Picture your grandmother reading it, that’s how an artist statement should be. An interview with Jennifer Altmann

The hands-on workshop is designed for artists who want to express their vision clearly and convincingly through an artist statement, addressing themes such as inspiration, materials, influences, and the concepts behind their creations. The talk takes audiences across five continents, from Mexico to Marrakech, from Spain to Santa Fe and beyond, offering a glimpse into artists’ studios, museums, galleries, and jewelry schools. Jennifer chronicles the contemporary jewelry scene on Instagram and in publications such as Metalsmith Magazine and Art Jewelry Forum.

Jennifer’s journey into the world of contemporary jewelry began unexpectedly in New Jersey, and today she is internationally recognized for the dedication and passion with which she promotes this unique form of artistic expression. Based in New York City, she has traveled an impressive path — from modest beginnings in a small town in South Carolina to collaborations with prestigious publications such as the Associated Press, Time Magazine, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

A graduate of Vassar College and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Altmann has built a remarkable career focusing on the fascinating world of contemporary jewelry. Her articles have appeared in leading publications such as Metalsmith Magazine, Art Jewelry Forum, and Klimt02, while her active presence on Instagram provides an authentic glimpse into the global art jewelry scene. In 2025, Art Jewelry Forum recognized her as one of four women “with their ring fingers on the pulse of the art jewelry scene,” underscoring her significant impact in the field.

Beyond journalism, Jennifer moderates talks and leads workshops at top jewelry events worldwide, including Romanian Jewelry Week, Schmuck/Munich Jewelry Week, and NYC Jewelry Week, actively contributing to the growth of the creative community. Through her work, she highlights the stories of the most innovative artists and inspires a global network of enthusiasts, making contemporary jewelry a true art of personal expression.


NYCJW 2023: Jennifer Altmann (right) and panelists.


From guiding artists on how to craft compelling statements about their work to revealing what she’s learned from collectors and curators around the world, Jennifer offers a unique perspective on both the creative and professional sides of the field. In this interview, she discusses the importance of accessibility in artist statements, the role of social media in connecting with the jewelry community and her impressions of emerging talents, including Romanian artists she’s excited to meet.


What inspired you to create a workshop specifically focused on artist statements for jewelry creators?
What’s crucial to an artist's statement is to make it accessible. Picture your grandmother reading it — are you using vocabulary she would understand?

Many people find art intimidating. So make your statement welcoming and reach out to everyone in the hope that they may come to enjoy contemporary jewelry as much as those of us in the field do.

It’s important for artists to describe their work in a clear language that everyone can appreciate. A common mistake I see are jewelers offering descriptions of their work that are not easily understood by everyone.


In your Art Jewelry Forum series “Inside the Jewelry Box,” you explore private collections. What do these personal spaces reveal that public exhibitions might not?
Inside the Jewelry Box: I started this series because I was so curious about other people’s collections, as I think many of us are. It’s so much fun to get insight into a collector or a curator’s eye for jewelry. And I always end up being introduced to artists I hadn’t known about.


What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to get noticed by the media or by curators?
Get on Instagram. It is the gathering place for contemporary jewelry. When I learn about an artist, the first thing I do is look for that person’s Instagram.

And post at least once a week. Show people a glimpse of your studio — it can be a close-up of your tools, a video of a work in progress or a pile of material you’re going to use in your work. People love to see a glimpse behind the scenes of an artist.

And once in a while, share an image of someone else’s work that you admire, or an image from an exhibition you enjoyed. It shows that you are part of the community, and it makes your Instagram more of a dialogue with others, rather than solely a vehicle for promoting your work.

And have your Instagram under your name, or under an easy-to-remember brand name that is attached to your name.


One Instagram account every jewelry artist should follow (besides yours)?
One Instagram account everyone should follow: Jewellery Activist. With 91,000 followers, it is the essential place to follow what’s going on in contemporary jewelry.


The best jewelry exhibition or fair you’ve attended recently?
I love attending Jewelry Weeks. I go to NYC Jewelry Week every year since I live there, and I have been several times to Munich Jewelry Week, or Schmuck. In fact, it was at Munich Jewelry Week where I met and got to know Andreia Gabriela Popescu, who kindly invited me to present a workshop at Romanian Jewelry Week.


Munich Jewelry Week panel 2024 with Jennifer Altmann at the left.


Is this your first time in Romania? What do you think about the Romanian contemporary jewelry scene? Are there any Romanian artists that have caught your eye?
I’m excited to be attending Romanian Jewelry Week for the first time this year. These events are gathering places for lovers of contemporary jewelry, and an opportunity to form and strengthen friendships and relationships. I have met people in person that I’ve only known on Instagram, which is so much fun. I love meeting students and seeing their work. I love meeting artists I have admired. We are a small community, and getting people together for casual interactions is crucial. I always learn so much. And there’s nothing better than seeing a packed crowd spilling out of a contemporary jewelry opening!



During Romanian Jewelry Week, special guests from around the world — curators, experts and leading figures in contemporary jewelry — will gather in Bucharest to celebrate and evaluate excellence in jewelry design. Over half of the participating artists will be present in person, especially at the Romanian Jewelry Week fair on October 4–5 at the National Library of Romania.


More details: www.romanianjewelryweek.com
 

About the Interviewee

Jennifer Altmann is a freelance journalist who writes about jewelry. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Style section, The Washington Post, Art Jewelry Forum, and many other publications.

Connect with her at jenniferaltmann.com



 

About the author

Alexandra Bujenita is the PR manager of Romanian Jewelry Week team, Art developer of Creative team of Imbold Cultural Foundation, PR account at Hello Menthol.