We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Britta Schwalm about their original and creative Necklace design work. Britta Schwalm is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original necklace works.
Britta Schwalm ("BS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Elysian Necklace. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
BS : The Elysian necklace was inspired by the elegance and fluidity of Art Nouveau. The design integrates delicate gold wire weaving with a vibrant green tourmaline and a faceted freshwater pearl, symbolizing nature’s beauty and refined craftsmanship. The goal was to merge timeless aesthetics with innovative techniques.
BS : The primary focus was to create a piece that captures intricate detail and artistic flow while ensuring wearability. I aimed to highlight the pearl’s natural shimmer through an advanced faceting method and enhance the organic elegance of the tourmaline with wing-like gold wire elements.
BS : I wanted to explore new possibilities in pearl faceting while honoring the graceful movement of Art Nouveau. The idea of weaving gold wire in a lightweight yet secure structure allowed me to maintain both delicacy and durability in the piece.
BS : Yes, Art Nouveau artists and designers deeply influenced Elysian. The flowing forms and delicate craftsmanship of figures such as Antoni Gaudí shaped my approach to organic yet highly detailed jewelry design.
BS : The name Elysian originates from Elysium, a concept of paradise and divine beauty. It represents an idealized realm of harmony, much like the elegant and balanced aesthetic embodied in this necklace.
BS : The faceted pearl technique is particularly innovative, as it requires a thick nacre layer to maintain its luster while introducing reflective surfaces. Additionally, the gold wire weaving creates a dynamic yet airy structure, unlike traditional rigid settings.
BS : The challenge of introducing new techniques in jewelry craftsmanship, combined with the timeless appeal of Art Nouveau, motivated me to showcase Elysian in a global setting. I wanted to share my exploration of intricate detailing and innovative materials with an audience that appreciates design evolution.
