Our Oakland location will be hosting a trunk show with Sarah Greenberg of Sarah Swell Jewelry this coming weekend! Please join us Friday the 25th from 1-6pm and Saturday the 26th from 11am-6pm, meet Sarah, and shop her full collection including some stunning new bridal designs. I had the opportunity to talk with Sarah a bit about her design and fabrication process, and the things that inspire and challenge her as a jeweler, artist and small business owner.
A: How did you get your start as a jeweler, and what drew you to jewelry design over other media?
S: I actually started off as a painter. While I was in art school, I was working in a jewelry store to make ends meet. They started having me do small repairs and I was immediately hooked. I decided to drop out of art school and pursue everything jewelry-related that I could. I worked in retail, wholesale and for other jewelry designers before starting my own business. I fell in love with the tactile nature of jewelry over other media. It's still REAL art, just miniature and wearable. Plus, once you add diamonds, who can resist?
A: You've recently opened your own studio and gallery to the public - what are the challenges? What's the best thing about having your own space?
S: Having my own boutique happened a bit accidentally after being unable to find a studio once I made the move from Oakland to Marin. On a whim I took a look at a storefront space and decided to take the plunge much sooner than I had anticipated. The best part for me is being able to interact with customers on a daily basis and get direct feedback about my work. The most difficult part is being taken away from the bench. It always takes me 10 minutes to figure out where I left off!
A: Is there a particular design or collection that you are partial to? Which piece do you end up wearing over and over again yourself?
S: I'm quite partial to the bridal collection. The contrast of bright white diamonds against the warm 18k yellow gold is perfect in my mind. I always find myself wearing many rings from various collections, particularly a nice big grouping of my weathered diamond stacking rings. When put together, the diamonds form different shapes so they're a lot of fun. Rings are the one type of jewelry that I never take off; they really just become a part of me.
A: What is your favorite thing about life in Marin County?
S: I'm the happiest when in nature. While I love the city, it can definitely make me feel drained. Living in Marin feels like the best possible compromise. I get the woods, the ocean and I'm in SF in 20 minutes. Local favorite? The drive going the secret back way to Stinson beach is pretty magical.