We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Vyacheslav Vasiliev ("VV").
Vyacheslav, a talented architect and an artist has always been passionate with jewelry design. His creations are one-of-a-kind, distinguished by the originality, uniqueness, workmanship, imagination and complex ideas. Each item is entirely made by hand using the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail. The artist masterfully combines elements from timeless classic traditions with contemporary ideas. Through the years of research and experience Vyacheslav has been exploring many aspects of jewelry design and has mastered in many unique techniques of cher maitres like artistic enameling, miniature painting on enamel, filigree used by Faberge. In our era of automation and computerization, the quality of craftsmanship that Vyacheslav brings is of a rare find and value.
Vyacheslav Vasiliev Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Vyacheslav Vasiliev.
Designer Interview of Vyacheslav Vasiliev:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
VV : Since childhood, I loved to draw and create something with my own hands. Graduated from Art school in Russia. I studied five years at the Academy of Construction and Architecture. After Academy I worked for 25 years as a chief project architect at the Civic Design Institute. At the same time, I was interested in various types of design, engaged in metal stamping, designed and made furniture with my own hands. While doing miniature painting on hot enamel, I began to make exquisite filigree silver jewelry frames for my miniatures. I made various silver items. Later, jewelry became my main job.
DI: What is "design" for you?
VV : Jewelry as well as architecture have always been an integral part of human life. For a creative person, design development, whether in architecture or jewelry, is a way of self-expression. True creativity is the creation of something new through an infinite variety of forms that evokes positive emotions, that leaves behind a reflection of the era.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
VV : My jewelry work was influenced by the work of Faberge and the work of jewelers working in the Art Deco style. One of my favorites is the Belgian designer and jeweler Philippe Wolfers. I made one of my works based on his decoration (“Scarab”, 1900). The beetle is made of gold, transparent enamel interspersed with precious stones.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
VV : My creation THE ONE AND ONLY diamond parure was submitted to the competition. I am very proud of my adorable jewelry set. This set of jewelry is SPECIAL not only in its unique design, but also in its way of execution. It’s handmade. I did not use the modern computer programs, I drew all the sketches with a pencil. I wanted to feel the design with my hands. I created miniature jewelry elements, then, from these elements I sculpted miniature items, which I then combined into larger design elements. I created 169 individual jewelry items for the set. MY IDEA IS TO CREATE A TIMELESS PIECE OF JEWELRY. Jewelry that will make a woman look modern and bright, regardless of the current fashion. THE ONE AND ONLY jewelry set is designed for individuals who know how to combine fashion trends with the unique antique design. My jewelry will add and emphasize a woman’s beauty, personality, charm and charisma. The set of jewelry combines eternal diamonds, antique style with pearls, symbolism of forms and modern trends. THE SET is multi-functional: each item in the set can be worn independently of the others, or in combination with others, depending on the event or clothing. And even when all the products are worn together, they complement each other and emphasize the beauty of the shapes of the female body. The parure consists of 4 large items: a necklace, a ring, earrings, and a bracelet. THE NECKLACE is made of gold in 3 colors (yellow, white, pink), diamonds, precious stones and pearls. Beautiful lines of small elements in the form of leaves, intertwining into larger elements. In the center of the decoration, you can recognize: the number Eight - a symbol of Infinity, the Heart - a symbol of Love, the Сrown - symbol of spiritual power, the tiger’s Eyes - a symbol of moving forward, hanging diamonds and pearls - a symbols of Stars and Water Drops, Space and Earth. THE RING is made of gold in 3 colors (yellow, white, pink), diamonds, and precious stones. Beautiful lines of small elements in the form of leaves, intertwining into larger elements, in which you can see the symbols of infinity in the form of eight. In the center of the ring is a large gemstone, like a crown or top. This stone can be replaced by a stone with a special meaning, for example, a Birthstone of the ring owner. THE EARRINGS are made of gold in 3 colors (yellow, white, pink), diamonds and pearls. They contain a symbol of eternal renewal in the form of half-opened buds. THE BRACELET is made of gold in 3 colors (yellow, white, pink), and diamonds. In the center of the bracelet, two symmetrical elements make form a horseshoe, a symbol of good luck.
DI: How can people contact you?
VV : my email: lubava@rocketmail.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
VV : My answer to the question: WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE POTENTIAL BUYER OF YOUR PRODUCT? A set of jewelry can suit even a Queen. I’m open to suggestions. This parure is one of a kind and I think it will be very difficult to create another one. It is possible that someone will want to buy a parure and replace the main stones in the centers of the necklace and ring with large diamonds. I would not mind if a worthy person wants to rent a piece of jewelry for a special event. It is also possible to sell each product from the set separately. This set of jewelry can give pleasure and joy to more than one generation.