I love Michelle Buettner's jewelry.  It's simplicity makes it easy to wear, while her attention to detail means the quality is evident in every tiny element and finish.  Her choice of semi-precious stones and pearls fit in with my own sense of style and provide a modern pallette that is complemented by fresh, bright silver.  Here, she answers some questions for The Jewelry Report about her work.

What are your favorite materials to work with?  

I enjoy working with pearls, gemstones of all sorts and silver the most!


 

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?

I love earrings, so I would consider the whole category of ‘earrings’ as my favorite design and yes, they’re my best sellers!


 

How did you first get into jewelry art in general?  

Way ‘back in the day’ (I won’t bore you with a date since it’s almost before the dinosaurs!) I used to make earrings for myself and my friends and it just took off from there.


 

Can you tell us more about the themes that run through your jewelry?

I wish there was a theme to my jewelry – it’s something I’ve struggled with for years. Other than great quality workmanship and wonderful gemstones and materials, pearls would have to be a ‘main theme’ for most of my work.


 

What do you have planned for future collections?

I’m putting together some more hand-knotted designs since those are what my clients seem to be requesting from me right now as well as some mixed materials such as pendants on silk and leather.


 

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

Oh, that’s a tough one,…..it’s a bit of both. The design element is exciting, like planning for a big event, but the technical aspect is what calms me and makes me feel this really unique ‘bliss’ feeling!


 

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

Oh yes, several!  Domiquie Cohen, Todd Reed, Margeau Lange, and many more.


 

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

I find it eye-opening. So I guess that could fall under ‘inspiring’ because it opens up new situations, avenues and ways in which I view and create things.


 

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?

Both have their pros and cons. I like retail because it seems to get your designs out to more people but at trade events I enjoy meeting the actual people who purchase my designs and ask questions about them.


 

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?

The super power I would most like to possess to help with my jewelry would be to be able to get my hands on any gemstone, material, finding or objects for my designs by simply blinking my eyes just like Bewitched!!

Find out more about Michelle's jewelry at http://www.misheldesigns.com/

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