Interview with Britta Schwalm

Being a goldsmith feels like being rewarded twice—once financially and once with the joy I see in my customer’s eyes. Instead of creating jewelry and searching for buyers, I design exactly what my customers envision. This process is deeply fulfilling, both for me and for them.

To understand my customers’ preferences, I listen carefully to their stories and ideas. I observe the way they present themselves and the jewelry they already wear. This helps me craft pieces that truly reflect their style and make them feel comfortable and confident.

I feel calm and deeply focused.

Studying design perfectly complemented my goldsmith training. It helped me understand how design evolves over time. You can see these influences across different fields—from architecture and furniture to fashion. Everything shares a similar design language.

Right now, I’m completely satisfied with my work. My specialization in custom distinctions allows me to create a variety of unique jewelry pieces. Being present online helps more customers realize they can share their ideas with me, and I can bring them to life.

Luck plays a role. Keep trying, and don’t be discouraged if success doesn’t come immediately—it doesn’t mean you’re not talented.

I don’t have a specific tip, sorry.

I’m working on creating a steady routine, but every day brings something new. Different customers, different ideas—it’s always an opportunity to learn and experiment.

Some trends are significant—sustainability, for example, is essential. However, I focus more on micro-trends that emerge directly from my customers' preferences.

Good design makes me feel good, but more importantly, it makes the person wearing my jewelry feel great.

That’s a tough question. Sometimes, I instinctively know it’s complete. Other times, I ask the customer directly, since I create pieces specifically for them. Some projects remain in constant refinement.

Eve’s Weapon, a necklace featuring 110 diamonds in 750/000 rose gold. You can see it at the A’ Design Award.

Picasso and Leonardo—they were both geniuses.

In Germany, emotions often need justification. Translating emotions, desires, and ideas into jewelry gives my customers a way to express themselves in a tangible, wearable form.

I take a step back and listen to my customers' visions. Since they aren’t goldsmiths, I translate their ideas into jewelry that truly reflects them. That’s where my creativity comes in.

Humanitarian projects are very important to me. I regularly support organizations dedicated to helping children (especially girls), protecting nature, and conserving wildlife.

The award helped me articulate my design philosophy more clearly, which was incredibly valuable. Winning an A’ Design Award also brings visibility to my work and is a great opportunity to prove skill in the field.

I design unique, custom jewelry tailored to my clients' wishes. My specialty is transforming outdated or inherited jewelry into something new. For example, if a customer inherits a vintage gold brooch with pearls, I can turn it into a pearl ring. An old amber ring can become a stylish brooch. I love redesigning sentimental pieces to preserve their emotional value while adapting them to modern tastes. Seeing the joy in my customers’ eyes when their cherished jewelry gets a new life is deeply rewarding.

Good design doesn’t happen by chance—it evolves through thoughtful development, considering materials, technology, and individual needs. As economic and environmental concerns become more pressing, investing in well-designed products ensures longevity, functionality, and sustainability. Design should fit the individual and enhance their experience.

I love creating jewelry that invites a second look. Eve’s Weapon, for example, is a necklace made entirely of apples—though you might not notice at first glance. Glückskind® plays with baby-themed elements, sometimes hidden for a personal touch. My secret ingredient? Designs infused with emotion.

Johannes Schreiter, a painter, designer, and glass sculptor. His ability to integrate glass design seamlessly with surrounding architecture deeply impresses me.

Glückskind®—a love letter to mothers and children. These jewelry pieces feature a baby either on the ring or hidden inside. The wearer chooses how to display their love and memories—openly or discreetly. In German, Glückskind refers to a person with good fortune, a meaning that’s difficult to fully translate into English. The intimate responses I receive from clients confirm the deep emotional impact of this design.

I would have gone crazy—unhappy, restless, unfulfilled.

Art should evoke deep emotions, giving a piece of the artist to the world—something that transcends language, space, and time. Design follows the principle “form follows function” but also finds its balance between artistry and practicality. Jewelry is where art meets design.

My imagination. I can visualize a piece of jewelry before I even begin crafting it.

Expanding the Glückskind® collection.

My Meaningful Heart pendant is a perfect example. It’s made from recycled gold, silver, and precious stones from preloved jewelry, ensuring no new materials need to be mined. In addition to its environmental benefits, it preserves emotions and memories, reinforcing a connection between sustainability and personal history.

The Glückskind® rings can be a meaningful way to remember a lost baby. Some infants are stillborn, lost during or after birth, or through abortion, and their absence is deeply felt. If I can create a physical token that strengthens a mother’s emotional connection to her child, then I’m truly grateful for that opportunity.

Carpe diem, carpe noctem.

