Peter Schmid Of Atelier Zobel interviewed by Patina Gallery

How does it motivate you as an artist when you see a client wear your jewelry?
What I make is very personal, and it always ends up that people have to try it on. It’s very personal. A woman wearing a piece completes the process. The piece is nice in a showcase, but the moment a person puts it on, they become complete. That is a great moment. Sometimes I can tell the right piece for the client. Sometimes I pick out the right piece. Sometimes I can only guide them to the right piece. At those times, I have to be patient. The clients have to find the pieces themselves.


What is distinctive about the collection you are unveiling in 2017 at Patina Gallery?
First is a focus on color I love to paint and this time it is just a play of colors as a painting with architectural elements. Secondly, this year I am particularly interested in extraordinary and rare gemstones: paraiba tourmaline, rubellite, untreated rubies. Finally, we want to project playfulness. I deeply want clients to experience the pleasure of enjoying their new art work. 


As a maker, why do you like engaging clients in person at Patina?
Jewelry is very intimate, so when I meet a client at Patina I have the chance to get to know who they are, and then how we together can express the client’s unique personality. We love the things we make. I’m happy when I can meet the person who takes our treasures home.
A handmade object is not simply a product it’s an oeuvre d’art … it represents the culminations of our ideas, our spirit, our time and our technical knowledge. Each piece is sketched out then discussed and debated to find the kernel of the idea. Then we work to bring that idea out, there is a pleasure to working this way. I like to communicate that to Patina’s clients.


How has the history between Patina and your studio had an impact on you?
I love to work with Allison. She is so passionate about jewelry. She can focus on the clients, and the clients appreciate that she cares what they like. Patina is one of my favorite galleries. I am excited that Allison and Ivan understand my jewelry.
 

About the Interviewee

Unexpected contrasts enliven Peter Schmid’s expressive jewelry creations, which continually spark new accents. Schmid and his team boldly push the envelope of artisanal feasibility to create jewelry characterized by fluent, rainbow-like gradations of platinum, gold and silver combined with charismatic gemstones. Rare precious stones or other natural treasures such as meteorites and fossils are also used with a sure sense of style. Each of my designs is consummated by a goldsmith in our team, says Schmid, who prioritizes conflict-free materials. The interplay between archaic and avant-garde shapes in Atelier Zobel results in unique items for unconventional people. Individualists and collectors love these powerful pieces of jewelry with personality.