jewelry design
Anna Arroyo
Please share a bit about yourself and your background.
I'm from Barcelona, where I grew up, first in the city and later in the forest, surrounded by nature. I studied Translation and Interpretation, though my true calling for jewelry came later. Languages and cultures have always fascinated me, and I’ve been fortunate to have meaningful experiences, like spending a year in Japan, which deeply influenced my work. Over time, I pursued a Master's in Audiovisual Translation and worked in various creative fields, including photography, e-commerce, and design, before finally finding my way into jewelry making. Now, I balance being a full-time jewelry maker and a mother.
What first inspired you to channel your creativity through jewelry making?
I didn’t always know jewelry would be my path. My journey began with a passion for languages and photography, which I loved, but I always felt that something was missing—something that would allow me to express myself more fully and intimately. I explored various creative outlets, but none of them gave me the same sense of connection and authenticity. Jewelry came into my life more organically, almost by chance. I started taking some jewelry courses and began experimenting with different materials. At first, it was just a curiosity, but as I delved deeper into the craft, I felt a sense of peace and fulfillment I hadn’t experienced before.
There was something about the tactile nature of working with metal, the act of transforming raw materials into something meaningful, that clicked with me. It felt like a calling I hadn’t expected, and with time, it grew into something I couldn’t ignore. Now, looking back, it feels as though jewelry is not just something I stumbled upon, but something I was always meant to do. It’s become the way I communicate my ideas, my values, and my connection to the world around me. What I love most is that jewelry allows me to combine artistry with a deeper, personal form of expression, creating pieces that carry a piece of my soul.
Could you walk us through your creative process?
My creative process is highly intuitive and spontaneous. I don’t adhere to a rigid schedule or plan collections in advance. Instead, I let the creative flow emerge naturally when inspiration strikes, and I trust my instincts to guide me. I usually start with an idea—often quite abstract—that forms in my mind. It’s not a fully fleshed-out concept right away; more of a feeling or an impulse that I want to explore.
I don’t sketch my designs before diving in. I prefer to visualize the final piece in my mind and allow the design to evolve organically. The journey truly begins when I start working with materials. I often start with wax modeling, which is my preferred medium for experimentation. Wax offers me the flexibility to shape and reshape, to let the form develop without restrictions. I also like to use leftover bits of material or scraps from previous projects. Sometimes, those small fragments hold hidden potential and can turn into something beautiful through a bit of experimentation.
There are moments when I set pieces aside for a while, letting them sit unfinished. I don’t rush the process. The beauty of this approach is that, over time, I often come back to those pieces with a fresh perspective or a new idea, which allows me to refine and transform them further. The process is never linear; it’s fluid, and it’s this fluidity that allows me to follow my instincts and embrace the journey of discovery in each piece. I find that not forcing anything gives me more freedom to express the creativity that feels most genuine at the moment.
Your practice embodies a thoughtful balance of slow and intentional production. How do you embrace this approach in your work, and what excites you most about bringing these principles to life?
I don’t believe in mass production or rushing the creative process. For me, the heart of craftsmanship lies in taking the time to create pieces that feel truly authentic. Each item is made with intention and care, where every step of the process reflects my commitment to being present in the moment. I’m not focused on the speed of creation, but rather on the integrity of the final piece and the story it tells.
What excites me the most is the freedom I have to create without being driven solely by commercial pressures. I’m not forced to churn out designs for the sake of profit or demand; instead, I can focus on the quality and meaning behind each piece. This allows me to nurture deeper connections, whether with the materials, the pieces themselves, or with the people who wear them. It’s these connections, grounded in thoughtful craftsmanship, that make the work feel truly fulfilling.
Working with metal is such a hands-on, tactile experience. How does this physical connection with the materials impact you personally, and how does it contribute to your sense of creative fulfillment?
Working with metal brings me a profound sense of calm and connection. There’s something about the tactile nature of working with materials like wax and metal that grounds me. It’s a deeply satisfying experience to transform raw elements into something meaningful with my own hands. The process becomes an intimate dialogue between my thoughts and the materials themselves. Each movement, each touch, carries a sense of intention and purpose.
When I’m creating, I enter a meditative state. The world around me fades away, and I’m able to focus solely on the task at hand. It’s in these moments of deep concentration that I feel most in tune with my work and, in turn, with myself. There’s a rhythm to it—an almost ritualistic quality—that makes it feel as if the pieces are taking shape organically. What excites me most is when I see my ideas come to life, not just in form, but in texture and weight, which adds another layer of expression. Holding the finished piece, feeling its weight and texture in my hands, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s the culmination of a process where my creative energy and the materials converge into something tangible—something that feels deeply personal and meaningful.
How do you embrace imperfections in your work, and what do these irregularities represent for you as a designer?
Imperfections are not just a part of my work; they are an essential element of what makes my pieces truly special. They represent authenticity and the unique character of handmade creations. Each irregularity—whether it’s a slight curve, an uneven texture, or a subtle flaw—adds a personal touch that no machine-made object could replicate. These imperfections are not mistakes, but rather, they are what make the work feel alive and real. They give the piece a story and a soul, something that can’t be manufactured but is instead born from the process of creation itself.
I embrace these imperfections wholeheartedly because they reflect the journey of the piece—how it evolves from concept to reality, shaped by my hands and my choices. It’s a reminder that the beauty of craftsmanship lies not in achieving flawless perfection, but in expressing something that’s honest and meaningful. In a world that often seeks perfection, I believe that embracing these small, human details makes my work more relatable, more personal, and more connected to the people who experience it. These imperfections are part of the soul of the piece, and in many ways, they are what give it its true value.
In the contemporary world, where do you see the greatest potential for preserving important local crafts?
Local crafts often get overlooked in today’s fast-paced, mass-production world, but I believe there’s great potential in supporting small businesses and preserving traditional craftsmanship. These crafts carry history, skill, and authenticity that mass-produced goods can’t replicate. By making conscious, thoughtful choices, we help sustain these traditions and support a more meaningful economy. Every purchase from a local artisan not only keeps these art forms alive but fosters creativity and care. It's essential to invest in these makers to ensure their work continues to enrich our lives and doesn’t get lost over time.
What upcoming projects are you excited about right now?
I’m always excited about the creative possibilities that lie ahead. Right now, I’m focusing on some new jewelry pieces that will reflect the natural textures and forms I’ve been inspired by. I’m also experimenting with new materials and exploring ways to integrate my passion for photography into my jewelry designs. It’s an exciting time of experimentation and growth, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
Where and how can people engage more with your work?
You can explore my work through my website and social media platforms, where I share new pieces and creative processes. I also love connecting with people directly through events or local markets. I hope that people will engage not just by purchasing my work but also by understanding the intention and thought that goes into each piece.
