SANDY HYUN: SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
Sandy Hyun: SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW
Sandy Hyun is one of our best kept secrets. Notoriously private and deeply selective about who she works with, we enjoy a direct line to her playful, yet glamorous collections. Her jewelry showcases her love of vintage materials and her fascination with the arts and crafts movement. Her unique perspective brilliantly pairs together these elements alongside her outlook as a Korean-American designer.
The Jewelry Edit had the opportunity to talk to Hyun about what inspires her.
Where do you look for inspiration when designing pieces?
I love art deco architecture, danish modern furniture, vintage clothing, and symmetry in nature.
What are your favorite types of pieces to design?
I love finding beautiful vintage materials and pairing them with new materials.
What’s your favorite type of material to wear/work with?
My favorites are glass, crystal, wood, leather, brass and plexiglass.
How would you describe your style?
Vintage meets modern arts and crafts.
Who/what are your biggest style influences?
My mom has always had such classic style and an incredible jewelry collection.
What was the first piece of jewelry you remember buying for yourself?
I saved up for gold flower earrings (with a stem and petals) and a tiny pearl in the center. I still have them and wear them!
What’s the most special piece of jewelry you own?
My father’s father gave my mother a 24kt gold heart locket and she gave it to me years ago. I have been wearing it every day layered with current pieces I’ve made.
What’s one piece of jewelry you wear often, that you can’t live without?
My wedding band! It's so simple but I love it.
How many pieces of jewelry do you usually wear at any given time?
What are they? Six pieces: my wedding band, two necklaces and three bracelets.
What’s on your jewelry wish-list?
I am always on the hunt for vintage Georgian rings
What’s something people should keep in mind when shopping for jewelry?
Learn about where your jewerly is made, how it's made and the story behind it. There is so much jewelry out there—you really have the power to buy something special that didn’t come out of a factory made by a worker who is not paid a fair and living wage.
What draws customers in to purchase jewelry from your collection?
I think my customers like my creative spin on things—I try to use unique high quality vintage materials.