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Once again, the JA New York Show has partnered with The Accessories Council, a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate consumer awareness and demand for fashion accessories. Given that the AC works with several jewelry designers, it’s a great partnership that allows JA New York retailers and press to become acquainted with a lot of really fabulous artists. One of those artists, Susan Bartholomew from Eye of the Sea, shared with us her design process, her inspirations, and her biggest weaknesses:
JA New York: What inspires your designs?
Susan Bartholomew: Eye of the Sea began as a true project from the heart. The jewelry is a reminder that we all have the courage to make changes in our lives, not to miss signs and to discover our own sense of calm. The sea, the colors, the people, everyone’s story … Everyday life in Greece and in NYC inspires me.
JA New York: Walk us through your design process.
SB: My collection is made up of 14K Gold Fine Jewelry – SB for Eye of the Sea, and my signature beaded bracelets. Each collection I begin with the color and metal trends of the season in both ready to wear, jewelry and home. I add in semi-precious beads and new Evil Eye charms that will layer well with my existing and core styles giving my customers another variation of layering with their Eye of the Sea collection. I source all my beads in Greece. I design all of my 14K gold styles and charms here in NYC and Greece, and I have them hand crafted in Athens. I spend the month of June in Greece working on my following seasons styles. It is so important for me to turn off and I am so fortunate to be able to step outside my crazy world here in NY and to travel to Greece to connect the dots for my inspiration.
JA New York: If you weren’t a jewelry designer, what would you be?
SB: I have another company here in NYC called Zoomies. It is a pet accessory store in the West Village that I have owned with my business partner for the past 12 years. Half the store is our own brand so that said…I also design and sell pet accessories. 🙂
If I did not have to think twice about paying bills, I would love to be on the island of Tinos in Greece ½ the year, the other ½ in NYC working on writing my screenplay and book called EYE OF THE SEA.
JA New York: What’s your favorite gemstone/metal to work with?
SB: All my semi-precious beads for my bracelets – they all have their own energies.
JA New York: What’s your biggest (non-jewelry) weakness?
SB: Shopping . . . even if I just look…and eating anything that tastes sweet.
JA New York: What’s on your desk now?
SB: Lots of beads as I am getting ready for the JA New York show and heart rocks (rocks in the shape of hearts) that I collect on the beaches in Tinos. I keep all the Greece energy close to me as much as I can. 🙂