Grace and timelessness
- Věra handcrafts statement jewellery
- As a child, she made a set of glass bead rings
- She regularly trains young apprentices
The elegant simplicity of Věra Nováková's jewellery seems to originate in an ancient yet developed civilization. Precisely handcrafted pieces made of noble materials give a princely impression. Their exclusivity, however, isn't pretentious; the gratitude felt towards nature permeates her pieces. Natural materials, structures and shapes are elaborated by neat, cultivated techniques. Věra says of her inspiration: "I'm most influenced by the sea, archaic cultures, the Renaissance, secession, trends and Japan". Her work has typical features which reflect her ethos: the cuttlefish bone, gold, pearls, diamonds and other precious materials, the coexistence of traditional craft and an innovative approach. The result is immortal elegance.
INTERVIEW
I’m fond of the sea because it's precious for me. I don't see it often, so I picked something that at least reminds me of it: the cuttlefish bone. It expresses what I like the most about my work: making the invisible world visible.
Traditionally it’s cast as a negative mould. I do the opposite: I create a positive mould, a model. I lathe and grind it to the desired shapes. These serve as wax models for lost-wax casting. Once the pieces are cast, classic goldsmith methods follow.
I love both, and try to connect them in my creations. It results in a certain duality that causes a tension typical of my work. I always start with an experiment and then it ends as a more traditional object. Classic materials and methods, combine with unusual ideas.
It gives the piece an atemporal character. And that's what I want my jewellery pieces to bear. I do follow trends, but my own trend is timelessness. My products are designed to survive for more than one generation. They should be part of a heritage that touches its wearer in any era.
