Feature Friday Q&A with Kelvin Birk from Kelvin J. Birk Jewellery

To call today's Feature Friday designer's work "organic" would be an understatement.  His work has this amazing fluidity and natural feel to it while still being bold, bordering on an almost industrial look.  Personally, it's the juxtaposition of merging these two distinct styles that has definitely put Kelvin Birk's work at the top of my Wish List!

I hope you enjoy this week's Feature Friday Q&A with Kelvin Birk from Kelvin J. Birk Jewellery.  I just know you're going to love his designs!

Kelvin Birk

1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?

I always wanted to do something creative since I was young.  I’m not particularly good at drawing and painting and more a 3D person.  Jewellery to me is like mini sculpture and can, but doesn’t need to be functional.  

With jewellery you are also not limited to one material only like a ceramicist or glass artist.

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?

My first crushed stone pieces from 2007/2008.

The 'Splitterguss' Ring by Kelvin J. Birk Jewellery - Seriously, what's not to love about this ring?!?!

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?

An stimulating discussion with other contemporary makers and then a lot of experimenting and making in my studio without having to worry about the price and cost of the raw materials. 

And some cake in the afternoon!

An example of Kelvin's 18ct gold Freeform Rings - available in both yellow & white gold.
I absolutely love these Freeform Rings!  The contrast of the perfectly polished diamonds with the
rough, raw gold is just amazing!

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?

When two of my pieces were selected to be shown at the Annual Art Exhibition in my hometown Kempten in Germany 2010.

Jewel Encrusted Crown - One of Kelvin's sculptural pieces which was selected to be shown at the
Annual Art Exhibition in his hometown of Kempten, Germany in 2010.

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

Through experimenting and playing with materials. 

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?

I don’t wear much jewellery.  I wear only one ring at a time, which I change now and then. 

Talk about bold!  This ring is stunning with a little hidden surprise inside - blue enamel!
Such a statement piece!  One of my favorite pieces by Kelvin!

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?

That’s fine by me.  When I have to wear a suit I often wear one of my gold rings and a pair of cufflinks, which are made out of plastic in bright pink and gold to imitate a ruby set in gold. 

Another stunning ring in yellow gold.  I love how the gold just seems to melt around the finger.

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 

I hope my pieces are strong enough to stand out by themselves. Individual pieces might disappear or blend in when worn together.  A good piece of jewellery should always be able to be worn by itself and still have strong impact.

Two claw ring in 18ct gold with crushed peridot, citrine & tourmaline, which from one of his classic collections in 2008.
I just love this ring!  It reminds me of the first flower shoots in Spring forcing their way through the ground.

9.  What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?

Don’t forget to play and experiment and be individual!

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?

Anywhere hot with a great beach and clear water.

A collection of Kelvin's work.

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