When I first met Christine I was director of special events at Fashion Group International (www.fgi.org) & she was a nominee for the annual Rising Star Award in Fine Jewelry. She eventually won the award, but most importantly, four years later, I am happy to count her as one of my closest friends (& what is the point of having your own column if not to occasionally feature a dear friend who happens to be an outstanding jewelry designer I may ask?!?!) All joking aside, her work is truly unique in that it almost belongs more to the realm of sculpture than jewelry design. While her dual Japanese-Norwegian heritage influences her design sensibility, nature & its many organic shapes is one of her most constant source of inspiration. Her designs, however, are not for the faint at heart or wall-flower amongst us. If you are a woman with a strong individual sense of self on the other hand, her pieces will speak to you. Carved from woods such as Wenge, Tulip Wood, African Black Ebony or Cocobolo her rings, cuffs & necklaces feature stones such as Azurite, Herkimer Diamonds, Vanadinite & Pyromorphite. These unique pieces are available by special order & at various five star resorts around the globe such as the Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico.
About a year ago, Christine launched a sterling silver collection. This is a brand new direction for her that marks an effort to reach a broader clientele & offer pieces that can be easily produced in quantity. As I write this Christine is about to head to Tomrefjord, Norway to spend sometime with her family & host a yoga retreat at her parents’ resort. No doubt the beautiful Norwegian landscapes will provide plenty of inspiration for her next creations.
-Miriam Driot
Follow Miriam on Twitter @MiriamDriot
Designer website: www.christinejbrandt.com & www.christinejbrandt.com/sterling
1. What do you love most about your job?
The freedom to be creative & express my visions!!!
2. If you did not live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where would you live & why?
Tahiti, I dream about an Island lifestyle : )
3. When not working what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with good friends, playing with my cat Lulu, traveling, yoga, gardening, crocheting & crafts…..
4. What is your best memory from childhood?
Playing with my brother Michael, we were & still are very imaginative & creative siblings.
5. What is your favorite holiday destination & why?
I like sitting on a nice warm sunny beach, looking at orange sunsets & swimming in crystal clear blue water!
6. Book or e-reader? Why & what are you currently reading?
BOOK, definitely, I am traditional like that. I am re-reading “The Pilgrimage”.
7. Which social media platform do you use & how did they impact your business?
Aside from my website, editorial press, magazines & design blogs have really helped to bring light to my work.
8.What is a true luxury for you today?
Time….there’s never enough!
9. What is your biggest accomplishment to date? Why?
The launch of my jewelry design company & constantly looking forward to & being excited for the next new project!
