pendant with an infinity setting and sell as a series.

I've been working on this idea for three months.

I decided to pursuit an inspiration.

At the moment we produce this pendant ourselves. But if it turned out that a big company would like to produce this design, I would certainly think about it.

I wanted to emphasize the beauty of the topaz without distracting by an opulent setting.

Target customers are all those who love gemstones in drop form.

The gemstone setting and the loop are made of a single wire and follows an infinite line.

The pendant became Pure Infinity thanks to the clear, flowing border in red gold that runs around the stone without touching it

The topaz of the pendant was scanned and its setting constructed in CAD.

The purism of the setting.

I did the design myself, but for the final construction I worked together with a 3Design specialist.

Without 3Design this design could not have been realized so easily.

My design is not influenced by data or analytical research in any way.

However, the main problem in designing the pendant was to maintain the necessary tension in the gold and hold the gemstone without closing the setting completely. For this I had to make some attempts.

It was necessary to examine how much the gold would move when the gemstone was set in the pendant and whether the stone would break if tension within the setting got too high. Due to the fact that the gemstone is not completely held by the setting, it was important to find out how thick and hard the wire had to be to maintain a certain tension in the gold without the gemstone fracturing during processing.

I was of the opinion that this pendant deserved to be judged by an international jury.

I learn something with every new job. In this case I can now judge more the tension in gold.

I can't think of anything else at the moment. Thank you for the friendly conversation.

After completing my Abitur, my focus became art, in particularly drawing and I was privileged to be a personal guest at Willi Schmidt, the State College of Fine Arts - Städelschule – Frankfurt am Main for two semesters.

Shortly thereafter, I was able to begin my training as a goldsmith with the Theoretical Education at the State Art Academy in Hanau with a practical workshop experience at the Vocational Training Center of the Rhine Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt am Main. I then spent some time in Vienna with the jewellery designer Anna Haindl, some in Munich with goldsmith master Bernhard Kiefer and finally in Frankfurt am Main with jeweller Friedrich and jeweller Hessenberg.

In 1993, it was finally time to take the step into self-employment. Since then my unique pieces have been presented in several national and international exhibitions. In 2000, I opened Artemisa Galerie für Schmuck und Design GmbH in Oberursel, representing various well-known jewellery designers. After the birth of our daughter, however, I decided to close the gallery and set up a studio on our premises to allow me more time for my family.

My passion for jewellery was born in England, Devon Totnes, when I was 14 years old. I went to a boarding school where I studied design, art, sculpture and goldsmithing. The combination of craftsmanship and design taught there has been a fascination for me ever since.

It was my own decision to become a jewellery designer.

I work in the field of jewellery design and love to design any type of jewellery.

Young designers should above all believe in their talent, have fun at design and work a lot.

Knowing the latest techniques and experience, never losing a sense of creativity and originality to produce timeless pieces.

Good design must be functional and reduced to the essentials in its own way. Above all, it should remain current for many years and a pleasure to look at.

Objects with good design do not have to be changed again and again. They should be made of high-quality materials and therefore durable for long years. Good design costs knowledge and time but gives great rewards.

I always love to design jewellery. I would like to design jewellery for the famous Companies Tiffany or Cartier, or even develop jewellery for quite different brands like Coca Cola, which are currently not in the jewellery business.

I would love to continue the development of BEGOLA and the exclusive Begols (Charms) to fulfill the vision I have for them.

Have fun designing and do not be afraid of challenges.

There are many different designers who have influenced me with one or more pieces of jewellery. I could not nominate just one designer who has influenced me, as inspiration comes from the exposure to many different things.

The clamping ring from Niessing is legendary as the processing of the various precious metals amongst each other is unique.

My "infinity version" of a large facetted vermarine (green quartz) prasiolite droplet. The mount and the loop of the pendent is held by a single thin round wire. Nothing affects the beauty of the stone. The shape of the jewellery is reduced to the shape and yet wonderfully soft in shape and outstanding to wear.

I have worked constantly to strive to improve myself. I await criticism from others to ensure that I am the best I can be.

This is a difficult question, because jewellery design is my passion and I cannot really imagine doing anything else.

