While many designers within the jewelry industry have experienced hardship during the pandemic, ones like Andrea Mueller push through in their own studio and help others remember with her work. In an interview with APT613, Mueller discusses her past 12 months in her studio and more.
“The daily ritual of creating something helped me get through the year,” said Mueller about life in the studio for the past year. “Even though I had no idea what the future would hold, I felt a sense of purpose by keeping my hands busy. There are other artists in my building and as a small group, we managed to continue to work safely and also support one another through the dark days. I consider myself lucky because I have a private workspace, so once my kids were settled into their new routines, I was able to work with relatively few distractions.”
When asked about whether jewelry plays a special part in private ceremonies as opposed to public ones, Mueller said, "I had several clients who postponed their wedding more than once. Eventually, many decided to go ahead with a very small ceremony. When the time is right, they will host a big party. The wedding ring itself carries the same meaning of commitment even when additional loved ones cannot be at the ceremony.”
When the subject of the pandemic and hardship came up in the interview, Mueller was asked if online shopping has affected her business in any way, to which she said, “People have been very supportive of small and local businesses. The ease and safety of online shopping and buying local were a perfect combination for people during the pandemic. Instagram is such an easy way to look for inspiration, but I find searching on an artist’s webpage that you like helps to narrow the choices.”
“I would say that there has been an increase in people wanting to redesign heirloom pieces,” said Mueller about her special brand of remade antique jewelry. “I think the pandemic forced people to think more deeply about their priorities. And yes, people have had more time to comb through old boxes and head down memory lane. A client told me with a sense of urgency, “I have been thinking about doing this for so long, and now I’m [really] doing it.” We’ve all been reflecting on the past. Recreating a piece of jewelry is a meaningful way to carry the memories of the past into the future.”
Information originally sourced from APT613.
