Tea & Banter - a friendly conversation about all things Jewellery

Charlotte: Ana, you’ve described your approach to jewellery design as being like a master chef. Could you elaborate on that analogy?

Ana: Absolutely. A true master chef doesn’t spend their whole career making just one dish, like only soups, for example. They explore different ingredients and techniques, refining their craft over time. Through this exploration, the chef develops a unique style - a signature that people recognise, even if they can't quite put their finger on why. It's not about being radically different just for the sake of it, or using unusual ingredients like frogs to stand out. It’s about taking simple, timeless ingredients - like a tomato or a piece of meat - and transforming them into something magical. This is exactly what I do with my jewellery. I work with traditional techniques, precious metals and gemstones and I transform them into wearable art, all while maintaining a unique style that people can recognise as mine. There’s a certain "je ne sais quoi" about my designs, just like in a master chef's dish. 

Charlotte: You mention wearable art with commercial appeal. How do you balance these two aspects in your work?

Ana: That balance is crucial for me. My goal is to create pieces that are both peculiar and beautiful, but also wearable. I’m not interested in designing jewellery that just sits in a box in my studio because no one wants to wear it. Sure, someone might admire it as something peculiar, but if it’s not wearable, it’s missing the point for me. My designs need to be elegant, visually appealing and practical for everyday wear. I don’t want to be weird just for the sake of it - that’s not who I am. My art is refined and beautiful, with commercial appeal, but without sacrificing the artistry. 

Charlotte: You’ve mentioned that you dislike designs that are “weird for the sake of weird.” Could you talk more about your approach to aesthetics?

Ana: Sure. I've always steered clear of designing pieces just to shock or make a statement without substance. In my college days, I saw plenty of artists embracing what I call "Wowism"- creating something just to provoke a reaction, often with no real meaning or elegance behind it. That’s never been my approach. I don’t design pieces that lack beauty or elegance, and I don’t aim for “wow” in a teenager’s sense of the word. I want my pieces to be beautiful, refined and timeless. Creating something odd just for attention doesn’t align with my values as an artist. 

Charlotte: You seem to take a firm stance against certain trends in the art world, particularly in terms of being rebellious for the sake of it. Can you expand on this?

Ana: Yes, this is something I feel strongly about. There’s a tendency in certain art circles, especially in colleges and other institutions, to equate being a rebel with producing strange or shocking work. While I do believe that a true artist is a rebel at heart, it’s not about creating something just to be outrageous or controversial. For me, rebellion is about standing firm in your principles and values as a designer and artist, and not trying to fit in while sacrificing your vision and passion. I don’t need to make something “out there” to be considered a rebel. My rebellion manifests in my dedication to my core principles - creating work that is beautiful, wearable and meaningful. The ‘who I am’ is deeply connected to ‘what I do’. Some might call this stubbornness, but I think that’s where the magic happens. In that friction between rebellion and stubbornness, new possibilities reveal themselves in my work. 

Charlotte: How would you describe the essence of the Ana Verdun brand?

Ana: Ana Verdun is all about exploration and alchemy. I see my work as a laboratory where I experiment with different themes and styles, all while maintaining a strong artistic vision. It’s where boldness and elegance meet, and where wearing jewellery becomes an act of pure joy. My pieces aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about the feeling they evoke when worn and the symbolism attached to the wearer. There’s always an element of discovery, something mysterious that you can’t quite define, but you know it’s there.

Charlotte: In terms of your creative process, you mention that it would be easier to make repeated designs. Why do you choose a different path?

Ana: It’s true - repeating designs (variations of the same) that are based on a formulaic approach would be much more practical, especially from a marketing perspective. The industry often prefers easily recognisable work, something people can identify in an instant. It’s a reflection of the times we live in - everything has to be fast and effortless. But that’s not me. I could never take that route because it would kill my creativity and purpose. My rebellious side simply wouldn’t allow it. While it might work for others, it doesn’t work for me. I need to continue exploring and evolving my designs. It’s like the chef analogy again - while 'food chains', each have an easy and instantly recognisable flavour, I want my work to be like a master chef’s dish. It requires a deeper appreciation, a moment of recognition that goes beyond the surface. 

Charlotte: What’s the ultimate message you want to convey through your jewellery?

Ana: At its core, my jewellery is about beauty and transformation. I want people to feel that they are wearing something special, something that carries a sense of mystery and artistry and a piece that resonates with them and their personal story. It’s not about following trends or being weird for attention. My pieces are refined, elegant and meant to bring joy to the wearer. There’s a certain magic in the transformation of simple materials into something extraordinary, and I hope that my jewellery embodies that magic for those who wear it.