by Alex Story
Finding inspiration in the land around her, Sandrine B. is a collector of discarded objects. She gleans inspiration from bits and pieces of whatnot and translates them into beauty in her work. Her sustainable artisan jewelry reflects the nature and moments of life that speak to her wherever she happens to be—whether in her home town of New York City or in her travels.
The eclectic designs in Sandrine B.’s eco-friendly art-to-wear collections can be worn by both men and women. Some of her designs are molded directly from nature, including sea shells and branches. Others are inspired from her photos or drawings. Her jewelry pieces are named after the person, the object or the place that inspired them and each has its own story to tell.
Sandrine B. sources responsibly and her jewelry is mindfully handmade. Her original designs are cast in New York City by a small business using recycled metals. She finishes her jewelry pieces by hand. All her packaging materials are made from recycled cardboard and she recycles all of her bench sweeps and scraps.
Q: How did you first get interested in jewelry design?
A: My fascination for gemstones started as a young child who collected gemstones in the town of Vichy (France) and Idar-Oberstein (Germany). I found my calling in jewelry design in 2008 after visiting a jewelry show in Arizona.
Q: What jewelry designers do you admire?
A: There are so many jewelry designers I admire. I especially love René Lalique nature drawings and nature themed jewelry and Sylvie Corbelin imaginative and playful designs.
Q: What are your inspirations? And where do you go to get inspired? A: I am a collector of antiques and discarded objects. My jewelry reflects the nature and moments of life that speak to me- whether in my home town of New York City or in my travels. My jewelry pieces are named after the person, the object or the place that inspired them and each has its own story to tell.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a designer?
A: My favorite part is designing a piece of jewelry, starting from its visualization in my head to its drafting, and rendering in a drawing.
Q: What should people know about your jewelry brand?
A: I would like them to know of my commitment to transparency and my support of ethical practices, environmental protection and social justice.