Jeweler Interview - Mindy Recht (Part Two)

Here is the second installment of answers to our interview questions from Mindy Recht, of CJ Recht jewelry brand.  Read Part One here.

What keeps you motivated?

I love doing trunk shows! When people try on my jewelry and look good in it and say they love it, I get jazzed. I take a highly personal approach to designing and making jewelry. After all, there’s years of work and dreams behind every piece, so it’s gratifying when someone really appreciates the work.

I’m always looking for the flash of inspiration that will lead me to the next great idea. Sometimes, I feel like I have more ideas than I can possibly make. But I never know if something will work until I get into the studio and make it and then wear it – the ultimate test drive. 

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

As someone who loves metal, I tend to admire other jewelers who love metal as much as I do and who strive for purity of line and simplicity.

I am a great admirer of Dinh Van, who worked at Cartier in the 50’s, creating flowers and the famous Cartier panthers. Leaving Cartier in the mid-60’s, he was influenced by modernist decorative arts and fashion movements in Paris to develop new forms of jewelry.  His sleek modern pieces were meant to be worn every day, in stark contrast to the precious jewels he previously designed. When France allowed the importation of 9k gold, he protested by creating a 24k hammered disc based on the shape of traditional Chinese jades.  He has continued to design, refining and developing new works. 

I also love Gurhan – his works showcases the sensuality of gold in a way that few jewelers have ever done.  The quality of his work is exquisite and is also quiet  - as quiet as high karat gold can be…. Gurhan’s work is always elegant, based on line, proportion and balance.  He rarely misses. 

bnmDo you prefer doing retail or trade events?

I enjoy doing shows of all kinds – I love getting out there and meeting people.  But they are definitely different.  I think retail is more fun because people are buying for themselves or a friend – they don’t need your whole line…..

There is a level of frustration at the wholesale shows, because even if a retailer loves your jewelry, it may not be right for their store, may be out of their price range or not be appropriate for them for a whole host of other reasons that have nothing to do with your designs.  And as retailers are risk averse in a shaky economy, they are unlikely to take a chance on a new artist.

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

I think I’d like to be a jewelry witch like Samantha in Bewitched – able to envision the piece and have it materialize in my hands.  That way you could see if the idea works immediately  - you can see whether the earrings are too heavy or you prefer 7mm stones to the 5mm ones you used in the ring, or you have to adjust the shape of the bracelet. 

Mind reading would definitely help too - I’d like to be able to see into the future to anticipate color trends and fashion trends.  

Visit http://www.cjrecht.com/ to view the full collections.