The creative space behind jewelry
I’m one day late on my scheduled visit to Rebecca Overmann Jewelry studio in the Mission District in San Francisco. Rebecca and Doug (Rebecca’s husband and operations manager) were the sweetest when I had to reschedule my visit due to my clumsiness in breaking my camera beyond repair. I got to the studio in the early sunny afternoon and I’m struck by the big windows that sprawl a beautiful view of San Francisco. The studio has a cool industrial vibe with concrete polished floors and an open space that mixes the showroom with the working area where Rebecca’s team is working.
As Rebecca hands me the scissors so that I can cut the tags on my new camera, she explains that they will soon move out of this space to an upper floor where they will have a better view, more space and a deck. The studio is buzzing with work, phone calls and the arrival of a new, huge polishing machine. Looking around you see objects and beautiful decor details that match the delicate and organic jewelry that Rebecca creates. Delicate terrariums, dried flowers, sculptures and paintings adorn the walls and the office is filled with photos and memories from friends and family. Around the space there’re lots of wood shoe forms that Rebecca got some years back and that are scattered around the studio. There is a zen vibe in the space and you really want to sit down and try all of the beautiful jewelry that Rebecca creates. Or even better, you want to sit down and have a custom ring made just for you with some dreamy raw, fancy or rose cut diamonds.
Rebecca received her formal training in metalsmithing at Savannah College of Art & Design. In 2008, she was recognized as a Rising Star by JCK and her work has been featured in numerous publications since then. Rebecca’s jewelry is influenced by natural forms and subtle movements and uses recycled metals as well as ethically-sourced stones. All of the jewelry is created in her studio, where every piece goes through an diligent creation process where special attention is given to every detail.
We talk about jewelry, the objects in her studio, her dog and her new adorable puppy and the move to her new space. And as I look at Rebecca’s jewelry it suddenly becomes clear that she is the personification of her own client: a strong woman, with an elegant sense of style, that creates beautiful delicate jewelry with diamonds without being ostentatious. A wonderful mix of beauty, craftsmanship and style.
I leave Rebecca’s studio happy to have met her and her wonderful team and I promise to drop by next time I’m in San Francisco to check the new studio. Rebecca is the sweetest person because not only did she allow me to peak inside her studio and shoot away while they were busy working, but she also gives me a copy of the Jewelry’s Shining Stars book (where her beautiful jewelry is featured) as a gift! Now, how lucky am I? Thank you so much Rebecca!
(Oh, and follow Rebecca’s instagram feed for some dreamy, beautiful photos!)
Rebecca Overmann Jewelry
Site: http://www.rebeccaovermann.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaovermannjewelry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaovermannjewelry/?ref=hl
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccaovermann/
What do you like the most about your studio?
” The light!”
What piece of jewelry do you always wear?
“A stack of gold bands with diamonds.”
What makes your studio unique?
“The bench! It was the first thing I purchased when I started jewelry full time”
The funniest thing a client told you?
“That I saved his ass!”
Pick 3 things in your studio that make your space yours:
“Arrows on the floor,old shoe forms, huge windows.”
Favorite piece of jewelry you ever designed?
“My wedding ring, 22k heavy gold band.”
What do you love & hate doing at the bench?
“Love carving wax, hate polishing”
What’s your favorite tool?
“flexshaft – which is in desperate need of a good cleaning!”
Any studio rituals?
“Clean bench / clear mind before I sit down”
The Rebecca Overmann Jewelry team having a laugh with me because I don't know how to use my new camera