Jewelry design out of passion – My work as a designer at Maren

Even as a child, I was fascinated by the magic of jewelry. I loved how a single piece of jewelry can convey emotions and highlight a personality. At the age of 15, I did my first internship at a goldsmith's workshop in Landsberg am Lech and immediately felt: This is my calling.

After studying jewelry design in Pforzheim and gaining over ten years of experience in the jewelry industry, most recently as Head of Design for a renowned brand, I decided in 2020 to follow my own path: Maren Jewellery

For me, design is much more than aesthetics. It is a language that tells stories subtly, sensually, timelessly.

When I design a piece of jewelry, I start with an emotion: the sparkle of light on water, the silence of a landscape, or the memory of a special experience. I translate these impressions into lines, proportions, and details that shape the character of a piece of jewelry.

Every design follows the idea: How little is needed to express the essential?

1. Gathering Inspiration

For me, inspiration lies in nature, architecture, art, moods – but also in memories. A ray of sunshine sparkling on water, a leaf in the wind, an heirloom from my grandmother, all of these can be a spark for a new line, a new shape. I observe, photograph, take notes. I store these impressions to draw from them later.

2. Moodboards and Visual Thinking

Before the first jewelry lines come to life, I collect images, textures, colors, and words. On moodboards, I collage what moves me at the moment. This way, I recognize patterns: a recurring color palette, a mood, a clear line. This visual language becomes the foundation of the collection.

3. Sketches, the Intimacy of the First Stroke

With pencil on paper, I begin to develop shapes. Sketching is an intimate, almost meditative moment for me: every line is spontaneous and honest. Here the essence of a piece of jewelry is created – reduced, raw, full of energy. I discard many ideas again, while others develop into a strong basic concept.

4. Translation into 3D

Only when a sketch holds up do I transfer it into digital form. In 3D programs, I check proportions, balance, and wearability. Jewelry must not only be beautiful, it must also feel comfortable, be stable, and look good in motion. This step is often more technical, but it sharpens the perfection of the design.

5. Prototypes and First Forms

A piece of jewelry truly comes to life only when it is in the hand. That’s why I have prototypes cast. Here it becomes clear: Are the lines clear enough? Is the ring comfortable to wear? Does the surface come into its own? Often I then go back to the design, refine details, and repeat the process until it feels “right.”

6. Refinement through Craftsmanship

The final pieces of jewelry are created in close collaboration between me at Maren Studio and my partners such as the foundry and gemstone setter. Here, craftsmanship, precision, and my love for detail come together. Polishing, setting, final corrections – all contribute to the design unfolding its full expressive power.

When a collection is created, it is like a small cosmos. All pieces follow an inner logic and are yet individual. Lines repeat, feelings run through, and only in their interplay does a unique world emerge. I love it when customers share the feeling or memory they associate with their piece of jewelry. That is exactly when design comes alive – because it not only looks beautiful but also gains meaning.

The fact that my designs speak a clear language is demonstrated by the awards I have received so far, including the German Design Award and the Green Product Award. These recognitions confirm that my jewelry is not only aesthetically appealing, but also convincing in its design depth.

For me, jewelry is a dialogue: between the designer, craftsmanship, and the wearer. It comes alive when you fill it with your own story. That is exactly why I want to design pieces that are timeless – clear, elegant, but also full of emotion.

Jewelry is more than decoration to me. It is a form of art worn by you, completed by your story.