“I loved that you can create something that is unique to the person. I spend hours on these pieces, so it’s lovely to have them recognised and loved.”
Another key influence is the work of French artist Robert Delaunay, who, together with his wife Sonia, co-founded the Orphism art movement, noted for its use of strong colours and geometric shapes. “There is this very famous Robert Delaunay painting [Rhythm No.3] I saw in Paris at the Musee d’art Moderne, that has stuck with me,” explains Kia, whose collection was inspired by the rhythm and movement of Delaunay’s exploration of colour. An iconic pastel-pink pastry shop, Angelo Brocato, in New Orleans is another influence as is Miami’s famous Art Deco district. “Art Deco was always one of my favourite eras of jewellery,” she says. “I love the twist of pastel tones that come to play in stones.”
While the high level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail rightfully put Kia Schwan pieces in the “realm of high jewellery”, the price points are not in the same bracket, which will come as welcome news to fans of the brand. With the Abacus rings starting at £6000, the collection is “a little more accessible”, as Kia says. “I see a lot of jewellery that’s often not well crafted in terms of my price range, so I hope to attract customers looking for something personal and interesting.” So, who is her client? “Most of the time it is women buying for themselves,” she reveals. “They are mainly in their 40s buying a gift for themselves: sometimes for a big birthday or if they’re having a baby, or just for the fun of it.”
ONAIR
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