The creative space behind jewelry
If you don’t know Tiffany Kunz Jewelry, then get out of the cave you’ve been living in. And really, if you don’t know her, rest assured, you will love her. A lot.
Tiffany’s jewelry is lovely, with organic shapes and textures and a special deconstruction of shapes that repeat themselves into beautiful patterns. And you’ll love it even more when you find out how committed Tiffany is to creating an eco-conscious, environmental friendly jewelry. She uses recycled metals and certified gemstones on each piece of jewelry she creates, with special attention given to using renewable resources or recycled materials from the business cards she has, to the price tags and gift pouches she uses. Yes, she’s that kind of girl that keeps committed to creating a better world.
After some years spent designing for emerging brands, Tiffany gave the big step to go solo and create her own brand: Tiffany Kunz Jewelry. She went to the Gemological Institute of America where she earned her GG degree (that’s Graduate Gemologist for those who don’t know) and got acquainted with metalsmithing. Since then, nobody could stop her and she has 15 lines already under her belt and a bunch of collaborations with clothing lines, boutiques and television shows.
And like this wasn’t already a big deal, she works with Raven and Lily, a social business dedicated to empowering impoverished women worldwide through design partnerships and micro-enterprise opportunities. Tiffany helps develop new jewelry designs that are then hand made by women in Ethiopia. The main components for the jewelry are beads that have been cast from old bullet shells from former war conflicts in the country. Through the Raven and Lily partnership, the women of Entoto Mountain are able to earn a living, receive HIV care and are given educational opportunities for their families.
I told you you’d love her. Now you know why!
Many thanks to Tiffany for sending all of these fun photos and answering the questionnaire!
Tiffany Kunz Jewelry
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What do you like most about your studio?
“I have french doors that open up to a patio and garden. I love the feeling it creates having fresh air and natural light coming in, and hearing the city sounds mixed with the chirping birds. “
What’s on your desk right now?
“The components of a new link necklace that will be released for Holiday.”
What jewelry do you always wear?
“I always have on a pair of studs and a ring or two. If I’m going out I’ll stack on some bracelets and bolder earrings but I like to keep it pretty simple.”
Pick 3 objects in your studio that make it special:
“I just redesigned the space, originally I decorated with pieces that were passed down to me or I acquired over the years which made for a very eclectic environment and essentially distracting to my eye. When I redesigned it I wanted for it to be very clean, minimalist and white. The pieces that now give it character and are special to me are very thoughtfully included such as my vintage and very colorful moroccan stool, my Grandmothers writing desk, and my Framed Gemology degree. My husband framed it for me awhile back as a surprise and its a daily reminder of his thoughtfulness.”
Favorite piece of jewelry you ever designed?
“The basal ring. It is so versatile and comfortable to wear.”
Currently obsessed with?
“Everything in the new collection! Especially the new stacking rings. The collection launches in September so I have to keep specifics under wraps until then.”
What inspires you?
“Of course many things, but nature is a huge source of inspiration for me. I love the texture and shapes found in nature and enjoy transforming and manipulating them into wearable jewelry.”
If you weren’t a Jewelry Designer…
“I’d love to be a perfumer or wine sommelier. Wine and perfume are two of my favorite things aside from jewelry.”