Everything from traditional tools like saws and hammers to modern technology like CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and printing.

Leonardo da Vinci. He was a goldsmith as well as a genius—watching him work would be incredible.
Albrecht Dürer also fascinates me—his striking graphics are clear and precise.
I wouldn’t want to talk to them, just observe.

I’m incredibly proud of my awards. Being recognized through TV appearances and articles is a surreal experience, but it’s a great honor.

My favorite place is the Scottish Highlands—the light, landscapes, and atmosphere are breathtaking. Being there is a true escape for my mind, body, and soul.

When Eve’s Weapon was displayed at Expo Milano, I attended a delegation trip that included a visit to the Triennale Design Museum. During the visit, Germany’s Secretary of State for Trade and Industry personally congratulated me on my jewelry exhibit—and gifted me a bottle of fine wine.

BrittasSchmiede is a workshop where unique, handcrafted jewelry is created. I combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest technologies, including laser engraving, CAD design, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. One of my recent collections is Glückskind, a brand-new jewelry line inspired by babies. You can explore more at http://www.brittasschmiede.de.

Design transforms functionality into beauty. It should capture emotions—just like my piece Eve’s Weapon, which visualizes the many meanings associated with an apple: sin, temptation, power, health, and fertility—all expressed in a necklace.

Jewelry tailored to my customers’ desires—unique pieces that reflect their personality. I often study the jewelry they already wear and use it as a foundation to design something new that complements their style.

I love designs that invite a second look. Eve’s Weapon, for example, is made of apples, but that detail isn’t immediately obvious. Glückskind plays with baby motifs, some hidden for a subtle touch. Figurative jewelry fascinates me—like a woman wrapped around a finger or a chess set where every piece is a silver sculpture of a woman.

Jewellery for F. Stahl Birkenfeld/Germany

750/000 Gold

When I’m spending time with my son or enjoying quiet moments in nature—especially in my garden, with my cat on my lap, gazing at the pond.

Wearability is key. A design should be beautiful but also practical.

I feel calm and purposeful.

Seeing my work worn and appreciated is incredibly fulfilling. Once a piece finds its rightful place, I’m happy to move on to the next creation.

A design is successful when it evokes emotion and resonates with people.

A great design should offer a fresh perspective on a theme or concept.

Sustainability. Design should ensure longevity. I often repurpose my customers’ existing jewelry, giving it new life. All the gold I use is 100% recycled.

I believe and hope design continues to move toward responsibility—whether it’s for nature, humanity, or ethical sourcing.

Eve’s Weapon was exhibited at Expo Milan, then in Antwerp, Belgium, before going on a worldwide roadshow. Glückskind was showcased at the Parallax Art Fair in London, IHM Munich, and later at Seele trifft Gold in the historic Villa Metzler in Frankfurt.

My creativity flows best when I sit at my workstation and let my hands take over—I stop thinking and simply create.

I love figurative design. The human body is an incredible creation, and incorporating its form into jewelry is an exciting challenge.

I live in Germany, and though I’m sure my designs reflect a German aesthetic, I can’t quite define how. Designing here is easy—no major restrictions or limitations.

My designs, including Glückskind, are primarily for individual clients. I’ve rarely collaborated with companies so far.

I visualize my designs before creating them. At some point, the final image appears in my mind—that’s when I know it’s ready. The challenge is figuring out how to bring it to life.

A painting by Prof. Schreiter, a large wooden bowl by Thomas Pildner, a spotted teapot, a glass sculpture Nike (which I created).

Every day is different—I’m a mom to an amazing young boy, which makes time my most valuable resource.

Follow your own path. Don’t try to imitate others.

The upside: If something around me is ugly, I can change it. The downside: There are so many things I’d love to redesign, but I can’t change everything.

Perfection—in every detail.

Passion, patience, and perseverance.

Rasp, drill, saw pencils and a 3D CAD program.

Cape diem - cape noctem.

It depends on the design, but typically around three weeks.

How did you do it? :-)

Designing and crafting Eve’s Weapon—a necklace in 750/000 rose and white gold, set with 110 diamonds. It was nominated for the HRD award and truly shaped my career.

Carving figures from wax, sculpting in gold, setting gemstones, sketching jewelry designs—I love every aspect of being a goldsmith.

Winning the A’Design Gold Award! My ongoing project Herz aus Altgold continues, and Glückskind will take its next big step.

Mostly alone, though for Glückskind, I collaborate with a 3D design expert.

Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/herz-aus-altgold/
Have a look at http://www.brittasschmiede.de/sterenenkind/

Britta Schwalm
britta@brittasschmiede.de
+49 6103 280306