In the Studio With Lisa

In 1983, on a kitchen table in Brooklyn, NY, Lisa Oswald’s dream was brought to life and Sorrelli began. Today she designs all of our pieces in our studio space in Kutztown, PA. We’re taking you on a behind the scenes tour of where she spends her time dreaming up & hand crafting all of the sparkle for our loyal customers.

Lisa took us on a mini tour of her station and tools. She showed us the torch she uses to solder together her intricate creations, her “third arm” that helps her hold things while she’s soldering, and the powerful fan that sucks all the fumes away.

With nearly 40 years of experience creating jewelry by hand, Lisa is a master of her craft. Today we’re getting some insight on how she creates the Sorrelli we all love.

What’s the first thing you do when you sit down to create? 

First I look for inspiration in the fashion world, current events or maybe something will grab my attention in nature such as color or form. 

Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to creating the collections & color stories?

Mostly I let the materials lead me and inspire me. If I have an idea, I will find the materials that best suit the idea & manipulate them until I feel satisfied with the design. 

What type of woman do you have in mind when designing a line?

Mostly me. There are none of our pieces I wouldn’t wear. I try to create pieces to make every woman who wears them feel special and interesting. I want them to be easy to wear, without fuss & compliment the simplest of outfits. 

What’s the most important jewelry making skill you’ve learned and why? 

Patience. Making jewelry is not always glamorous or easy.

What are your favorite materials to use?

My go to materials are long lasting nonferrous metals, glass, crystal & semi precious stones.   

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry you’ve created and why?

I love my new knotted pearls. They have an easy elevated day look, they are refined without too much fuss, and they feel good to the touch.

Thanks for joining us on this behind the scenes look at the Kutztown studio & Lisa's design process!

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Studio Tour from Sorrelli Jewelry on Vimeo.