Pam Sweeney is the self-taught designer and owner of Pame’ Designs, a line of timeless necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, that are created from the highest quality of leather, silver and gold adorned with Tahitian pearls, marcasite and semi-precious stones. Pam grew up in New York City and was exposed to NYC street style at a young age. She now resides in Aspen, Colorado and credits the majestic mountain skyline as the inspiration for her designs.
We caught up with Pam to ask her about her design process and this is what she shared with us.
When did you first realize you were destined to work in jewelry design?
My background is in interior design, which I have been doing for the last 20 years. Last year I started to design jewelry and I really loved it. For me it was very similar to some of the tile work that I have done with interior designing. What I like about jewelry design is that it can take me to many unexpected places all over the world and I love that idea.
Where did you go to school?
University of Vermont
Any additional training?
I have been working in interior design for the last 20 years. I love tile work and it has really laid some ground rules for me in terms of my jewelry.
How did you learn to work with metals and semi-precious stones?
I actually taught myself. It feels instinctual.
Where did you intern?
I learned my aesthetic working in interior and home design for the last 20 years. I love mixing surprising elements together in my homes as well as with my jewelry.
Who do you credit for mentoring you?
Gustavo Jasso. He is a great friend and he helped build my house in Mexico. He is a true artist and I love his organic mix of elements as well as the playfulness that comes through in his work. I feel as though I tend to emulate this.
Where do you draw your inspiration and ideas from?
The inspiration comes from many places for me. Nature & architecture are exceptionally powerful for me. I like bringing those two very different elements together and making something wearable and different for people.
How did you choose the name for your label?
Pame Designs is what the local people in Mexico call me at my vacation home there.
What is your design aesthetic and who is your customer?
My jewelry has a lot of texture. It’s all about juxtaposition…A rough hewn ring set very dainty. A massive cuff with just a tiny bit of sparkle. I love surprising my customer with the materials I choose. My customer can be a lot of different things. She is looking for style that she can wear all the time. She can be a bit edgy but also a bit pretty. She isn’t scared to be a bit different.
I understand you have traveled extensively. What were some of your favorite places you visited?
I live in Aspen, Colorado so most of my travel is to coastal areas. I have a house in Mexico and I travel there every chance that I can.
Who/What is your muse?
Nature is my muse. When I am outside in a beautiful area I can think and be creative. Most of my creativity comes after I have been in the ocean for hours. Color combinations in nature are fascinating to me and they never get old.
How long did it take you to launch your line?
It took me a few months. I feel as though I am constantly creating my line. I always have new designs that are coming out that I have been working on. I love the design process. I find it very relaxing and exciting all at the same time.
What was your biggest hurdle in launching your line and how did you overcome it?
My biggest hurdle was, and still is, balancing work and life with a family. I know that this will always be something I am trying to keep in balance.
What magazines/blogs do you scour for inspiration?
I love fashion magazines like W, Vogue, Lucky, In Style etc..I love Tory Burch’s blog and Marlien Rentmeester’s new blog Le Catch. The web is such a great place for finding all different kinds of shoes, dresses, jewelry and bags. I can be inspired by the simplest of things…especially a new color. I will search high and low to try and replicate a fabulous color from an evening dress or a clutch.
What is the message you would like to convey through your designs?
I would love to convey that beautiful style can be simple. I don’t like complicated fashion or complicated jewelry. I want it to be easy to wear so that you wear it. Adding a piece of jewelry can really spruce up an outfit in an instant.
I read about your love for the ocean and how you give a portion of the proceeds from your sales to keeping rivers alive and well. How did this come about?
When I was growing up, I spent my summers in the Hamptons. Sometimes the beaches out there were closed due to dumpimg of trash in the ocean. When the ocean was taken away from me something resonated in me. I have always tried to do my part and help out in any way that I can. I donate to surfrider and waterkeeper alliance to try and help preserve our waterways and oceans. I am a surfer and I don’t want the ocean to ever be taken away.
Did you tune in to watch Project Accessory on Lifetime TV? If so, how accurate a portrayal is reality TV to the actual time and work it takes to design jewelry?
I think some things were portrayed accurately. For me designing can go either direction Sometimes it comes really easily and other designs I have to work hard for. If I wake up in the middle of the night with a design I usually get up and get my idea on paper. I love when I tackle the idea and get it just right.
What are you working on now?
Rings, rings and rings. I hope to have this new collection out by this fall. I love giant cocktail rings with big stones as well as dainty rings on chains.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I would love to spend more time traveling the world. I love architecture, and draw inspiration from European cities, especially Paris.
To learn more about Pam and purchase the line visit Pame’ Designs online.
