JuditB started out as a translator but soon moved on to expressing her love for beautiful things into an innovative career in jewelry design. Her multi-lingual background has exposed her to a wide range of interesting cultures and unique people, and the experiences have helped shaped her vision for the JuditB brand.
Understanding that each person in the world has their own individual style, Judit works with her clients to create their own one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their personality just as much as hers. Her modern jewelry reflects her love of art and architecture, particularly the Art Deco period. Other than the shape of her rings, always square, anything is possible. Any colour, texture, finish, stone, or shape; any combination can be played with to create the perfect piece.
Playing with sharp angles, geometric shapes and different combinations of various metals, some crocheted metallic wire, precious & semi-precious stones, pearls, and strands of leather, Judit creates truly one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art, pieces that always make a statement.
What are the top three messages you’d like to convey about JuditB Jewelry? JuditB is minimalist, geometric and always innovative. JuditB jewelry is really for the customer who doesn’t follow the pack, appreciates unique but impeccably styled pieces that are clean and classic with a modern twist.
What do you think most distinguishes your jewelry? All JuditB rings are square in shape set with a variety of jewels and pavé-set stones. This unusually modern shape together with the combinations of unique materials makes JuditB jewelry truly one-of-a-kind.
What are your favorite materials (e.g. metals, gemstones) to work with? I work mainly with silver, but also love designing with semi precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, and even leather! I also work with gold and diamonds by custom order.
Describe your studio and/or workspace. My studio is my home office. It is a compact and vibrant space. The walls are bright turquoise and covered with self designed modern shelving with ceiling to floor books on the topics of art & design as well as various other areas of study I have covered in the last decade. It is modern and unusual, just like my jewelry!
How did you get involved with making jewelry and are you formally or self taught? Do you do any other kinds of art? Interestingly enough I am a trained translator with a degree in teaching and part of a doctorate in education and languages but because I have many interests I studied silversmithing as well. I have always been fascinated with design but did not think I was really artistic until I took an art course with my daughter and discovered a love of watercolor which brought forth a flow of creativity.
My business began as a challenge; I had a suitcase full of samples from 25 years prior when I first started designing for retail. Three years ago I took that suitcase to a panel of judges for a phenomenal craft fair in Jerusalem and also applied to a prestigious trade fair in London as I would need an outlet for any jewelry I would manufacture. I am still surprised that I was accepted at both venues, where I launched my brand.
Describe your typical buyer. Age range, fashion focus, lifestyle are all of interest here. My typical buyer is an individual of any age who likes originality, unusual combinations; people with a passion for beautiful things who are not afraid to be trend setters, rather than followers.
What are your aspirations for JuditB Jewelry over time?I hope that JuditB will fulfill a niche where people can own and appreciate beautiful pieces that are slight different than the norm, without having to spend an absolute fortune.
What are the most popular items you sell? My most popular items are definitely my trademark square rings either plain or with statement jewels, but recently the more glam Swarovski crystal ranges have been hugely admired.
Tell me a little bit about the creative/creation process. How do you get inspiration? I’m inspired by the materials that I use. The texture, color, shapes and finishes all come together naturally. Obviously my focus is always on geometric simplicity but the process changes based on the collection I’m designing. It’s a game I play in combining all the different elements in a multitude of different ways to come up with cohesive collections that I feel represent my brand’s esthetics.
Where besides your website can people find your work? I have an Etsy storefront (www.etsy.com/juditbjewelry) and some key pieces are also featured at vialicentia.com, a prestigious online shop. Physically speaking my collections are available in several upscale hotels in Jerusalem, Israel and various discerning jewelry shops around town however I try to maintain different collections in the different venues to keep each unique. As well, through my connections in London, JuditB is available at the Tomfoolery boutique in Muswell Hill and was also available for a time through the National Portrait Gallery shop in London.
Any other notables such as articles, gallery or museum shows, etc.? I have taken part in a number of trade shows in London including Top Drawer 2010, where I was chosen as exhibitor of the week and as a result, written up as a rising star in Retail Jeweller Magazine. The following summer I was featured again, this time in a local Israel newspaper The Jersualem Post, and then in a British newspaper, as well as on a number of websites and blogs. This past summer I exhibited at a new fair in London called The Jewellery Show, which took place at Somerset House, amongst a highly selective group. Once again I had spotlights in various other magazines as a result.
What celebrity giftings have you participated in? Which have stood out for you and why? I have sent business cards to the Emmys, last years Oscars, Mother’s Day gifting, celebrity gifts and display to last years Golden Globes, press gifts to the 2012 MTV awards and this year’s Emmys as well as advertising in the CMA brochure. I have gifted Drew Barrymore and the talented cast of The Client List. I was also fortunate enough to have Kathryn Joosten try on my rings before she succumbed to illness.
Are you affiliated with any other groups that you would like me to mention? I’m also a member of the British Jeweller’s Association and the Israel Jeweller’s Association.