Biology interested me after my Abitur, or perhaps show business...... I could imagine having landed in a theater or film world as a stage manager.

I like the pleasure of touching good design. It must be perfect optically and functionally effective and tactile, without being produced at the expense of the environment!

My biggest supporter is my family, my husband, my mother and my daughter.

The constant criticism of my family and a belief in myself.

The lack of sufficient money to implement the design fully.

Always perfect without to many frills

I am developing new engagement rings, I do not want to tell you more. An exciting project.

To surprise people with our products and to become known all over the world.

Perfection and a great deal of feelings.

Producing well designed products, without wasting the worlds resources.

I am currently working on a very colorful series of rings, with a new technique and great gemstones.

My Loop Design Series: It is wonderfully comfortable to wear....... like a feather to the owner.

More designs with longevity.

I have no idea. As ever, the car industry is very strong.

It can take from a few days to many months.

In the morning after drinking a coffee and going for a walk with our dog.

See the beauty in life.

It would be nice if design sets the trends. Often however, it is the other way around.

Technology plays a very important role in my design. Without knowledge of the technology possibilities, designs could not be realized.

CAD with 3D plot.

The colours of precious gemstones or enamel and the combination with the precious metal play a vital role in the design of jewellery. It is these interactions which are fundamental to the creativity of a design.

Actually, I just want people to wear and enjoy my jewellery with pleasure and not ask about the design.

Wow, great! Why did I not think of that?

Yes, I can imagine working with a timepiece, pocket or fashion designer for a project.

My family.

"Color from the Fire" by Simone Rößler.

I read a lot and like to try new techniques.

René Lalique

I do not feel famous, yet I am very happy and proud to have won my first Design prize.

Favorite color: pink

Favorite place: the kitchen table in our home

Favorite food: salmon with salad

Favorite season: late spring and autumn

Favorite: RAL D2 card slots and the iPad from Apple

Favorite Brand: BEGOLA

Often while designing, our family cat "Martha", first strokes my legs, then jumps onto my lap, purrs and finally sits on my design sketches on the kitchen table. She forces me to take a break and reflect on what I am creating. She seems to have an influence on my designs.

The best days are the days when all in the family are healthy and happy and started the day with a smile. It is truly is inspiring!

No, not at all. Only the wish, was already there!

If we are lucky and humanity does not destroy everything it is living on, the world should remain a wonderful blue planet on which all life can live happily. It is unfortunately, only a great wish and deep hope!

Jewellery must be fun and straightforward. It is meant to convey the joy of life, to remember beautiful moments. Above all, however, it should underline the charisma and thus the personality of the wearer.

My passion for jewelry was born in England, Devon Totnes. When I was 14 years old, I went to a boarding school where I studied design, art, sculpture and goldsmithing. The combination of craftsmanship and design taught there has remained a fascination ever since.

My studio is a cosy, small wooden house in the rear garden, with a warm, welcoming and private atmosphere. Everyone who comes to us should feel comfortable and at ease. Nevertheless the work here is very structured. Precise craftsmanship and the highest knowledge of the materials - stones, pearls, precious metals and enamel - are a prerequisite for unique creations.

I like the pleasure of touching good design, it must be perfect optically, tactile and functionally effective, without being produced at the expense of the environment!

I love to design soft, tactile and comfortable shapes which give the wearer a sense of well being.

I love the flowers of BEGOLA with their wonderful colours. They can be put together to form a beautiful flower bangle and can be wrapped around the arm or neck with a matching leather band. These creations sweeten, enchant life a little every day.

I usually design unique pieces for my customers. The first big bracelet collection I designed was for "BEGOLA Happiness Handmade".

I love precious stones and, of course, gold and silver in all their variations.

Shortly after getting up with the first cup of coffee in the kitchen at the breakfast table.

My jewellery must always be comfortable, almost weightless so that the owner can wear it for hours on end.

I always find it very exciting to design and create something beautiful. Sometimes the design can lead me to despair as I strive my best. However, in the end, it always makes me happy.

