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Rebecca Overmann Interviewed by Vicente Agor

Modern, Textural and Organic

On a beautiful day in San Francisco, fine jewelry designer Vicente Agor met with fine jewelry designer Rebecca Overmann to discuss her design aesthetic, her jewelry, and fonts.

Vicente Agor: You know that I'm taping this interview, don't you?

Rebecca Overmann: Umm, yes I figured. That is an enormous boom box you've got there.

VA: I wanted to bring a small discreet tape recorder, but this was all I could find. So tell me, how did you get involved in jewelry design?

RO: I majored in graphic design in college and minored in jewelry. I've always loved design. Jewelry brings to life the idea of wearing design everyday.

VA: Graphic design? Here's a question that our typography-phile readers will appreciate: If you were a font, what font would you be?

RO: (laughs) You're channeling Barbara Walters! Defintely Warnock. It's the font I use in my logo. It's a very clean and modern font.

VA: Interesting, how your answer reflects your jewelry design. My favorite font right now is Chalet London 1970 which is indicative of my jewelry design vibe. You launched your jewelry company in ...

RO: 2000.

VA: So 10 years ago, what was your favorite font?

RO: Futura.

VA: Wow, another clean and modern font. Regrettably, I have to admit I liked Comic Sans 10-ish years ago. If you were to describe your design aesthetic, I am assuming it would include the word modern?

RO: Yes, definitely modern, and I would add the words textural and organic.

VA: You can definitely see those words reflected in your collections. Tell me about your newest collection.

RO: My newest collection is called Edges. The Edges Collection is all about exploring contrasts in texture, showing something very refined and evolved against something raw and natural. I hand carved the pieces to achieve high and low edges. On the low edges, I might use a variety of finishes, maybe a blackened patina or a matte finish and then highlight the high edges with a bright finish. Then I add a few scattered diamonds to add more play with sparkle and light.

VA: The result is major. And it is inspired by...

RO: The sea and the movement of water.

VA: You are so on trend for Spring 2011! You mentioned hand carving. Tell me about that artistic process for you.

RO: I start designing a collection with a ring. I can get into a zone and carve maybe 25-30 rings in a day. The process of carving is all about designing and refining textures and shapes. I work with the material -- either wax or metal -- until it speaks to me and begins to feel balanced and resolved. Then I make the ring so that I can wear it and look at it.  

VA: Look at it?

RO: I can wear a ring and look at it on my hand throughout the day. I can look at the design I created in the ring; I can look at the texture, touch
it, and feel it. All this helps me visualize the other pieces in the collection. If I started the process with an earring or necklace, I would need a mirror at my desk or bench to look at myself all the time. And who would do that?

VA: Hmm... no comment. I've noticed that many artists can get into a blissful state when doing something they love. Does carving wax get you into that artistic rhythm?

RO: It does! It can be a labor-intensive process, but there is something very satisfying about making something that is truly unique.

VA: You design a bridal line, right?

RO: Yes. And my bridal clients, both men and women, really appreciate all of my handwork. The design of the wedding ring or band might be replicated, but because they're hand carved, each one is totally unique and special.

VA: And I have to believe that most wedding couples want to feel unique and special. Well Rebecca, you are an amazing designer and artist. Thank you for your time.  Hey, that was a good interview!

RO: Oh, I was just getting started! We're finished?

VA: Yeah, if you don't mind. This boom box is getting super heavy on my shoulder.

Rebecca Overmann's modern, organic and textural jewelry designs can be found in over 40 fine jewelry stores and boutiques across the United States.

Before becoming a jewelry designer, Vicente Agor, was Chief Marketing Officer for an investment firm and is now searching for a poster he designed in the '90s that used Comic Sans and Papyrus.