Juvels: Where unique jewelry is infused with emotion
Find out in our interview where a master of her craft gets her inspiration from and what it means to be a goldsmith in this day and age. We met Mireille for a conversation.
Mireille, how did you get into jewelry making?
At school, there was a jewelry course in the physics lab that you could take. It wasn't particularly creative or technically demanding, but I was interested in anything that had anything to do with handicrafts and manual skills. I remember exactly what day of the week it was. It was a Tuesday, an already long day at school. I realized that the time really flew by during this course. Unlike any other subject, where time passed slowly. This feeling was very decisive in my decision to do something craft-related.
Initially, I was still wavering between different creative professions, such as costume, photography and goldsmithing, but as I was already attending jewelry courses at the same time, it quickly became clear to me. And to this day, it's still exactly what I want to do and what I'm passionate about.
Who or what serves as your inspiration during your creative processes?
As good as it gets, no other contemporary jewelry. I don't pay attention to that. Because I want to develop my own ideas and not have to ask myself whether I have been influenced by other jewelry.
I prefer to look at other art and be inspired by it. The content of song lyrics can also inspire me to create pieces. There was a time when I incorporated text elements into jewelry because words really touch me. I also see shapes or elements everywhere in everyday life that inspire my ideas. On the street and in buildings as well as in nature itself.
What is the reason for your own studio here in the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen?
Through a pop up concept in the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen (where the Café Kornsilo is located today), I temporarily moved into the premises. After that I was approached to become a part of Mühle-Hof in the longer term. And although I did not expect such a step at that time - since I still have a family - I trusted this coincidence and dared to take the step. Because sometimes unexpected turns in life play big roles.
Does the location of the Mühle Tiefenbrunnen play a big role for you?
The location plays a big role for me! It's the mix between the tranquillity and the people who come through here that makes the difference. Pre-selected people and not a mass of people who just pop in and out of the stores. The touristy Niederdörfli, for example, would distract me too much.
We are here in a district with people who have an awareness of quality. As, in addition to my goldsmith's, there are other stores such as Teo Jakob or the restaurant Blaue Ente are located here, the demand for high-quality goods and services is very high locally. I never felt the need to have my studio near the Viadukt arches or in Europaallee. I personally appreciate the surroundings and the proximity to the lake more.
Your offer includes, besides your own collections, also marriages and makeovers. What do you like to do the most and why?
Of course, the wedding jewelry segment is an important part of the work, and I am always very happy to work with a couple to develop their "rings for life" or create a special engagement ring. On the whole, I love doing everything, but I find it easiest to turn ideas into rings. I can't explain it, but ideas just bubble up faster for me when I have to imagine something on my finger. But I also find earrings very exciting, because they - like jewelry in general - make a statement at first glance.
Who is your offer aimed at?
Today, mainly people come to me who like my style. These are people who come to me with very specific ideas or just with the vague wish to have a red stone from their last trip to India processed. They come because they want to have a piece of jewelry with my signature.
What is your process for personalized jewelry?
The first consultation is always the most time-consuming, when I do not yet know the customer or the customer. If I don't have an exact idea, I make a model that consists of similar elements or details of jewelry that the person likes. Over time, I then get to know them, can understand more quickly what they like and implement it.
Jewelry making is always about stories. Is there an exciting story from a customer that you can't keep from us?
I had a customer who had a child's written letters made into a piece of jewelry.
Or a couple who traveled a lot. The wife gave her husband a necklace with a stone that they had found together on a trip. The necklace also had many elements with small plates in which the coordinates of the places they had been to were incorporated.
Which piece of jewelry do you like the most visually?
I think ear jewelry is the most dressy because it's the first thing you notice.It has a big impact on the face because it's so close to it.
What I also like very much is the arm jewelry. With this jewelry, the movement of the wearer has a lot of influence on the effect. In general, jewelry visually does a lot to people. People move and behave - depending on what jewelry they wear - also differently.
How has the jewelry trend changed for you?
I have never been greatly influenced by trends. But what I certainly noticed during this period is that the opulent trend in the 80s, due to the rise in the price of gold, has declined and the jewelry became much more filigree.
What challenges have you already experienced in running your own studio?
Balancing my role as a mother and my work was certainly a big challenge.
In my work, it was always important and challenging for me to be aware of the times and their trends without allowing myself to be influenced too much. Dealing with the ever-increasing price of gold wasn't easy either, as I like to work opulently.
Are there events and workshops to engage the community?
We do small events especially in spring and before Christmas to show our appreciation to our customers. Another one will be held on November 9, 2023, to toast the new start with established goldsmith Philippe Pfeiffer. I am very much looking forward to that.
However, privately booked events also take place with us. For example, companies or individuals can hold a team event or workshop with us. In addition, we also have our fixed workshops, which are conducted by Francesca. There you can register on our website for goldsmith courses if you want to get first insights into this craft.
