Architectural Jewellery and More About Sarah Straussberg

Sarah is a new up-and-coming designer with a fresh approach. Having graduated in summer 2011, she has embarked on new collections which merge jewellery with her other passion, sculpture. We asked her a few questions about how her collection came to be:

Can you tell us a little about your story as a jewellery designer and maker?

Every year a local jeweller, Michael Bloomstein Precious Metals’, dontates 50g of silver to a handful of students who are challenged to produce a piece within a week. I opted in to that project in my third year at university and the outcome was my first pod ring. The time pressure motivated me to do it and I discovered I loved making jewellery.

How did this style of yours come about?

I was looking for inspiration for the project I mentioned and was through my photographs – microphotographs of natural pods, in particular. I’m very process lead so I imagined how I could cut and soldier my gold to produce the pods. 

I made them as if they were little sculptures. I hadn’t meant my first pods to be jewellery but a friend persuaded me to turn it into a ring, the Ellie Ring. Each time I looked at it I saw it differently so from there I developed a collection. I’ve since named all of my pieces after my friends.

How long have you been developing your most recent collection for?

Ever since the project I mentioned, that was in Autumn 2010.

From your own jewellery, which is your favourite piece?

My newest Bella Ring. It is a big, chunky, cluster of pods. I’m most proud of it because it’s more like my sculpture work. I see them as little sculptures in themselves. It is well remembered too.

When you are not in your workshop, where are you most likely to be?

Walking on Hampstead Heath, in a bar in Angel or a pub in Highgate.

Which London event are you most looking forward to this summer?

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition because it has such a wide range of art, it’s inspiring.

What jewellery will you wear to it?

My 20” Lily Chain and my Bella Pod Ring.

Which music artist or band would  you most like to wear your jewellery?

Florence from Florence and the Machine. Or Lana Del Ray.

Who have you been most flattered to have worn/liked it so far?

My brother, actually. He wears a lapel pin on his Barbour and he works on a boat so he wears it every day.

View Sarah Straussberg’s full collection