Designer Jewelry

There are two types of designer jewelry:  Those that are conceived and handcrafted by the artist one piece at a time and those that are designed and sent abroad for mass production. The designer jewelry  that bears the name Barbara Silverstein is handcrafted, one piece at a time.

The entire process is an adventure that takes months of exploration. For example, the wire, the gauge  –  What temper accepts the findings you are using? Will the wire allow proper knitting and formation? It is never without a challenge no matter how simple the design.

I clearly remember the night I was awakened from a deep sleep with what was an embryo of an idea, that became my unique magnet closure. That dated back to 1994. The concept took five months with another two to produce my first prototype. It was the first ever seen in the U.S.A. and attracted a lot of attention from my New York Designer Jewelry Peers.

As the creator of designer jewelry, I want it all –  The conception, challenge, creation, tweaking and, of course, the success. Success isn’t necessarily measured in dollars. Instead I ask myself – “Does it work?” “Is it comfortable?” “Is it classic?” “Is my client happy?” Although we have much to learn from mass producing designers, how boring the world would be if the true artistic value was removed from this craft.

There is one universal problem for folks who create designer jewelry; finding something truly new and unique. When I developed the Classic Braid Collection, every element of the creative process was involved and, indeed, I created something truly unique and classic. No matter what artistic vocation, there certainly isn’t any recipe except for the pain of invention. That uncomfortable “thing” hanging out there – “Will it be good?” “How am I doing?” …that ever present judging.

barbarasilversteindesigns.com or kendrickassociates.com/barbarasilverstein.
or find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbarasilversteindesigns

A Designer and The Internet

For me this year marks my exploration into virtually unknown territory, the Internet. Since beginning my jewelry designing mission over 10 years ago, Barbara Silverstein Jewelry Designs has taken me on a wonderful and exhilarating journey. There is nothing more exciting than creating a beautiful work of art, meeting wonderful people and seeing them wear and enjoy one of my hand crafted creations.

While most people in my age range are thinking of retirement and Caribbean cruises, my mind races with new and thrilling jewelry design ideas that are waiting to become reality. I just can’t help myself. Art, fashion and design is my passion!  It is a major part of my life!

I just finished the 2011 New York International Gift Show, making it my 5th appearance.  Within a few days I was off to exhibit my jewelry for a charity event in Toronto and then a trunk show in Florida. I have spent more hours in airports, train stations, hotels and trade shows than I care to add up. This sort of schedule has left minimal time for creativity. I’m determined to make the necessary changes so can devote myself to what I do best – DESIGN BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY!

I am a designer by desire and a businesswoman by necessity. My interest in modern technology is moderate and my understanding even less. In not so many eloquent words “I am a one woman show”.  I develop my concepts, experiment, create, market and then see the finished product through until it is shipped. It is a lot to ask of myself, I know. How could I possibly work any harder? It is simple: I cannot.

Earlier this year I partnered with Kendrick & Associates to help make ordering my products faster and easier. You can see my current designs barbarasilversteindesigns.com or kendrickassociates.com/barbarasilverstein.  I encourage you to take a look at the site, sign up for the newsletter and share your thoughts.

I have hired a part time assistant to help me in some day to day tasks. And while I still plan to make personal appearances, I am hoping that these changes will allow more time for the creative side of me to be fully developed. I have some great ideas that are just waiting to be realized.   Take a look, and become a part of the world of Barbara Silverstein.

barbarasilversteindesigns.com or kendrickassociates.com/barbarasilverstein.