I originally studied to be an architect and worked as such for 15 years before engaging professionally with my lifelong passion: jewellery design and making. Even as an architect I sought artistic and visual forms of expression. An architect always thinks on a grand scale, whereas the world of a jewellery-maker is much smaller but it is just that smaller scale that means the greater and more enticing challenge to me.

I made jewels back in high school already so I hesitated between studying metalwork and architecture, but I finally decided on following in my father’s footsteps and becoming an architect. However, the duality stayed with me both in my university years and my career as an architect. I wistfully watched the works of contemporary jewellery designers and applied for scholarships abroad so I could get involved with more creative subjects.

The switch wasn’t easy of course, the final decision followed many sleepless nights. At first, I was hesitant to show even my closest family and friends the jewels I had designed in the little free time that I had. Then I divided myself spending half of each day at the architect’s office and the other half designing and making jewellery, but I couldn’t keep this up for long. I finally made up my mind at a kayaking trip, realising how unhappy I was with this halfway solution and deciding to dedicate myself fully to jewellery design.

The years I spend as an architect, however, were not in vain: I often “construct” jewels from geometry, I value proportionate, clean shapes and lines.  What I find most exhilarating is the combination and synthesis of different materials, be it precious metal, natural materials or resin. I also like to work with materials used in architecture, since if a material is attractive on its own, why not wear it on our body as well? I most fancy pairs that seemingly form two separate worlds.

Forming pairs and seeking balances are not just characteristic of my jewellery. I enjoy city life, living in Budapest, Hungary, but I couldn’t survive without nature. I am truly fond of hiking, it gives me a great degree of freedom and counterbalances the bustle of the city. I am sure this shows in my jewellery, often a shape or memory from nature, a feeling drive me to make a jewel. But I have also been inspired by materials that I touched or stories that I heard. It is also very exciting to design jewellery for a specific person, as in such cases their personality becomes part of the creation process.

I also prepare many sketches and models. One idea leads to the next, objects constantly develop and take shape, just as I do. I strive to participate in courses and workshops so as to learn the work philosophy of iconic designers.