You have said that you process memories with your jewelry. What do you mean by that?
Ever since I was little, I’ve been collecting objects, books, and little treasures. My sister had the great idea of building shelves in the open-plan kitchen, my favorite room, where I can store and look at all these things. It’s almost like a little cabinet of curiosities, from crystals and gemstones that I have received as gifts from dear friends or bought on my travels to a small illustrated book of Swiss landscapes that reminds me of my homeland. In this meshing of experiences with family, friends, and guests against the backdrop of my very personal collection, stories and memories emerge. And that’s where I get ideas for my designs. Where the present meets the past, I find leisure and inspiration.
Is it possible to capture a feeling in a piece of jewelry?
For me, it’s about creating memories, dreams, and emotions in a tangible form. Capturing a feeling in a piece of jewelry means much more than just producing an aesthetically pleasing design. My Alina Abegg label lets us be inspired by the imaginations of children. Each piece of jewelry is meant to unlock the memory of one’s own childhood, a light-hearted time when imaginations can run free. Each piece should be a kind of token that reminds the wearer to look at the world with the curiosity and joy of a child. My creations are symbolic of love and self-acceptance, of the freedom and also the courage to truly embrace all parts of oneself—the playful, the sensitive, and the bold. In a way, the jewelry possesses a double meaning: It’s an internal process that I go through again and again and that I want other people to be encouraged to do as well. Stay true to yourself. Go your own way. If it feels light and liberating, it’s good.
Did you work that way when furnishing the apartment?
Intuitively, exactly. I follow my gut and collect things that inspire me and let everything come together organically. That always happens quite by impulse with me. It’s intuitively that a mood is created that speaks to me, similar with my jewelry designs. I love creating pieces that have a story and surprising details, but I never strictly plan things. It’s instead more of a journey where everything somehow finds its place.