I feel exhausted yet satisfied and find it wonderful to see the piece of jewellery in the finished form. It makes me proud when everything works out the way I planed it.

If other people like to surround themselves with the design.

The haptics and colour interplay of precious stones and precious metal are often the first.

The designer should never develop his designs at the expense of the environment and society.

I sincerely hope that good design retains its value for a long time becoming a focus of value for people, displacing the throw-away culture.

My last exhibition was held in my studio. The next exhibition is planed for the autumn.

I get the best ideas for new designs during my daily walks with our dog Nanny or evenings in the bathtub.

Clear, simple, often round, shapes reduced to the essentials. The variety of colour combinations plays an important role.

No, the cultural heritage of my country does not affect my designs. Much more, however, the "throw away culture" and the drive for constantly new things occupies me in our country. Good design should be timeless so you do not have to try to get something new for each upcoming trend and throw the old things away.

First and foremost, I am the creative head of the Brand "BEGOLA". When other companies come to me, I design them special lines to their liking.

In principle, the styling language of the designer should underpin the company's philosophy. The communication between the company and the designer is, among other things, decisive for the good cooperation.

When I get a new task, ideas explode in my head. Most of the time I think about a design until I have found the right solution. Then the sketches are drawn quickly to cement the ideas. During the phase of the prototype implementation, it is often the case that I make changes during production, until everything is 100% to my liking and perfect.

- Marcel Breuer "Wassily chair"- Computer "Apple iMac"- Nomos Watch "Tetra"- KitchenAid "Artisan"I would love to have more designer furniture or accessories, yet it is often question of means.

I am an early bird because the morning hours are mine alone while the rest of my family are still fast asleep. While drinking my first cups of coffee I prepare the packed lunch for our daughter, who I then take to school after breakfast. I then take our dog out for a walk. The fresh morning air gives me a boost for the day and I can plan and organize my todos. While out with the dog, my husband leaves the house and usually comes back home late in the evening.I am most creative in the morning. New creations are formulated in the studio or at the kitchen table: some are reworked, phone calls are made or customers come by to discuss new jewellery. During which our cat often sits next to me and watches me at work. The afternoons are devoted to being a mother again. School assignments and ferrying our daughter from A to B for sports, etc. are on the daily agenda. And again not forgetting the dog, a further round has to be taken to relax and gather new strength.In the evening, my husband and I take some time to talk about the latest projects. He is my quality control and always encourages me to reflect on the designs until they are right.Often I flee from the daily stress in our bathtub. There I reflect the day again and finally come to rest on our sofa with our cat.

Take nature as your model and do not stop until you achieve your best result. If you land in a dead end, take a break, clear your head and take up a new path.

It is great fun to be a designer, but the downside is, you never stop designing.

Stay true to yourself.

The designer must be able to identify himself with the product whilst possessing the necessary knowledge of materials and techniques.

Traditionally I work with pencil and paper. The drawings are then coloured with watercolor. The subtleties are worked out with CAD, or sometimes models are trialled at the work table.

When I design a new piece of jewellery, the design is permanently held in my mind and I have to be careful not to neglect my other remaining duties. It is difficult not working on a design non-stop until it is finished. A work schedule can help a lot - yet, I often cannot stick to it, because I get too excited and have to carry on in order to see the finished product.

Sometimes it goes very quickly and I need only a few hours, however sometimes it takes weeks, months or even years. There is actually no rule!

What is good design for you?

My time at Juwelier Friedrich in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

BEGOLA and many private customers.

I love to sketch and create ideas. I feel completely free and empowered during this phase of the project.

I would like to be known as a renowned jewellery designer and goldsmith, to have an international exhibition and to exhibit some jewellery in a museum. Above all, however, I would also like to continue our success in our jewellery brand BEGOLA and hope it will become internationally known.

We are a small family-run business, where every one of us comments on each other’s jewellery design proposals, but I am the lead designer and the driving force behind the philosophy.

I am currently working on a new collection with a new technique and of course, colours play are a big part of it.

Telefon: +49 6171 582228; E-Mail: info@1karat.de; Website: www.1karat.de

I think we covered a lot in the interview. Thank you very much!