Britta Schwalm

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Britta Schwalm ("BS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

BS : I trained as a goldsmith, graduating at the top of my class. After gaining practical experience, I pursued a university degree in design. Becoming a designer was always my dream, and jewelry remains my greatest passion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

BS : I design unique, custom jewelry tailored to my clients' wishes. My specialty is transforming outdated or inherited jewelry into something new. For example, if a customer inherits a vintage gold brooch with pearls, I can turn it into a pearl ring. An old amber ring can become a stylish brooch. I love redesigning sentimental pieces to preserve their emotional value while adapting them to modern tastes. Seeing the joy in my customers’ eyes when their cherished jewelry gets a new life is deeply rewarding.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

BS : Good design doesn’t happen by chance—it evolves through thoughtful development, considering materials, technology, and individual needs. As economic and environmental concerns become more pressing, investing in well-designed products ensures longevity, functionality, and sustainability. Design should fit the individual and enhance their experience.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

BS : I love creating jewelry that invites a second look. Eve’s Weapon, for example, is a necklace made entirely of apples—though you might not notice at first glance. Glückskind® plays with baby-themed elements, sometimes hidden for a personal touch. My secret ingredient? Designs infused with emotion.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

BS : Johannes Schreiter, a painter, designer, and glass sculptor. His ability to integrate glass design seamlessly with surrounding architecture deeply impresses me.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

BS : Glückskind®—a love letter to mothers and children. These jewelry pieces feature a baby either on the ring or hidden inside. The wearer chooses how to display their love and memories—openly or discreetly. In German, Glückskind refers to a person with good fortune, a meaning that’s difficult to fully translate into English. The intimate responses I receive from clients confirm the deep emotional impact of this design.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

BS : I would have gone crazy—unhappy, restless, unfulfilled.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

BS : Art should evoke deep emotions, giving a piece of the artist to the world—something that transcends language, space, and time. Design follows the principle “form follows function” but also finds its balance between artistry and practicality. Jewelry is where art meets design.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BS : My imagination. I can visualize a piece of jewelry before I even begin crafting it.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

BS : Expanding the Glückskind® collection.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BS : My Meaningful Heart pendant is a perfect example. It’s made from recycled gold, silver, and precious stones from preloved jewelry, ensuring no new materials need to be mined. In addition to its environmental benefits, it preserves emotions and memories, reinforcing a connection between sustainability and personal history.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

BS : The Glückskind® rings can be a meaningful way to remember a lost baby. Some infants are stillborn, lost during or after birth, or through abortion, and their absence is deeply felt. If I can create a physical token that strengthens a mother’s emotional connection to her child, then I’m truly grateful for that opportunity.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BS : Carpe diem, carpe noctem.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

BS : Everything from traditional tools like saws and hammers to modern technology like CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and printing.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

BS : Leonardo da Vinci. He was a goldsmith as well as a genius—watching him work would be incredible. Albrecht Dürer also fascinates me—his striking graphics are clear and precise. I wouldn’t want to talk to them, just observe.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

BS : I’m incredibly proud of my awards. Being recognized through TV appearances and articles is a surreal experience, but it’s a great honor.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

BS : My favorite place is the Scottish Highlands—the light, landscapes, and atmosphere are breathtaking. Being there is a true escape for my mind, body, and soul.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

BS : When Eve’s Weapon was displayed at Expo Milano, I attended a delegation trip that included a visit to the Triennale Design Museum. During the visit, Germany’s Secretary of State for Trade and Industry personally congratulated me on my jewelry exhibit—and gifted me a bottle of fine wine.