Interview with Jewellery Designer // SIBILLA SANTUCCI

The T Ring, Ouroborus NecklacePrometheus Aurum Ring, Perseus et Andromeda Ring, Prometheus Argentum Ring

What's your earliest memory of Jewellery making? 

As a child I was always fascinated by my mother’s jewellery - beautiful, large, geometric pieces from the 70s and 80s. I would try them on in secret and play dress up. Although I was creative from a young age and enjoyed making things and drawing, I didn’t start making jewellery myself until much later. I initially went to university to study Fashion Design. However, after graduating, I decided to study further and pursue a specialisation in Contemporary Jewellery. I had discovered that for me it was more pleasurable to design and create jewellery pieces. The process made me feel more creative and free.

 

How did you know this was different to other hobbies? 

I never really saw it as a hobby, but as a passion.

 

The T Ring, Ouroborus NecklacePrometheus Aurum Ring, Perseus et Andromeda Ring, Prometheus Argentum Ring

 

When did you decide to pursue Jewellery making as a career? - How did friends and family members respond to that decision? 

After specialising in contemporary jewellery, it remained only a passion for the next few years, during which I continued to take workshops and classes because in the art of contemporary jewellery design you never finish learning. There are an unlimited number of different techniques and you need to work meticulously to perfect them. I was also often busy with other things in my life that needed attention and not able to fully focus on my art. I wouldn’t have dared to call it a career until I felt confident enough. Three years ago, I finally started to see it as a full-time job. Thankfully, everyone around me has always been very supportive.

Did you feel confident or out of depth when starting out? 

As I mentioned, it took many of years of practice to feel totally confident in seeing myself as a professional jewellery designer. 

 

Ouroborus NecklacePerseus et Andromeda Ring, Prometheus Argentum RingTheseus et Piritoo Ring


What would you change about the industry you work in?

I would like for people to understand and appreciate the hard work behind the hand-made pieces from individual designers as opposed to fast-fashion, commercial ones. There is a beauty to wearing a unique piece that no one else in the world owns.

 

Have any relationships been hindered by your work?

Since I really love to make jewellery, I am sometimes too engrossed in my own world. I lose myself in creative projects and not so influenced by the external world.

 

What advice would you give to young creatives starting out?

First it is important to have good teachers and learn the techniques properly.  Of course, you need to practice a lot! I think it is also important to have an individual style that represents you. Then decide in which kind of jewellery sector you want to sell. Don’t give up if this is what you love!!

 

Perseus et Andromeda Ring, Prometheus Argentum RingTheseus et Piritoo Ring

If you could go back in time and choose a different line of work, would you?

I am perfectly happy with what I have chosen, but perhaps in another lifetime I would have studied Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science and produced my own cosmetics brand.

Why did you leave your home town?

My life felt a little too comfortable, and I needed to step out of my comfort zone to develop myself. After almost 7 years of living abroad, I am thinking that one day it will be nice again to live in my country. Who knows?

 

Perseus et Andromeda Ring, Prometheus Argentum RingTheseus et Piritoo Ring

Are you happy with where you are in your career?

I am really happy because I feel that my career is improving daily. I love and value my colleagues. They are special and talented designers. It is nice to work with them


What would you like to improve on this year, in both your personal and work life?

In general the meaning of my life is to continually grow and be a better person. To work on myself, to perfect myself and always learn new things. The same goes for my career. 

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud when a visualisation of my creation becomes a reality.

 

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