We recently connected with Sandrine Valentine and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sandrine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My jewelry business is a deeply personal endeavor, born from a childhood that wove between the urban elegance of Lyon, France, and the natural beauty of my family’s home in Corsica. I spent my summers there, exploring the mountains, rivers, and seaside, where my imagination turned the simple – twigs into rings, cherry stones and stems into makeshift earrings – into the magical. These childhood explorations laid the foundation for my belief in wearable art as a means to preserve memory and amplify the beauty of nature.

One experience in particular deeply influenced my artistic journey. As a child, I saw a lifeless branch being removed from a village road. The villagers planned to cast it into the river, much to the bathers’ dismay. This moment raised a poignant question in my mind: where does something discarded, yet once a part of nature’s beauty, truly belong? In that moment, I envisioned transforming this forsaken branch into a sculpture, breathing new life into something overlooked. This vision underlies my approach to jewelry making – seeing and celebrating the hidden beauty in the neglected, giving it a place of honor and value.

Each piece I create is more than an ornament; it is a testament to the idea that we are more than what meets the eye. My jewelry serves as a reminder of the unseen beauty in the overlooked, an homage to the stories and memories that shape us. In each design, I strive to illuminate the inherent beauty and significance of all things, turning what was once forgotten into a cherished piece of art.

Sandrine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in jewelry making is deeply interwoven with my life experiences. I resonate with the moments life presents to me, be it in my current hometown of New York City, during my travels, or the cherished memories of my childhood homes in Lyon, France, and Corsica. Born in France, I’ve been a part of the vibrant tapestry of the United States since 1996. Art has always held a special place in my heart, and I found my true calling in jewelry making in 2008, following an inspiring visit to a jewelry show in Arizona. This passion led to the birth of Sandrine B. Jewelry in 2012.

In my creations, I endeavor to weave a story into each piece, naming them after what they represent to me – be it a person, a natural element, or a place. This process is my way of capturing and memorializing an imprint in time.

Apart from being a jewelry artist, I’m dedicated to my role as a children’s lawyer in New York City. I’m committed to social causes, choosing to donate a portion of my profits to No Kid Hungry, an organization fighting to end child hunger in the United States.

My personal growth is deeply tied to mindful meditation and my travels to various ashrams across the United States, Canada, and India. An ashram, a place of retreat and spiritual growth, has provided me with not only inner peace but also physical objects like twigs and jasmine flowers, which I cherish and incorporate into my jewelry designs. These practices infuse my creations with a sense of spirituality and presence.

My ultimate goal is for my customers to feel beautiful and unique, knowing that each piece they wear is crafted with intention and love. I want them to sense the stories, the spirituality, and the personal journey that each piece of Sandrine B. Jewelry represents.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

When I started making jewelry in 2008, established jewelers entrusted me with a list of suppliers, including casters and gemstone dealers. When dealing with precious metals and gemstones it is important to trust the dealers you buy from and I made use of the list without question.

A few years ago I started looking at my supply chain with an eye towards sustainability and a recognition that I should be using recycled metals when possible. Additionally I attended talks on sustainability in the fashion industry and became acquainted with the United Nations Sustainable Goals (The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all).

I went to the New York City Jewelry Week round tables on sustainability in 2018 and 2019 where I was provided with a list of resources of sustainable suppliers. It is then that I realized that I should work with like minded people. Indeed “the more agents working towards a trustworthy supply chain, the more trustworthy it will be. The laws are only as good as the people enforcing them.” Mark R. Wheeler, Ph.D. Ethics Consultant for Ethical Metalsmiths As manufacturing shut down in March 2020 and I was confined at home, I listened to webinars on colored gemstones hosted by the people I had met at the last New York City Jewelry Week symposium and in the process discovered initiatives worthy of my support. I realized that by purchasing gemstones from initiatives that partner with Artisanal and Small Scale Mining associations I can be ensured of the provenance of the stone, empower people in the supply chain, support communities and protect the environment. That is an investment towards a more responsible future.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What significantly contributed to building my reputation within the market was my unique focus on creating nature-inspired jewelry that tells a story. By identifying and embracing this niche, I was able to differentiate myself from other jewelry makers. Each piece I create is not just an accessory; it’s a narrative, a piece of art that speaks of nature’s beauty and the personal memories associated with it.

My approach involves infusing elements of nature, which I meticulously select for their beauty and symbolism, into my designs. This could be anything from the twigs I find during my walks in the park to the delicate patterns of leaves and the intricate shapes of flowers. By doing so, I give my customers more than just jewelry; I provide them with a connection to nature and a story that resonates with them on a personal level.

Moreover, my commitment to storytelling through my designs has not only attracted customers who appreciate the aesthetic value of the pieces but also those who value the deeper meaning and the stories behind them. This strategy has helped me create a strong, distinct brand identity that appeals to a specific segment of the market that cherishes nature and the stories it tells.

In essence, finding and nurturing this niche of nature-inspired, story-rich jewelry has been instrumental in building my reputation and establishing a loyal customer base in a competitive market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sandrinebjewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrinebjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandrineBJewelry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrine-valentine-6a877a169/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvz6qzyfV1I7MJ-YpdlWzug