Meet Louisa Guild: One Jewelry Designer That Will Make You Want To Get Back To Nature
It goes without saying, trying to find a staple piece of jewelry to stand out from the rest is actually fun to find. With simplicity and quality in our hunt, we fell in love with Louisa Guild Jewelry. We sat and talked with designer, Louisa Guild to help us get a glimpse of how she incorporates nature into her design and where her inspiration comes from.
Entire Magazine: How did you Louisa Guild jewelry line come to be?
Louisa Guild: Louisa Guild Jewelry came to be through my family. In 2006, my mother suddenly began sculpting as a way to deal with the tragic and sudden lost of my younger brother. Through her, my sister and I also began sculpting. Our designs were natural and organic. We found a caster and we began casting the pieces that we made not only for ourselves but for our friends. In 2010, my sister and I parted ways. I too thought I should probably get a day job and quit this love of mine, but I just could not. Instead of sending out resumes, I found myself playing with my wax and designing new jewelry. Deciding my heart was not in a day job, I dove into this new line head first. My initial idea was to bring beautiful, meaningful jewelry to everyone at a less frightening price without it looking horribly worn and cheap after 2 weeks. So, I began researching and experimenting with all metals and finishes. I decided to cast in brass, which could be polished and use gold filled findings and chains which are much more wearable than anything plated. I named my new jewelry line after the strong business minded ancestors in my family, the Guild’s and for my grandmother whose strong personality and very beautiful jewelry had a huge influence on my life. I keep a small portion of my line in 14k because sometimes the function and the aesthetic of the piece just calls for that .
Entire: What is your process for finding inspiration?
LG: There is unlimited inspiration in the quiet of nature. When I really want to bring in creativity, I quiet my mind, grab my dogs and head to the woods. I come home with all sorts of different shapes, branches or sometimes just a new sensation or feeling. That connection with nature sends me furiously working on my next creation.
EM: When you're envisioning a client wearing your pieces, what do you see? And does that help inspire each collection or piece?
LG: I see a confident, soulful, one of a kind individual. My client buys a piece of jewelry because it speaks to who they are, where they came from or where they are going. My customer likes imagery and meaning and astrology and dogs and a cool stream, old people, babies and the wonder of everything. My customer wears her jewelry because it a symbol of her connection with the world and who she is. My customer cannot be put into a style box, she exudes style because she is wearing what speaks to her. It is an outward sign of her inward need for beauty, connection and quality. My customer is a constant source of inspiration. I love them! I see them and they see me.
Entire: Do you have a specific aesthetic or is your aesthetic that constant push?
LG: My aesthetic always has organic lines and shapes which give it a soulful aesthetic. Striking the balance between edgy and refined gives me the constant push.
Entire: Starting your own line can definitely carry some pressure, what have you done to help your brand grow and expand?
LG: The most important thing I think I have done to help my brand grow is to manage my growth. I have tried to make decisions that facilitated my growth at a pace that I am comfortable with. I do not want to make big mistakes or sacrifice quality just to get my name on the scene. My art comes first, hopefully everything else falls in line. Living within my boundary of quality of life and quality of product is important to me. It helps me to remain connected to my art and loving what I do. As long as I am doing that, my hope is that the circle will continue.