Kimberly McDonald is a jewelry designer based in New York who creates her pieces using natural and organic materials which are then complemented by raw and and untreated fine materials. The result is a unique and exquisite piece of jewelry. I had the opportunity to talk with Kimberly regarding her designs, as well as, gain some insight into the jewelry marketing trends for 2009.
Pierce Mattie: Where does the inspiration for your pieces come from?
Kimberly McDonald: Nature. 100%. I have always been a little bit of a 'rock geek'. I collected agates from my grandmother's driveway when I was a kid. I was always fascinated by the patterns and colors. It amazes me that as much as we try to manufacture beauty, nature still trumps whatever we can conjure up. I base every piece on how to best enhance what is natural and unique about every stone.
Pierce Mattie: You discuss on your website not harvesting new materials but using our current ones, can you explain?
Kimberly McDonald: I think that conservation begins with being conscientious. I do make every effort 
to use what has already been harvested or utilized. Sometimes this means that we rework antique pieces (such as the natural carved emeralds in the ring attached here). We use cameos that were carved and never set into jewelry that are from the 1870s-early 1900s (see the pendant attached here). We use recycled gold and diamonds when we can. When we use wood, we use reclaimed wood (some of it comes from guitars, ships, other wooden structures). Because Nature is the focal point of the collection, it is always with a healthy respect that I approach anything that I know will involve "taking from" the earth. I think that is the best that any of us can do and if everyone would do the same, I am pretty sure it would benefit our planet immensely.
Pierce Mattie: Kimberly McDonald jewelry is sold at some very prestigious doors; Neiman Marcus, Mitchell’s of Westport and Brown’s in the UK. How has the current economy impacted the way in which these luxury driven shoppers buy their jewelry?
Kimberly McDonald: Everyone has been impacted to some extent. However, because the collection is so new, we have been somewhat fortunate. To begin with, my first doors were Forty-Five Ten in Dallas, and Bergdorf Goodman. The collection then, as you indicated, expanded into other amazing retail shops. The support and communication with our buyers, who ultimately have their finger on the pulse of consumer behavior has been instrumental.
Additionally, for my brand, I believe that having a product that is fresh, unique, wearable, and distinctive has been what has kept us sellable and relevant during these times. At a time when buyers are cutting back, they are not looking to pick up another gold bangle or something that they have seen before. When they purchase now, they want it to count. They want it to mean something. Jewelry is meant to be a personal talisman, something that you interact with on a level deeper than just consumerism. I believe that my pieces offer that. To me, when it becomes a commodity, fine jewelry loses some of its preciousness.
Pierce Mattie: What trends are you forecasting for fall/winter this year?
Kimberly McDonald: Big, dark, sparkly.
Pierce Mattie: Any guest appearances ore jewelry shows this summer? What does your schedule look like?
Kimberly McDonald: We’re launching in two new markets for the summer. Cindy Griem in Aspen, and Pageo in Nantucket. I plan on staying busy!
