There are designers who find their vocation, and there are those who are found by it. Sylvie Majerova belongs unmistakably to the second kind. A landscape architect by training and a mother who reached for wire and stone one quiet afternoon at home, she did not choose jewellery so much as surrender to it. Today, …
There are designers who find their vocation, and there are those who are found by it. Sylvie Majerova belongs unmistakably to the second kind. A landscape architect by training and a mother who reached for wire and stone one quiet afternoon at home, she did not choose jewellery so much as surrender to it. Today, her eponymous label, Sylvie Majerova Jewellery, carries the fingerprints of a woman who understands the Earth both as a practitioner of land design and as a devotee of what it yields in its most luminous, concentrated form.
In this exclusive GER conversation, Sylvie reflects on the journey from stay-at-home mother to international jewellery designer, the moment a hobby became a business, why inclusions make a gemstone more beautiful, and what legacy she hopes to leave behind.
THE PERSONAL JOURNEY
Can you tell us about your journey into jewelry design? What first inspired you to start creating?
The world of jewelry, tiny objects that carry immense power, fascinated me since childhood. When motherhood came I stayed at home with kids for a long time and just for fun, I tried making simple jewelry. It completely consumed me and never let go. Suddenly, I couldn’t see any other path but this. It was more a strong calling than following inspiration.
Before becoming a jewelry designer, you studied landscape architecture. How did that background influence your creative path?
I see beauty and aesthetic value in both. I feel a strong connection to mother Earth. Landscape design still fascinates me. When I see a harmonious landscape, I feel joy. I believe we must treat land with great sensitivity and respect: it shapes what we call home. My jewelry is about gemstones, “tiny stars” the Earth gives us, and we should handle them with the same reverence.
What was the moment when you realized jewelry design was not just a passion, but your calling?
It came naturally with time and I can say my calling is stronger every year. The first moment of the realization was when I had started to sell. It was not my intention in the beginning. I was creating just for joy but when sales came I realized it is something more.
What were some of the biggest challenges when starting your own jewelry brand?
When you have your own jewelry brand you sit on many chairs at the same time and sometimes it is overwhelming. Besides creating jewelry you have to focus on many other things around your business. You learn how to make fabulous jewelry but then other tasks appear: taking good and various pictures, sales strategies, social media, website.
CREATIVE PHILOSOPHY
Your brand describes jewelry as ‘jewelry with meaning.’ What does that philosophy represent to you?
We don’t use jewelry just to decorate ourselves. It has deeper meaning and it is different to each of us. I see a lot of women have matured into gifting themselves with jewelry that makes them feel stronger to face today’s complex world. Sometimes it’s a reward for overcoming a tough life chapter. Sometimes it’s motivation to take a new step. And often it’s simply for joy, and that’s the best reason of all. Because that’s what life is about: living joyfully.
How do you translate emotions or stories into the pieces you create?
As my jewelry is a lot about gemstones I have realized that we can “read” from gemstones a great deal. I don’t seek flawless gems, I prefer those with inclusions and a complex inner world. They tell stories, they fascinate me and bring a lot of emotions.
Why do you prefer working with natural gemstones and precious metals?
Natural gemstones, gold and sterling silver have been used for jewelry for thousands of years and there is a good reason for that. The frequency of these materials is closely connected to our bodies. It helps us heal, love and enjoy life as much as we can.
Where do you usually find inspiration for your designs?
Inspiration can be found everywhere. I can say I don’t seek inspiration, it haunts me. It is part of my life, it is part of me.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PROCESS
Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to finished piece?
Some gemstones immediately tell me what they want to become, others patiently wait. I can’t predict it in advance. When I plan a new series, I lay the stones out on my table and observe them for a while. Then the work flows naturally, and I don’t have to overthink the design. I fell in love with the lost wax casting technique and most of my pieces are created this way. I find the meditative nature of working with wax and its transformation into precious metal absolutely captivating.
What role does craftsmanship play in maintaining the uniqueness of your jewelry?
I have created my signature style, and the combination of sterling silver and gold is significant for my work.
Do you design with a specific person or story in mind when creating a piece?
When I make a custom piece of jewelry I love to see how the future owner looks and learn their name. I listen carefully to what customers tell me and keep their story in mind when working for them. Sometimes I repeat their name while working on their future jewelry.
How important is sustainability or ethical sourcing in your work?
Very important, because my whole life is about trying to be respectful to our Earth. But let’s be honest: no production can be 100% ecological. As soon as something material is created, it carries some burden. I try to reduce as much as possible. I replace some chemical processes with mechanical work and carefully monitor the sources of my gemstones. I don’t buy from large corporations. I work mostly with artisanal miners and families who mine stones on their own land and treat it responsibly.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What has been the most rewarding part of building your own jewelry brand?
Bringing joy and beauty to the world. Seeing a happy customer is a big reward.
As an independent designer, how do you balance artistic creativity with the business side of your work?
This is a hard task. I try to separate them. I keep my mornings for creativity and the making process, and the rest of the day for other tasks. But sometimes it just doesn’t work like that.
What advice would you give to aspiring jewelry designers who want to start their own brand?
Don’t be afraid to begin. Start slowly and carefully but start. Look at others for inspiration but never copy them, that doesn’t bring success. You need to find your own way, your own style, your own identity, and it takes some time, so be patient.
PERSONAL CONNECTION TO JEWELRY
Have you ever created a piece that had a particularly meaningful story behind it?
Every piece of jewelry I have created has something to say and has some small story. One customer I am really proud of is a blind lady. I was truly delighted when she picked my jewelry even though she couldn’t see it.
What kind of emotions or experiences do you hope people feel when wearing your jewelry?
Joy, connection to the inner self, feeling beautiful and confident and grounded at the same time.
Do you have a favorite gemstone or material that you personally feel connected to?
That is the hardest question. The most powerful stone is always the one I’m working with at the moment. It changes, just like we do. I have long-term favourites: Oregon sunstone, tourmalines for their colour variety, aquamarines for their calmness, Australian Boulder opals that spark endless creativity. Then there are stones you love because of memories of people tied to them.
Talking about metals, I love the pale yellow of 14k gold, and I even love rose and white gold. And I love sterling silver in combination with gold.
VISION AND FUTURE
How do you see the future of artisanal jewelry in an increasingly digital world?
There is surely a place for both: handcrafted artisanal and digitally programmed jewelry.
Artisanal jewelry will never disappear because it brings strong emotions, and emotions are what we are seeking as human beings.
Are there any new collections or creative directions you are currently exploring?
I’m really grateful to have the chance to work with truly rare gemstones recently. An asteriated diamond, gold sheen sapphire, and vanadium beryl crossed my path just in a few weeks. My creative work is going two ways now: big statement rings with bold gemstones and fine feminine necklaces. As everything enters my life naturally and at the right time, I will see how my designs evolve.
What legacy would you like your jewelry and brand to leave behind?
Give power to women, enjoy life, bring joy and happiness, feel confident. Treat our Earth well.
Don’t be afraid to begin. Find your own way, your own style, your own identity. It takes time, so be patient.
For another inspiring story on purpose-driven leadership, don’t miss our earlier feature: The Mensch Behind the Message: How Sasha Martens Built a Global Creative Empire on Relationships, Grit and the Art of the Long Game
Join the Club
Like this story? You’ll love our monthly newsletter.
