By Kat Fragoso

NY Handmade Collective member Joanne Simmons of @silversculptor handcrafts beautiful, distinctive silver jewelry. Originally from London, England, Joanne now calls the supportive arts community of Jersey City, NJ home. Read how she incorporates 3D CAD software and soldering techniques into her pieces.

NYHC: Tell us about what you make.

Joanne Simmons: I mostly handcraft sterling silver jewelry that is bold and geometric. I have recently started to work with gemstones and 14k gold. My designs are contemporary and I get my inspiration from my surroundings, both nature and the city. I started making jewelry after not being able to find anything that I really loved in stores. I've always been creative so I researched some jewelry making techniques and tried making something myself, I really love the ability to create something beautiful out of a sheet of metal, something that is flat and 2D, and make it into something sculptural and 3D.

NYHC: Where do you live?

JS: I live in Jersey City, NJ. I'm originally from London, England and moved to the US in 2005. I've lived in Jersey City the whole time and I love it here. Jersey City has an amazingly supportive arts community that has welcomed me with open arms.

NYHC: What is unique or different about your process and/or designs?

JS: I love learning new techniques! Jewelry making always has a new technique to learn. Recently, I spent some time learning to set stones into my jewelry. I've been making jewelry for 10+ years and incorporating stones in my jewelry is a new design for me. I enjoy learning new techniques and reflect what I learn into my designs. I also enjoy creating jewelry in 3D CAD software as well as soldering to create pieces from scratch. I just have a passion for making beautiful things with my hands!

NYHC: Do you have any favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

JS: My calla lily collection will always have a special place in my heart, especially the statement torque necklace. It was the necklace I made for my wedding day. I also made the jewelry for my bridesmaids and our wedding rings. Wearing something special always brings me joy, especially when I get to make a wedding ring or engagement ring for someone else. It brings me the same feelings of joy and happiness.

NYHC: What is your favorite tool or supply?

JS: There are so many tools that I couldn't do without! I think though, it would probably have to be my flexshaft and all the mandrels to go with it. Every piece of jewelry I handcraft, I use the flexshaft. Whilst I could craft all my jewelry by hand, the flexshaft is the one tool that makes my life so much easier! As for supplies, I couldn't make anything without silver!

NYHC: Is there a new piece/opportunity/change that you're excited about?

JS: In about a month, I'm going to be launching a new collection (I haven't decided on a name for it yet), It's inspired by a building that I saw on walks along the High Line in Manhattan. The architects of the building said they ""designed a workplace that was sculpted to extend the High Line into the building, weaving nature through the building"". I'm also working on a collection that is inspired by the works of artist Mondrian. I already have one design (a ring) live on the website and I'm working on some new pieces to round out the collection over the next few months.

I love creating new collections, it's so satisfying seeing 8-10 new pieces all developed with the same theme or inspiration in mind.

In August last year, I was contacted by the Costume Designer for The Young and The Restless. They wanted a tie clip with an emerald set in it. Using my newly crafted skills for setting stones, I was able to handcraft the request. I was so excited to see the tie clip featured on the TV show a number of times, as part of an actual storyline!

NYHC: What advice or tips can you share with other makers?

JS: Trust your intuition, if something doesn't look quite right, others will probably see the same thing. Keep developing the design until you're 100% happy with it.

Listen to your customers, they often have great ideas that you can incorporate into your designs.

Network with other makers and business owners. Having your own business can be quite solitary, so having people you can chat to, ask advice from, and get support from is really important. That's one of the reasons I love being part of the New York Handmade Collective.

NYHC: Share an important lesson you've learned from running your business.

JS: Believe in yourself! I think that's the fundamental keystone to everything. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. If you don't believe in yourself, you won't feel comfortable in your business and you won't be able to move forward. I created a ring with the word Believe engraved on it and I wear it as a constant reminder to believe in myself.