More than just pretty designs, the jewelry from Sacred Jewelry and Yoga Designs is created with a more holistic purpose.  Each piece incorporates gemstones and emblems to help inspire, heal and encourage us in our everyday lives.  In Part Two of The Jewelry Report interview, artist Yol Swan talks to us more about her jewelry collections.

What do you have planned for future collections?

I just started a collection of necklaces with dangling pieces that I am really enjoying, and I want to see where that takes me. I tend not to think in terms of season, or fashion, but to let creativity take me where I am supposed to go. Once I start a new design, a bunch of other designs come to mind, and that is how my collections tend to unfold.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry art?

I think that those tend to go together, but I get definitely more excited about the design as it starts becoming a reality in front of me. Not that I don't enjoy learning or experimenting with new techniques, but to me the best part is being able to overcome any technical challenges to truly translate what's in my mind into a finished piece of jewelry that I can actually touch and wear.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

There are many jewelry designers whose work I admire, but one that comes to mind right now is Gordon Uyehara. (You can read our interview with Gordon here.)

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

Experimenting is always inspiring, but it can also be frustrating, especially when the design doesn't come out the way I had envisioned it. Then again, sometimes it seems that designs have a mind of their own and it has happened that after I put a “failed experiment” aside, it often finds its way back to become part of a new and inspiring piece of jewelry.

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?

I like retail the best and haven't ventured much in trade events. Retail allows me to keep costs low and to connect directly with the person who is going to wear my jewelry, which I really like. I do some consignment and wholesale, but again I like to have that personal contact with the people I deal with.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be? (Perhaps flame throwing hands to fire your pieces quickly? Mind reading for your customers? Extra arms? :)

It would be nice to have a super power to finish my silver and copper clay pieces quicker. People don't realize how much work goes into polishing and finishing a piece to make it smooth and shiny (or with the exact feel I want), which is reflected on the final price of a piece to a certain extent. A magic formula to have all my pieces polished at once, and exactly the way I want them, would be wonderful!

Find out more about Sacred Jewelry and Yoga Designs at their website http://www.sacred-jewelry.com/, or blog http://sacredjewelry.wordpress.com/.