Insights
One-of-a-kind timeless design for every generation
Meet Beatrice Rossi, master goldsmith
Goldsmith and gem expert Beatrice Rossi has been designing and hand-making jewellery for her clients for almost 40 years. Based in Zurich’s luxury retail area, Storchengasse, Beatrice runs her bespoke jewellery store and design house alongside her five goldsmiths. “My clients span across a vast age range but what they have in common is that they are very demanding and appreciate the highest quality artisanship”, she says. “They love one-of-a-kind jewellery that no one else can buy.”
Some clients buy spontaneously but more often than not they visit the store several times before choosing a piece. “I never put pressure on my clients and because of that I don’t have a lot of returns. Many are still wearing jewellery they bought 30 years ago – the designs are timeless.”
Beatrice’s love affair with jewellery started at a young age. By 21, she launched her own brand. “I was studying to become a teacher but in my gut I knew it was not for me”, she says. “My deepest wish was to be a goldsmith. At 17, I packed my bags and moved to Germany to study at award-winning school of design Pforzheim. It was there where I learnt my craft”.
Beatrice notes two men in her life as her biggest mentors. “Firstly my father. He always believed in me and supported my decision to pursue a career in jewellery”, she says. “My second was a friend, a very well know jeweller who introduced me to many gemstone dealers and stone cutting manufacturers. He opened doors for me in that very elite world and that gave me a huge opportunity.”
To design great jewellery you must first know how to make it, according to Beatrice. “You need to understand how it will work and feel on the body”, she says. “It also requires discipline and patience. I work from morning to evening making jewellery - you must dedicate a lot of time to hone your craft.”
Creative inspiration, explains Beatrice, often comes from seeing the raw gemstones. “Aquamarine, tourmaline, turquoise – from this starting point, I start to imagine the shape, size and type of jewellery I will create”, she says. “I am also inspired by the natural world around me. I start each morning with a long walk in the forest. It gives me power and time to contemplate.”
“Success to me is making my clients smile”, says Beatrice. “I am now working with families into their fourth generation. Designing pieces for teenage children as well as the elderly grandparents. It’s the biggest compliment and something that makes me very proud.”
Visit beatricerossi.ch
Photo ©Gabriella Imperatori Penn