FISZMAN

The Jewelry Edit had the opportunity to talk to Fiszman.

What is the name of your company?

Fiszman

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

My grandfather collected gems, and after he passed away, I inherited them. My grandmother said I would know what best to do with them. Maybe she had a premonition, or perhaps she simply knew I was always fascinated by the stones. I then went on to train as a chef in New York, but as time went on I found myself increasingly drawn to the gems and began studies at GIA. The haute cuisine training—with its precision, discipline, and focus on proportions—was actually excellent training for jewelry making.

Where do you look for inspiration when designing pieces?

For me, inspiration is everywhere: nature, architecture, cities, travel. As a former chef, I would even say the shapes of fruits and vegetables. In terms of artistic movements, my greatest references have always been Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Those elements are very evident in my Heritage Collection partnership with the responsible, family-run Cruzeiro Mine—especially in the bicolor rubellite pieces that have become my signature.

What are your favorite types of pieces to design?

Earrings and rings. Earrings because it is the first thing a woman presents—it frames the face. Rings because I think a hand with a ring is alluring. The hand is also highly visible, and we often speak with our hands in Latin America.

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

Gold. Brazilian gemstones. Big emeralds. Diamonds—natural diamonds.

How would you describe your style?

My focus is really on the style of my clients. I dress for comfort but always with high-quality basics, almost always from US designers. My daily uniform is a Rag & Bone T-shirt.

Who/what are your biggest style influences?

The most meaningful style inspirations are the finest jewelry maisons: JAR, Graff, Maison Cartier, Harry Winston. When I was a chef in New York, I spent my off-hours at Cartier and Harry Winston, carefully studying the pieces—many years before entering the industry.

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

I am fascinated by history. Years ago, I bought a 2,000-year-old coin at an auction in Israel. I transformed it into a pendant for myself, which I still wear today—every day. It is a two-sided coin with images of a grape leaf and a wine amphora.

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

A dear friend of mine—an early expert in laser-cut diamonds—cut one in the shape of what we in Brazil call a Hamsa (also known as the Hand of Fatima). Like all of the most special pieces, this one is highly personal and has great meaning for me. The Hamsa is a symbol of protection, and I feel that this piece made for me by my dear friend has indeed brought me protection.

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

My five rivière bracelets: sapphire, emerald, white diamond, black diamond, and grey diamond.

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

The five rivières, a diamond and emerald ring, my chain with the ancient coin pendant, and my wedding band.

What’s on your jewelry wish-list?

N/A

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

Because it is the best way to show your personality, creativity, and taste.

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

Buy what touches your heart and makes you feel special. My advice is not to buy based on trends. Be original. Be unique. Do not be common.

What draws customers in to purchase jewelry from your collection?

I believe it is in the way I treat my clients—with knowledge and seriousness—and my intuition to understand them. I respect the emotions and dreams of my clients, and I try to connect their dreams with reality, and the very best physical manifestation in terms of design, metals, and stones.