We’re loving this new bullet-based jewelry line and chat with designer Jessica Meyer
Unearthing the beauty in something meant for destruction is not an easy task. Yet Houston-based jewelry designer Jessica Meyer has created a line that symbolizes a transition from perilous to positive, triggered by the glittering casings found in her grandfather’s ammunition factory in Mexico. On a factory visit years ago, Jessica pondered whether the piles of bullets around her might be used for something other than weaponry. Captivated by their sleek, shimmery and seductive forms, Meyer asked if she might take some home with her for a creative endeavor, and, shortly thereafter, a small cache of several thousand powder-free blanks were produced for her use which has grown into the fledging line Bullet Girl.
And best of all, the pieces are dangerously sexy and yet retain a refreshing sense of fearless femininity. We were dying to know more so we went tête à tête with the Houston-based designer to find out more about the line, its intriguing beginnings, and its fascinating designer.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background. Did you study design or fine art in school?
A: I went to school for psychology and became certified as a Montessori teacher…but I come from a very artistic family, so doing something creative is definitely in my genes. My mother has been designing her own clothes for as long as I can remember -- and my grandmother, who lives in Mexico, was a big event planner.
Q: So, you're in Mexico at your grandfather's bullet factory and you ask to take some shells home.... Did everyone look at you like you were crazy?
A: Oh, you have no idea!!! My grandfather looked at me like I was absolutely insane - but once he saw the finished product he immediately got it.
357 Magnum Bracelet
Q: How did you think to take bullets from something specifically manufactured to deconstruct and make something (jewelry) who's purpose is to embellish and adorne?
A: If you look at a bullet, the lineage is actually really beautiful. Like the 357 MAG and .223 REM…they look like lipsticks! The very first thing I did was take a .223 bullet blank and put a peace sign in diamonds on it. From there, I started adorning different blanks with words that symbolize something positive– such as Love, Peace and Faith. I loved the idea of taking something that’s affiliated with hurt and destruction and turning it around to symbolize something beautiful, strong and powerful.
Q: What's your favorite part of the design process?
A: I never studied design, but have very clear ideas of what my pieces should look like. First I get inspired by the shape of the bullet -- and then I let my mind wander and create what the design should be. It’s a very organic process. For example, I had a handful of bullet caps spread across my desk…and something about the way they were placed made me think they would look beautiful as a flower. So the next day I made up a pendant (seen in the pearl choker - attached) in that shape – and it’s become one of the highlights in the collection.
Pearl Choker
Q: Do you encounter any criticism due to the reference of violence in your jewelry?
A: Absolutely. There’s always going to be that one person who refuses to wear the jewelry just because it’s a bullet. But most people see it as jewelry and have been very inspired by the message that it represents.
357 Magnum Ring
Q: What other designers (jewelry or otherwise) do you turn to for inspiration?
A: I love new and vintage designs from the classic designers, such as Bvlgari, Cartier, and Chopard.
Q: Do you have any style icons? How would you describe your own style?
A: My biggest style icon is my mother, hands down!! (Suzanna Stern – see attached photo of her with my father, Dr.Juan Stern). As for my own style, I always try to keep to what looks best on me – which sometimes might not be on trend, but I feel good in it. I mean…I love the look of flowey tops, but at the end of the day I’m a jeans and tight tank top girl.
Jessica's parents, Suzanna and Dr.Juan Stern
Q: Does your grandfather wear any of your jewelry? (Maybe the pinky rings?)
A: No…not yet! But my grandmother has a ton of pieces and she wears them all the time.
Q: Where can we purchase Bullet Girl?
A: We just launched the line so there are only a few stores around the country at this point who carry it, including Sloan Hall in Houston, Cathy B Jewels in Toronto, V.O.D. in Dallas and Boogies in Aspen. The line is also available at www.bulletgirl.com. The collection is priced from $160 - $1,750
A special thanks to Jessica and her team for supplying us with her own personal images as well as jewelry photography.
