When did your fascination with jewelry design begin?
My fascination with jewelry began in early childhood. We know that small children are attracted to shiny, moving things like metals and gems. I guess I never got over it! I cannot remember a time when I didn’t want to wear jewelry. However, my intellectually based interest probably formed in middle school while visiting museums. I began studying the jewelry worn and made by all cultures and peoples around the world.What is Joan Hornig jewelry’s philosophy?
The Joan Hornig jewelry philosophy is that jewelry is intensively personal, must compliment not overpower a wearer and must be distinctive. – like the woman herself! It should be easy for the woman to put on herself, look good from all angles and sides (back as well as front). It must be recognizable as a Joan Hornig design because of it’s practicality – day to evening versatility, choice of materials and balance and harmo ny in design. It is not mass-produced and should be obvious as hand crafted and finely made. Joan Hornig jewelry is meant to communicate that the wearer understands that the jewelry is a good investment and has lasting value on multiple levels. This comes from the materials, the design, and the donations from sales driven to the non-profit world.
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“What I love most about being a jewelry designer is seeing someone put on my jewelry, walk over to a mirror, smile at herself and feel delighted with her reflection. When a woman is drawn to my jewelry, I know she is secure and passionate and understands how much impact fashion has.”
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How would you describe the Joan Hornig jewelry?
Jewelry should be fluid and move with the wearer. The earrings I design whether highly feminine, i.e. flowers, art nouveau motifs, pearls, diamonds, or more architectural and reflective of a strong mid 20th century aesthetic and today’s fashion, all incorporate some of my basic principles. They catch the light when they move, there is an obvious contrast between textures and materials further highlighting the excitement of sparkle and glow; they cover the torn earholes that so many women experience, and they can be worn comfortably when talking on the phone. The necklaces also incorporate this philosophy. They are feminine and soft, caressing a woman’s neck or they are dramatically long and layerable making them double/tripleable. There is always a sparkle and they too are sculptural. Bracelets are substantial, wearab le and relate to nature.
What was the first jewelry piece you designed?
The first piece I designed for the Joan Hornig line was a watermelon tourmaline and gold necklace. However, I always designed jewelry even using seeds, wood, leather and found objects and beads as a teenager. I also designed statement diamond jewelry, reworking antique pieces into personal pieces for myself during the ’80’s.
Where do you draw the inspiration for your designs?
Everything inspires me – travel, the grocery store, the economy, the stones and materials themselves. Nature and the history of art are very much in my design vocabulary so I suppose I take many of my inspirations from them whether consciously or not. A texture or a fabric or pattern can set me spinning with excitement to try something new.
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Who do you see wearing your jewelry?
I see everyone wearing my jewelry! That is why I design things that can be worn as t-shirt treats, business meeting accessories or black tie gala designs. Price is always a factor so I design strong message pieces in both sterling and gold. Women and men from around the world are attracted to the jewelry. It’s meant to be seductive on many levels.
What is your own personal favorite jewelry piece from the Joan Hornig collections?
I always have 2 favorite pieces – the one I just sold and the one I am making. I have a special fondness for the Georgette’s (named after my husband, George), the classic diamond and pearl together earrings (as you know- when a person buys my jewelry I give all the profits on the piece to the charity of his/her choice.)
What styles are you working on for the upcoming seasons?
I am working on a lot of different designs that are dramatic, architectural and inspired by my travels abroad.
What do you love most about being a jewelry designer?
What I love most about being a jewelry designer is seeing someone put on my jewelry, walk over to a mirror, smile at herself and feel delighted with her reflection. When a woman is drawn to my jewelry, I know she is secure and passionate and understands how much impact fashion has. I know that wearer will get noticed and talk about not only the jewelry but also the charity aspect of my collection. The ability to spur conversation and inspire is awesome. Women will only wear and buy jewelry they like. What could be a greater validation for me as a designer and philanthropist than to have that kind of validation while making a difference in the future through charitable giving?
Where does your passion for philanthropy come from?
My passion for giving back comes from my family. I have personally been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be well loved, well educated and brave enough to take risks. I believe that education is the key to a great many things. Having gotten one of the finest educations available, my world and thus my responsibility to be a citizen of it became quite clear to me.
How would you describe your own style?
My own style while not flamboyant is one that says “notice me”. I am not afraid to wear color or mix old and new things in a very personal, unexpected way. I mix modern and tradition like sumptuous things, but believe in being comfortable and relaxed. I am, however, always seen in jewelry and would feel naked without it.
What’s next for Joan Hornig?
I am hoping to expand my Philanthropy is Beautiful line into other areas which can be part of everyday life.
It was a pleasure to interview Joan you can find out more about her jewelry at her official website: www.joanhornig.com
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