Feature Friday Q&A with Julie Anne Palmer

I first discovered the work of today's Feature Friday artist when I was surfing social media one day.  What first struck me about her work was how she could truly capture what her clients where looking for.  Her work runs the continuum from earthy and organic to structured and timeless.  And that is what drew me to her in the first place - her design diversity.  When you see her work, I'm sure you'll agree too!

Introducing today's Feature Friday artist, Julie Anne Palmer!

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

I always preferred Art to any other subject and when I attended Art College, I found the Jewellery and Silversmithing departments the most interesting as I loved tools and had a keen interest in design.  I have lived my life doing the thing I loved most and also managed to make a living too!

Aptly named "Organic," this rings reminds me of a winding wilderness
path.  It flows naturally from one point to the next dotted with color along the way!

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?

I love Art Deco jewellery and also Rene Laliques’ fabulous designs.  Contemporary designers - I think Stephen Webster is inspirational.

Drawing inspiration from Art Deco design, the clean lines of this Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond ring are stunning!

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

Sitting at the bench listening to the radio making – preferably without interruption – a completely unique piece of jewellery for one of my customers.

Like a constellation, this Diamond Bracelet is a future heirloom.  Perfectly classic.

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

Gosh!  I’ve had so many over 35 years. Getting my degree was one, but every day I get a wonderful jewellery moment when I design and make a customer their perfect piece - one which has exceeded their expectations.  I have had some wonderful testimonials.

A perfect statement piece, I am truly in love with this Amethyst & Gold Ring!  Delicious!

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

If I’m making a bespoke piece for my customers, I get my inspiration form talking to them about the kind of things they like, some people have no idea what they want and it is my job to try to find out about them and draw out something I can work on.  If I am working on a piece of work for myself, I will look at nature and take photos of plants and leaves.  There is a world of inspiration out there if you look.

Another one of her organic, earthy designs, this Sapphire, Diamond & Gold Ring screams "Centerpiece!" to me.

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 have two rings, a bracelet, watch and a couple of pairs of earrings I always wear.  I don’t have any more jewellery for myself because I never have time to make it!  I don’t like fashion jewellery.  It never lasts very long and I cannot wear silver - I turn it black!

This beautiful Opal & Sterling Silver Cuff is ideal for stacking with any number of bangles or bracelets.

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

I just put together what I like, I am not a fashion slave and know what suits me.

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 like the layered look, but think you can overdo it if you're not careful.

Truly one of my personal favorites, this Spinel & Diamond Ring is sheer perfection with it's clean
lines & would be an amazing non-traditional engagement ring or right hand/stacking ring.

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

When I started designing, I would get very frustrated because I felt I couldn’t come up with any good designs, a blank page kept staring back at me!  Then I learnt to relax, look at loads of images and just let myself absorb the type of designs I liked.  Maybe after 2 days of this, I would get flooded with ideas.  Now I am so used to designing I get ideas all the time and especially when I am about to go to sleep.  I never try to force it though, pressure is not conducive to designing as far as I am concerned.

Collectors – Get to know your subject well before you buy, it is a minefield out there.  I know because I used to work in the antique trade for years.  But it is a great buzz when you find that special piece that no one else has noticed yet!

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?

Thailand or Puppy Heaven

This Tourmaline Ring has a toughness to without compromising its clean
lines & angles.  It's another of my personal favorites.

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