Part 1 of 5: The Sketching Table - Where Jewelry and Crafts Begin
The art of craftmanship part 1.
Creating jewelry is a craft that combines tradition and innovation. Behind every detail lies meticulous work where form, feel and function are woven together into a whole. At ABCM, work on a new collection starts at the sketching table in the studio. This is where the first ideas for our jewelry are born and creativity meets precision.
In her studio, Malin Carrick, our founder and designer, sits concentrated with pen in hand. Every line, every curve and every shape is drawn by hand with care and a sense of detail and the unique history of the piece. Jewelry from ABCM is more than just an accessory – it is part of the wearer’s identity, a story brought to life through craftsmanship.
But why is the sketchboard so crucial in our design process? And what makes ABCM unique as a brand? In this article, we take you behind the scenes and show you how our jewelry goes from a simple sketched idea on paper to a timeless treasure to wear with pride.
The sketchboard – the place where the soul of the jewelry takes shape
It is at the drawing board that the unique story of the jewelry is formed. This is where the foundation for a new ABCM collection is laid. In a time when many jewelry pieces are designed to quickly follow trends, we want ABCM jewelry to stand for slow fashion, timelessness, sustainability and solid craftsmanship.
For Malin, a sketch is more than just a few lines on a piece of paper – that is the starting point for our design philosophy. Through balanced proportions, beautiful shapes and tailored details, each piece of jewellery becomes beautiful, timeless and durable over time. Malin’s and our belief is that “less is more” – sophisticated jewellery is carefully thought out in its simplicity, every line has a function and every choice of material is chosen with care.
Inspiration and design language – Every piece of jewelry has a story
Behind every ABCM design is a thought. Inspiration can come from nature's soft, organic forms or from architecture, where sharp lines and geometric patterns create a modern elegance.
Malin cherishes the goldsmith's craft and is inspired by historical jewelry traditions and wants to combine this with contemporary design. A pair of earrings may have their basis in a classic design but are presented at ABCM in an updated, minimalist form.
Testing ideas at the drawing board is also about understanding how the piece of jewelry will be worn. How does it feel against the skin? How does the light reflect off a particular stone? Does the piece complement the wearer's personal style? These are questions that are central to the design process and ensure that each piece of jewelry feels as good as it looks.
Craftsmanship and sustainability – A natural part of design
At ABCM, sustainability is a natural part of the creation process, right from the first sketch. We work with recycled silver and gold, conflict-free diamonds and ethically sourced gemstones, and our goal is to create jewelry that lasts and is loved across generations.
The drawing board plays an important role when creating collections. By carefully planning every detail from the start, we reduce material waste, ensure that the jewelry is functionally sustainable, and ensure that production takes place with the greatest possible respect for craftsmanship, the environment, and people.
In a world where fast fashion production often leads to overconsumption, ABCM stands for something different: slow jewelry – a philosophy where each piece of jewelry gets the time and care it deserves.
Want to see how our sketches turn into finished jewelry? Join us behind the scenes! In the next part of our series, we take you into the studio, where our sketches turn into physical jewelry through genuine craftsmanship and expertise.
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