JILL HERLANDS: THE BOLD AND THE BEGUILING

Theatrical. Extravagant. Unconventional. Jill Herlands jewelry allows you to escape the mundane. Her designs are a marriage of artistry, technical ability and a desire to explore and experiment. 

The Jewelry Edit had the opportunity to talk to Herlands.

How did you come up with the name/concept for your company?

Originally, the name of the company was MetalurJ, which means the the urge for metal. I was doing a solo exhibition and the curator said that she wouldn’t advertise anything but the artist’s name, so we changed the company name to JILL.HERLANDS and the rest is history.

Where do you look for inspiration when designing pieces?

I’m inspired by construction, rust, bent I-beams, rivets, bricks, and bolts. I see the digging of a hole and wonder what’s underneath? I’m inspired by rediscovery, breaking cycles, and challenging the status quo.

What are your favorite types of pieces to design?

I enjoy creating complex pieces with layers and texture. Designs that allow for morphing the metal—I really enjoy the physical part of creating.

What’s your favorite type of material to wear/work with?

Sterling silver is my favorite metal to wear and work with. It is a hearty precious metal and since I am constantly experimenting with the force of the flame, I choose sterling for its malleability and strength.

How would you describe your style?

My style is bold, chunky, abstract - imperfectly beautiful.

What are your biggest style influences?

My biggest style influencers are Brutalist and Modernist designs

What was the first piece of jewelry you remember buying for yourself?

When I was a teenager I bought a heavy link sterling silver bracelet.

What’s the most special piece of jewelry you own? What’s the story behind it?

The most special piece of jewelry I own is a sterling silver 3” cuff from my husband - the first gift he ever gave me. Before the gift, my style was to wear many silver bracelets on 1 hand. After he gave me the cuff, I took off the bracelets and the cuff became my look.

What’s one piece of jewelry you wear often, that you can’t live without?

The piece I wear most often is a square heavy gauge silver ring with texture.

How many pieces of jewelry do you usually wear at any given time? What are they?

I wear at least 3 – 5 rings at once. I either wear 2 on a finger or spread them out on each hand. I also love wearing a cuff or chunky bracelet or 2

What’s on your jewelry wish-list?

The next thing I want to create for myself is a knuckle ring in Gold that bends with the finger.

  

Why do you think it’s important for people to wear jewelry?

Jewelry or adornment, which I like to call it, allows the wearer to show their personality without saying a word. Which pieces they choose and the way in which they wear them speaks volumes. Add just one statement piece and any outfit is complete!

What’s something people should keep in mind when shopping for jewelry?

Don’t let others influence your style. Choose what speaks to you the minute you look at it. Go for handmade; that way you are getting a one-of-a-kind piece that you won’t see on anyone else.

What draws customers in to purchase jewelry from your collection?

The aesthetic of the work is what initially engages people. I then communicate and develop relationships with those who appreciate my work. I’ve been told that my personality is very much like what I create, and people like to connect with the artist.