In the realm of fine jewellery, where craftsmanship meets artistry, one name shines brightly – Gloria Bass. With an illustrious 45-year journey as a jewellery designer, Gloria Bass stands as the Presidente of Elegance, crafting timeless pieces that seamlessly blend sensuality, sophistication, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
As the driving force behind Gloria Bass Design, she has not only redefined the essence of wearable art but also established herself as a luminary in the industry. From defining moments that shaped her approach to design to creating multi-dimensional “Swiss Army” necklaces, Gloria’s portfolio is a testament to her unwavering commitment to precision, attention to detail, and a keen eye for the finest materials.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative mind of Gloria Bass, exploring her inspirations, design philosophy, and the delicate dance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary techniques.
Join us as we uncover the stories behind her creations, the significance they hold for her clients, and the exciting future she envisions for Gloria Bass Design in the ever-evolving world of fashion and art.
Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of jewellery design, guided by the Presidente of Elegance herself, Gloria Bass…
Can you share a defining moment in your 45-year journey as a jewellery designer that has significantly shaped your approach to design and craftsmanship?
A defining moment, like “an overnight success,” can sometimes take a while to evolve. My encounters with those few people who became my mentors certainly shaped my approach to design and validated the importance of good craftsmanship. Their belief in me propelled me forward.
Your creations are known for evoking sensuality and elegance. How do you balance these elements to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also comfortable to wear?
No matter how stunning a piece may be, if it isn’t comfortable, the thrill of wearing it is diminished, and it will remain in the drawer. When designing a piece of jewellery, comfort is one of the main factors I take into consideration.
With an international clientele, how do you navigate cultural influences in your designs to ensure they resonate with a diverse range of customers?
I often find something that visually inspires me when I travel. That inspiration, to varying degrees, becomes incorporated into my design sense and shows itself in my work. There is a universal appeal to something that is familiar, yet at the same time different.
The combination of voluptuous pearls, breathtaking gems, and distinctive goldsmithing techniques sets your designs apart. Could you elaborate on your creative process when working with such exquisite materials?
The wonderful materials I have been fortunate to find are exciting on their own, and by the time I have them in my hands, I’m already beginning to formulate what I would like to produce. At times, the materials themselves dictate what needs to be done.
As the soul of Gloria Bass Design, how do you infuse your personal sensibility into each piece of jewellery, and how has this evolved over the years?
I think it just comes naturally at this point, and I won’t make anything that I do not like. The focus is on the beauty of the gems, and the structure of the piece is infused with my own sensibilities. Occasionally, a client comes in with a piece that I made for them 30 years ago. It gives me great pleasure to see it again and know that the design is still as relevant today.
Precision and attention to detail are evident in your work. Can you share a specific instance where your commitment to these qualities resulted in the creation of an extraordinary piece?
I was once commissioned to make a necklace for a client using her pearls and diamonds. She wanted to have a “multi-purpose” piece that could be worn in several different ways. The end result was a “Swiss Army” necklace which could be separated and worn as 4 different necklaces. The textured gold and diamond clasp sat in the centre of 4 short strands of pearls. It could be split apart to be worn as a long double strand with two clasps, or as two separate necklaces with smaller clasps. It was an immensely satisfying and challenging engineering project.
Custom-made pieces play a significant role in your portfolio. How do you collaborate with clients to ensure their individual needs and preferences are seamlessly integrated into the design?
Custom-made pieces are difficult in that the commission often includes the client’s stones, which have been removed from old jewellery. I appraise the individual client’s personality, profession, and lifestyle in producing designs that will work for them while still maintaining my design aesthetic. I like to push the client’s comfort zone a bit, and, thankfully, they trust me enough to go with it.
Montreal serves as the backdrop for your workshop. How does the city’s culture and ambiance influence your creative process and the overall aesthetic of Gloria Bass Design?
Montreal is a very cosmopolitan city, and we benefit from diverse cultures here—predominated by French and English. There is a European sense of sophistication and elegance that infuses itself into everything. As a result of this, my work needs to have a brand appeal, and I am aware of this factor.
In an industry where trends can change rapidly, how do you maintain a timeless quality in your designs while staying innovative and relevant?
I am always aware of trends but don’t necessarily agree with or follow them. I think my work transcends trends and is timeless in itself.
Over the years, you’ve built a team of highly skilled assistants and craftsmen. How do you foster a collaborative environment that allows for the seamless execution of your creative vision?
I have been blessed to build a solid relationship, over many years, with craftsmen and suppliers who understand my sensibility and can deliver the level of quality I require in my work. In the end, every piece that comes out of my workshop has my name on it and reflects that creative vision.
Your creations often become wearable works of art. Can you share an anecdote where a piece of jewellery took on special significance for a client, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary one?
I often work with a client’s inherited jewellery and turn it into a relevant and wearable piece. The joy expressed by the client upon seeing the work is always extraordinary. I once remodelled a diamond ring given to my client from her late husband. She could not wear it as a ring but was reluctant to get rid of it. I turned it into a very wearable and casual necklace that took on a very different meaning. She was blown away.
Jewellery is often associated with special occasions. How do you envision your pieces becoming a part of everyday life, beyond the traditional realms of celebrations and events?
Tastes in jewellery have changed over the past few years, and COVID has accelerated that process. For many years even before COVID, my clients have been asking for a piece “that I can wear every day.” That means office, evening, dressed up, or jeans. I get immense pleasure from bumping into clients (in the course of a day or at an event) and seeing them wearing a piece they proudly proclaim they rarely take off. And I still enjoy designing a spectacular piece of jewellery for that special celebration!
As a goldsmith and designer, technology must have played a role in the evolution of your craft. How do you balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary tools and techniques?
I must admit that I am not a fan of computer-assisted jewellery pieces. I find that they have no soul. We still rely on traditional jewellery craftsmanship, which, sadly, is a dying art. I am all for any process that can shorten the time it takes to hand fabricate a piece of fine jewellery, but I always come back to traditional handwork.
The use of the finest materials is a hallmark of Gloria Bass Design. How do you source and select materials to ensure the superior quality that your brand is known for?
I have a network of gem dealers I trust and have worked with for many years. After all these years, I have developed a very good eye and can instantly spot something extraordinary and exciting to work with. I am also aware of the problems the gem industry is facing, especially since COVID shut down mines and reduced the labor market significantly. I must ensure that the pieces I buy are from trusted sources that can supply the quality I use.
Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of jewellery design, and how do you see Gloria Bass Design continuing to make its mark in the ever-evolving world of fashion and art?
There are many young jewellery designers who are bringing a new focus into the industry. It is always exciting to see a different way of looking at things. GBD will continue to evolve alongside the fashion and art world.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Japan is at the top of my bucket list. Japanese fashion and design are extraordinary. We were in the beginning stages of planning a trip when COVID hit the world.
What’s your go-to quote when you are lacking motivation?
“It will come”…. I need to put it aside and return at a later date.
Where can people follow you and find out more?
My website – gloirabassdesign.com – is updated with new pieces/new collections twice a year. My contact information is located on my site as well. I can also be followed on Instagram @gloriabassdesign.
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