Jewelry Artist and Designer, Molly Magdalain, tells us about her StarStrings Collection and The StarStrings Project.
SD: Has any jewelry designer influenced your work?
Molly Magdalain: I haven’t necessarily studied the world of jewelry that much, to be honest. But I think I’m always influenced by the designs I see people wearing on the street. One of the most interesting things to me is the way we go through trends and how this manifests in the world of jewelry. I’m trying to do some things that I think are ‘way out there’, that have never been done before. If I see jewelry like this then it’s usually in some nice magazine—not on the person walking down the street. However, lately I’ve noticed that bigger and brighter jewelry is part of the new trend. It’s exciting to think I might be a part of this new trend since some of the jewelry I make is big and sometimes it’s ridiculous—totally different from other things you see. In the end, we all inspire each other.
SD: Tell us about how your jewelry is being accepted in New York City.
Molly Magdalain: I think the shop is just amazing and I’m very lucky to have it. We’re located in an incredible area called Nolita, on Mott Street, just south of Houston. It’s a beautiful street. I honestly can’t think of a better location in the city for this kind of store. The street is calm yet full of energy—really cool people hang out and shop in this area. As far as the reaction of New Yorkers—I would say it has been very positive! Many people like it. They are generally amazed that it’s the work of just one designer because I do so many different things.
I have learned, by being in the shop and interacting with clients, that there are so many different types of people and styles and, of course, I’d like to have something for everyone. There are always things I’m still working on—for example; I always want to make more jewelry for men. I always say that I’m working on it and most of it turns out to be more feminine, but it’s going to happen—I’m telling you. More women shop for jewelry but I love it when men wear jewelry and they seem to be sort of naturally attracted to the idea of wearing guitar strings.
SD: Do you have a following—collectors of Molly Magdalain jewelry?
Molly Magdalain: Yes, many different types of people buy StarStrings and that’s fun for me. I have a lot of celebrity clients and that’s a big compliment since they are normally inclined towards good fashion sense. These pieces really do make great gifts. One of my favorite parts of our presentation is the fact that we include printed information about the properties of the stone or metal of the gift. You might say to a friend—I’m giving you ruby earrings because I encourage you to follow your bliss. Or here’s some carnelian—I hope you can start awakening your inherent talents.SD: What is the StarStrings Project?
Molly Magdalain: The StarStrings Project is about consciousness. It’s an attempt to unite artists and people—earth and fashion—music and meaning. Working in conjunction with StarStrings and Molly Magdalain, we will sponsor events, donate to charities and circulate valuable information about recycling and other subjects.
SD: Tell us about the guitar strings used in your jewelry designs.
Molly Magdalain: I’m passionate about not just beauty but the beauty in all things—recycling—re-using—re-inventing the things that you already have. All of the strings that I sell are donated and recycled. We’re getting strings from all over the world and they’ve been played by all sorts of random people—that’s pretty exciting!
SD: Explain how you give life to old things.
Molly Magdalain: I think recycling is a great and necessary concept, kind of like karma. Someday I’d actually like to film a documentary on trash and how the concept of ‘trash’ and ‘disposability’ affects the American psyche. For example, indigenous societies have no equivalent for these words. I think there is a direct relationship between how we appreciate our ‘things’ and how we appreciate ourselves. If you can see beauty in the earth in all forms (including yourself) and the things around you, then you can live in a harmonious way.
SD: Tell us about the power of crystals and stones— how they impact jewelry design.
Molly Magdalain: I often quote the work of Melody—she’s an incredible scientist and energy healer who studies and catalogues the properties of gemstones. This woman has studied the vibrations of stones both scientifically and intuitively. She gives detailed information about how the stones have been known to affect people—it’s ancient wisdom mixed with modern technology. Sometimes I put certain stones at certain chakras because I know that they help to open the heart or increase the truth in ones voice or whatever—but other times I just follow my intuition. My experience so far has taught me that people LOVE to get the information about the meanings of the stones…so I include it with gifts whenever I can. These stones and materials are precious not just because of how they look but how they feel—how they make you feel—this is the real value in my opinion.
I expect that my client’s lives will be changed by the pieces they buy and, of course, I’m delighted when this is really the case. Kind of like Melody, I’m doing research with friends and clients. I’ll give someone who has migraines a necklace with a stone that’s supposed to help with headaches and get their feedback.
SD: What is your favorite jewelry material to work with and why? Do you have a favorite gemstone or precious metal?
Molly Magdalain: It’s all about trends for me. Sometimes I’m craving gold—sometimes orange—sometimes pyrite—sometimes lightness—sometimes motion—it’s always changing. I like the idea of having designs in many different stones and colors so people can choose what really speaks to them. I love it when clients fall for a piece because it’s perfect for them—that is why my job is so great.
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