Mercury almost definitely wasn’t in retrograde when Experimental Film and Art Direction graduate, Pamela Love, decided to realign her stars and start up her own jewellery business from her Brooklyn apartment back in 2007. Bringing a touch of what Love calls “modern urban mysticism” to our lives with her delicate crescent moons, woven wrist cuffs and precious stones, Love’s work is coveted not only by the downtown It girls, but also the CFDA – who presented her with the Lexus Eco Challenge for Sustainable Design in 2012, and the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design in 2013. Love’s latest campaign for her Stardust collection features the equally magical Langley Fox, and was shot in the Natural Bridge Caverns of Texas. We flick through the pics and chat to Love about magic, New Mexico and her favourite diamond ring.
Why did you decide to move from cinema/art into jewellery design?
It was never really a decision. It just sort of happened – I was making jewelry for myself and one person wanted to buy it, then another, and it just sort of fell into place – though it’s never been easy – it’s a lot of work.
Describe your typical day…
There’s no such thing.
You’re inspired by American folklore, tribal artisan patterns and astronomy etc — what is it that you love about these things?
I love magic — and I love the idea that jewellery can connect the wearer to a higher place.
Where do you go/look to research them?
Lots of travelling, lots meeting interesting people.
Where is your favourite place in the world for inspiration?
New Mexico.
Is there a piece of jewellery with a particular story behind it that makes it special for you?
I think the most special piece of jewellery to me is the diamond ring my father gave my mother when she was pregnant with me. When he passed away ten years ago, she gave it to me.
How important is it to you to use ethically and sustainably sourced materials?
It’s a large part of my business. We aren’t perfect, but we try as hard as we can every day, and we are always striving to improve manufacturing and supply chains.
What difficulties does this come with?
It certainly makes the finished product more expensive, which is something that has always been challenging. It’s important to educate people on the manufacturing process.
What’s on your studio playlist?
Neil Young and Fiona Apple always.
What tips do you have for others wanting to start up their own business?
Maybe save up some money first – I didn’t do this and it made it very hard in the beginning.
How has social media impacted your brand?
It’s a blessing and a curse. We get a lot of exposure, but we also get copied a lot as a result of so much visibility. I enjoy Instagram, but sometimes I think it is distracting for me, which is no good.
Who’s Instagram account do you look to most for inspiration?
I don’t like to look at Instagram for inspiration. I need to look up and out at the world.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Do more good things for people who need it.
What are you working on next?
I’m working on my book with Rizzoli that comes out in March. We are also creating jewellery traveling bags with women’s cooperatives in Guatemala.
Credits
Text Felicity Kinsella