Interview
The Jewelry Artist, Bridget Lynne
Michelle Bell
Jewelry designers are a dime a dozen. The barrier to entry is lower than the fashion industry. It’s something very simple to do. The mastery of jewelry design is a completely different matter. Schools pour over the complexities of classical jewelry design and metallurgy. This is what led us to Bridget Lynne.
This jewelry designer is completely aware of her uphill fight in getting the word out about her creations. But that word is slowly breaking through the din of noise that is the crowded jewelry design field. The one major essential thing that she has on her side, is that her work is elegant and all at once beautiful. We had a chance to ask her a couple of questions about her design efforts, her current collection’s direction and the future.
What was your earliest jewelry design moment?
My earliest jewelry design moment was when I was in the 6th grade and I thought it would be a great idea to string some beads on fishing line and make necklaces for my friends. Luckily, the craftsmanship of my work has developed over the years and I no longer use fishing line!
Can anyone wear your designs?
Really, anyone can wear my designs. I strive to make them very wearable, because I don’t want women to be intimidated by the idea of accessorizing, which I know is definitely a problem most run into. My jewelry is for the woman who wants to feels glamorous and confident without spending a lot of money.
Tell us what a typical day for Bridget Lynne is like.
A typical day for Bridget Lynne…hmmm… I’m not sure there is such a thing as normalcy when a 2 year old child is involved. Basically, I wake up early to get my daughter up and ready for daycare. Once I return to my home studio, I go through all of the orders that I need to prepare. After I’ve done that, I set out to imagine some new designs. Sometimes that starts with me staring at the beautiful stones I have collected, or with me forming and soldering a component first. Other times, designs just come to me when I am driving in the car or lying in bed at night. I spend a lot of time in the studio doing all the metal smithing stuff. This entails cutting metals, forming, soldering and polishing. Sometimes I don’t get to bed until 2 a.m. in the morning. Unfortunately, I am a night owl which drives my husband crazy! I just tell him that there is always work to be done - somewhere there is someone waiting for a beautiful piece of jewelry! Despite the crazy hours and insane work, I couldn’t be happier. It sounds cliché but I’m literally living my dream.
There are a million and four jewelry designers out there, what separates you from the rest?
One thing that separates me from the rest of the crowd is the fact that I hand make nearly all of my creations and absolutely nothing in my line is mass produced. This creates an opportunity for me to connect with my buyers on a personal level. When they buy a piece from me, they know that it is actually made by me.
What do you obsess about?
I obsess about perfection; I really am the ultimate perfectionist. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve worked on something - if it’s not perfect, I have to redo it. I think that people appreciate that and as a consumer myself I take pride in the items I choose to wear. It’s an extension of my personality and who I am. In addition to jewelry, I am definitely obsessive about handbags and shoes, as many other women are. There are few feelings that beat stumbling upon that perfectly crafted piece, it really is exhilarating.
What’s your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is handbags, shoes and jewelry. No question about it. They truly set you apart from the crowd. All you need to make an outfit is a stunning piece of jewelry, an interesting bag or a gorgeous pair of shoes.
Do your parents approve? Does it matter?
My parents have always supported the choices I made, even when they seemed crazy. If they didn’t approve it would definitely matter to me because I deeply respect them but, especially in the case of my jewelry, I would do it anyway. I am an independent spirit and I do not let go of ideas that I’ve nurtured and worked hard to bring to life.
Tell us about one indispensable person in your life and work?
If I had to divide the two between work and life I would without a doubt say my husband and daughter, respectively. My husband’s support, ideas, creativity and influence are essential. He’s a major factor in the success of Bridget Lynne Designs. My daughter Avery’s presence drives me to give her the best life I can. I do my best to accomplish that by being the best person I can be and returning to her the spectacular unconditional love she’s shown me.
What’s your approach to jewelry design?
My approach to jewelry design is surprisingly simple: make a unique piece with standout quality and the rest always falls into place.
Are you a gold girl or platinum or neither?
I am a gold, platinum and silver girl! My style is ever-changing; one week I’ll be wearing all silver and the next all gold. I like to experiment and I try to create a look that is all my own. In fact, I’ve been known to break the rules here and there and wear a combination of them all.
What fashion item works best with your designs?
Handbags work best with my designs. Every woman needs a great handbag to complement her jewelry. The two go hand in hand. Handbags are in some ways an extension of jewelry. A woman can be wearing the most beautiful outfit but without jewelry and a handbag, she is left looking like something’s missing.
When do you know that one of your designs is complete?
I know my designs are complete when my perfectionist self is satisfied. Sometimes this involves changing a style many, many times.
Is there a type of jewelry that you will never create?
I will never create cheap jewelry! And as everyone knows, jewelry can be cheap but still carry a hefty price tag. I will never create a piece that is not supported by true quality.
When do you think you will peak?
I think within the next year things are going to get big. I am finally getting my name out there and getting noticed. Truly, as long as I can keep designing and making jewelry for people – that’s all that matters.
Visit Bridget Lynne online at: bridgetlynnedesigns.com
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