Step into the captivating world of Picco Para, where creativity meets craftsmanship and bespoke jewellery takes on a whole new meaning. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the story behind the brand, uncovering the passion, vision, and artistry that led to its creation.
Join us as we unravel the unique journey of the Beth Manning, the mastermind behind Picco Para, exploring her background, sustainable approach, and the intricate design process that sets them apart. Get ready to be inspired by their commitment to authenticity, their ability to blend trends with personal aesthetics, and their unwavering dedication to creating timeless pieces that resonate with the wearer. It’s time to discover the magic of Picco Para and the remarkable future that lies ahead for this extraordinary jewellery brand.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to create Picco Para?
I have always been interested in jewelry, finding the craft incredibly fascinating. About 10 years ago, I attended a short course to try my hand at it. Then, by chance, the owner of a local café introduced me to a silversmith who allowed me to use a space in her workshop. I spent countless hours there, learning from failures and gradually developing a style that truly resonated with me.
A few years later, Picco Para came to life when I established my own workspace. Having always worked in creative industries, it has been a wonderful experience to combine my passion for creating with my love for jewellery and fashion.
Picco Para specialises in bespoke custom jewellery. How do you work with clients to bring their vision to life, and what sets your approach apart from other custom jewellery companies?
My process is highly individualised for each project. Sometimes clients approach me with clear ideas, and we collaborate closely to bring those ideas to life. Other times, clients present rough concepts, and I work on realizing them in a way that stays true to the essence of Picco Para. Additionally, I only work with solid materials, allowing each piece to evolve over time with its wearer, creating a sense of magic.
Your designs often incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly materials. How do you prioritise sustainability in your work, and what challenges have you faced in sourcing sustainable materials?
My commitment to sustainability begins with using solid gold and silver, which, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime and beyond. These metals are also fully recyclable, enabling reuse time and time again. Many of my designs incorporate reimagined precious metals that would otherwise be considered scrap.
To source sustainable materials, I rely on trusted suppliers located in the Hatton Garden jewellery district. This area has seen a significant shift towards more sustainable approaches across the industry, making it easier for me to produce in an eco-friendly manner.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest jewellery trends and technologies, and how do you balance these with your own personal design aesthetic?
I dedicate a lot of time to observing what others in the industry are doing, whether it’s through platforms like Instagram and TikTok or more traditional media. My phone is filled with screenshots of interesting jewellery pieces and innovative techniques that inspire me. It’s crucial to stay informed about the broader category so that I can develop a unique Picco Para perspective. Balancing these trends with my personal design aesthetic involves finding a harmonious synthesis that represents the essence of my brand.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own jewellery business, particularly in the bespoke/custom jewellery space?
First and foremost, it’s essential to find your niche and showcase your unique style to potential clients. How else can they envision what a bespoke piece from you might look like? With numerous talented makers out there, the best thing you can do is find a space where your creativity shines and simply create, continuously. Starting a jewellery business is a hustle, and I’m still figuring things out as I go. However, at the core, it’s crucial to discover your individual spark and promote your brand for the world to appreciate.
Can you walk us through your design process, from concept to finished product?
In the past, I had two distinct design processes. One involved meticulous research, discussion, and planning, while the other was spontaneous, with experiments conducted directly on the workbench. Over time, I have gravitated more toward the latter approach, which often entails taking a rough concept and exploring what happens when combining different materials and tools. In fact, I am about to launch a new collection called the Olto Collection, which truly personifies this organic process where experimentation with metals and ideas leads to remarkable results.
What sets Picco Para apart from other jewellery brands, and how do you hope to differentiate yourself in the future?
Every piece of Picco Para jewellery proudly bears the marks of its creation, making it unique to the wearer. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using solid, precious materials. As the brand grows, this craftsmanship will always remain at the core. I aspire to continuously push the boundaries of my aesthetic and explore trends from both the past and present.
What do you envision as the future of fine jewellery, and how do you anticipate Picco Para evolving to meet changing trends and consumer preferences?
The future of fine jewellery is intriguing. While seasonal trends come and go, fine jewellery should exist beyond the fast-paced fashion cycle. It is a traditional, slow craft that transcends transient fads. While there will always be seasonal nuances, I hope that as Picco Para continues to grow, it becomes less about checking trend boxes and more about creating precious artefacts that deeply resonate with those fortunate enough to wear them.
As we conclude this mesmerising exploration of Picco Para, we are left in awe of the passion, artistry, and dedication that permeate every aspect of this extraordinary jewellery brand. From the meticulous craftsmanship to the sustainable approach, Picco Para shines as a beacon of authenticity and innovation in the industry.
With an unwavering commitment to creating timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends, Picco Para is poised to carve its own path in the future of fine jewellery. As they continue to push boundaries, explore new aesthetics, and create precious artefacts that resonate with wearers on a profound level, we eagerly anticipate the captivating evolution of this remarkable brand.
Prepare to be captivated, as Picco Para casts its spell, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jewellery and enchanting hearts one exquisite piece at a time.
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