This week our jewelry interview is with the designer behind the luscious creations of Signature Design by LaNorma.  Featuring huge gemstones, bold color combinations and a wide array of techniques, her collections are varied and fascinating.

How did you first get into jewelry art?  

Designing and creating jewelry started as a creative outlet from my corporate profession of federal contracting.  In my spare time, I would travel to various bead events and take jewelry classes.

I love the bold and colorful pieces in your Mardi Gras collection. How did you develop your style?

My bold, contemporary yet festive style of jewelry was developed from a combination of my two loves:  1) the love for beautiful statement jewelry, like the pieces worn in the old Hollywood movies and 2) the love for the celebration of Mardi Gras.  I have always been drawn to the eye-catching, elaborate details of the masks, costumes, floats, etc.

Where do you find inspiration?

My one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are inspired by the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras in my mother’s hometown of Mobile, Alabama - the hometown of the” Original Mardi Gras” and my creative grandmother, the late Maxine Taylor.  As a young girl, I was drawn to the festive colors and elaborate symbols of carnival. My grandmother, a talented seamstress, created gorgeous gowns and beaded trained for the various queens in the Mardi Gras Royal court.  Infused with this inspiration, I created a jewelry collection bursting at the seams with vibrant color, magical craftsmanship and a bit of mystery.

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

One of my favorite jewelry designs is the wire crochet necklaces which are made up of a potpourri of crystals, pearls, gemstones, and precious metals and
fused together to create a  beautiful one-of-a-kind  piece.   These designs are among my best seller.

What keeps you motivated?   

Creativity is endless.  The beautiful designs that come from it is amazing.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

Another jewelry designer whose work I admire is Judith Bright.  She has great wire and gemstone designs.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

I find experimentation to be inspirational.  I participated in the Artomatic” Art in Fashion event in Washington, DC this summer, in which each designer had to create a jewelry line based on a “celestial bodies” theme.  Infused with inspiration, I created a meteorite pendant out of colorful wire and various Swarovski crystals on a red/orange chain maille chain.  It was a quite stunning piece on the runaway.

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events? 

I do not have a preference.  It is fun meeting new people and promoting the jewelry collection at these events.  It is also great to meet and get inspiration from other designers.

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

If I had any jewelry super-power to help with my jewelry, it would be the ability to instantly read a customer’s mind to design the perfect piece that they would love and cherish for years and years.

Signature Designs by LaNorma,LLC
"Handcrafted Jewelry for the Unique and Chic"
www.signaturesbylanorma.com