SOPHIE BIRGITT
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
While I have been obsessed by jewelry and anything that sparkled since I was a child, it wasn’t until I moved to Hong Kong that I came on to my path. Hong Kong allowed me to realize my dream. I met my current mentor and best friend, jewelry designer Nathalie Melville who took me under her wing and trained me as a goldsmith. It was important for me to have a formal training to properly grasp the traditional craftsmanship. To understand what is viable in jewelry design, you need to understand metal. The pieces I make are an extension of me – honest and edgy yet feminine and elegant.
DID YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF DESIGN BACKGROUND?
Yes. I am a fourth-generation designer of a Belgian family steeped in modern design history. My upbringing and personal experience in the best traditions of Northern European design through our family business, has definitely influenced me.
HOW LONG HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN IN BUSINESS?
I officially launched ‘Angles' by Sophie Birgitt in March 2015 at The Landmark Atrium in Hong Kong.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
I wanted to make pieces I couldn’t find and Hong Kong provided me with the energy and creative flow. I like the idea of playing with how you wear jewels, transforming traditional ideas into new concepts and giving women the chance to explore advanced designs that grab attention in a striking yet timeless and subtle way. Having moved from Paris and Rome, Hong Kong was an impressive modern concrete jungle – I used the Hong Kong skyline as my inspirational live mood board. Recognizing the jewelry industry is quite saturated, I wanted to be different and was inspired to commercialize square and triangular rings – I had to create my own sizing system for this to be possible.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
While I now live in London, my company and production is still headquartered in Hong Kong.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Belgium.
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY
Audacious.
IS THERE A UNIQUE STORY BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS OR LOGO?
I made the decision to use my first name and exclude my surname as I want to be known as my own person.
My logo’s font is my own handwriting – I wanted to add a personal touch to a minimalist designer collection.
WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
That’s a tough question. I’ve fallen in love and continue to fall in love with jewelry all the time. If I had to choose one, I would have to say my Reflection double finger ring, which I designed myself. I wear it all the time.
WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
Jaguar.
IF A THEME SONG PLAYED EVERY TIME YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ by Pink Floyd.
DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
A pear-shaped diamond pendant that belonged to my grandmother. I believe the necklace protects me and it allows me to keep my grandmother literally close to my heart.
My Reflection ring – I feel strong, protected and full of life when I wear it. I feel naked without.
A small evil eye bracelet I bought in Lebanon to protect me from all the negative or envious people.
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE
Edgy-sophisticated.
LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED
Since I started designing my own pieces, I don’t really buy jewelry anymore but I can tell you the last piece of jewelry I designed and loved – a necklace with a diamond heart to celebrate a special milestone in my business. While a heart might seem ordinary, it is meaningful because I used the mold of the first piece I ever handmade, which was a heart shaped ring.
THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT
A trip to Peru and Bolivia.
THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE GIVEN RECENTLY
A diamond evil eye bracelet to a dear friend of mine who is going through a difficult time.
THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY
My boyfriend.
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH ...
...jewelry.
FAVORITE FOOD?
Thai food.
LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Peas.
WINE OR CHEESE?
Cheese.
COFFEE OR TEA?
Tea.
YOGA OR BOXING?
Yoga.
FAVORITE SEASON?
Summer.
FAVORITE CITY?
Rome.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
Corsica.
THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?
‘Ederlezi’ by Dikanda.
THE LAST CONCERT YOU WENT TO?
Guns N’ Roses in Dubai.
SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
To be able to fly.
SECRET SKILL?
…I have to keep it a secret.
FRIENDS CHARACTER?
Rachel.
SOCIAL MEDIA OF CHOICE?
Instagram.
FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
Evening.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
After lunch.
YOU WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
...my Reflection double finger ring and credit card.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
On the beach, feet in the sand, sun on my face and some sparkly diamonds on my fingers.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
After a fresh manicure.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
Practicing mindfulness – being in the now.
WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
Reflection double finger ring.
WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
Rings, specifically my Reflection double finger ring as it spreads over different fingers.
WHAT DOES JOY MEAN TO YOU?
Being carefree for a moment and (re) discover the small wonders of life and being enchanted by them.
WHAT DOES CONFIDENCE MEAN TO YOU?
Being able to truly be yourself - not feeling like you need to justify yourself.
WHAT DOES EMPOWERED MEAN TO YOU?
Unchained. Freedom. Confidence.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Always listen to your gut. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t care about what other people might say about you.