The Geneva-based designer combines traditional gems with unconventional materials to create standalone pieces.
Suzanne Syz’s humor and playful design concepts have earned her a particular status in the jewelry industry. Case in point: A bracelet representing a bunch of asparagus sold 20 minutes after it was published on her Instagram account. This is the kind of buzz the Geneva, Switzerland-based jeweler generates, with her creations sought out internationally. She typically opts for unusual materials, such as coated aluminum, titanium and ceramic. These substances feature in designs that are inspired as much by urban culture as by the contemporary art she and her husband collect.
What is your latest collection about?
I don’t work on collections. As I produce a very small number of pieces per year (about 50 to 60), I work on them piece by piece, which is why there is no theme. I’m very eclectic in my inspirations, and the latest pieces shown at the Ritz [Paris] represent a variety of what I last created.
What material and gemstones are you currently most excited to work with?
It’s been already four years for aluminum and at least 10 years for titanium. I love these two materials because they are both very light and we can make them in many different colors. I’ve always loved colors, and these materials allow me to create joyful and colorful pieces. I can also work on a large scale as they are both materials that are light and comfortable.
How did you become a jewelry designer?
At the time — nearly 20 years ago — I could not find any jewelry that really spoke to me. I’m a joyful person and wanted some whimsy in my jewelry. So I initially started to design some pieces for myself and then some friends started to ask me where I found them. Once they discovered they were my own designs, they ordered some, and there I was, starting a new adventure in my life combining my passions for jewelry and art.
How has your style evolved?
My inspiration has always come from the same fields — art, nature and abstraction — but the new techniques and materials have allowed me to produce some ideas that I could not make in the past. Especially with titanium and aluminum.
Which creation are you most proud of?
There is no one design in particular. I have to say that I was very proud that the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris acquired a piece last November for its permanent collection (my Shop Till You Drop earrings). I felt very honored.
Who are your muses?
All the women who I know. My clients, my girlfriends, my mother. I’ve been very blessed to meet wonderful women around the world who wear my jewelry beautifully!
How do you see the future of high jewelry?
It’s a tricky question. I think the market is full of brands, most of them doing the same kind of things, but some very talented designers have emerged in the past 10 years and I do think that the market will select the good ones.
What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
A large ring that I call my “swimming pool” or Ice Queen ring with an 78.83-carat Paraiba tourmaline, set into rock crystal with semi-rough diamonds. I made that ring for a big birthday and it looks very cool and a bit extravagant, like I can be sometimes.
Main image: Suzanne Syz photographed by Eric Jansen.
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