Jewelry Design Student Postcard: Debbie Bruce

It is said that it is always hard to be the first--- not so, if you ask Debbie Bruce, the first graduate of Sheffield's Jewelry Design Course!!!  If Mrs. Bruce is setting a precedent then it seems that Sheffield's Jewelry Design Program is off to a good start!

Debbie chose the plains of the Serengeti in Africa with its abundant wild life and palette of lush greens, golds and baked earth for the story to ground her graduating collection.   Her color scheme also perfectly launches us into fall!!  So timely, her collection takes the landscape and translated it into visual motifs-- swirls of forged brass-- and a lush mix of baubles in Golden Jade, Green Aventurine, Phoenix Jasper, Smokey Quartz, mocha and cream colored fresh water pearls and a mix of Swarovski crystals.   Taking these materials and elements Debbie mixed and wove them into myriad of stunning and wearable jewelry silhouettes.

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What Makes a Collection, Part 1

Most jewelry designers have no difficulty with recognizing what a "collection" of jewelry is, but making one --- a strong one at that--- is something else entirely.  Figuring out what precisely goes into making a strong collection can be one of the most difficult things for a jewelry designer to do.  At least until they have some ground rules!! 

Alexis Bittar's "Elements" Collection Photo: Alexis Bittar

The jewelry of Alexis Bittar, by way of example, makes discussion of this subject a breeze as he --yes, a guy, and a striking one at that!--  is a master of the diverse, compelling and cohesive collection. The jewelry featured here is from his "Elements" Collection, which focuses on just that, using elements or components in multiple pieces as a means of creating a wide range of silhouettes or looks-- one of the keys element to a successful collection.  

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