Most of you have read my raves about Pittsburgh DJ Jeremy Ganss, but one thing I haven’t noted is that his wife, Heather, is equally talented. Instead of producing incredible wedding reception music, she creates beautiful and stylish jewelry. So, today I’d like to highlight her wonderful skill and gorgeous work. Introducing Heather Ganss of HDW Designs.
I met up with Heather and Jeremy last week to photograph some of her pieces. I also asked her to share a little more about herself and her work. By the way, the proper term for what she does is “goldsmithing,” how cool is that?
1. How did you get started in goldsmithing? Did you always know you wanted to work in a creative field?
“I’ve always had an interest in art, my aunt is an artist and we always made stuff together when I was young. I guess I got into goldsmithing when a friend in college showed me some really cool rings he had made in metalsmith class, I thought “I want to do that!”‘
2. What do you love most about what you do?
“The process, goldsmithing is very methodical and requires perfection. An example of this is of German goldsmiths who must practice filing metal for three years before they can move on to the next skill. I love the act of cutting, filing, forming & sanding a piece to perfection.”
Heather has the most amazingly beautiful blue eyes…
3. How would you describe the style of your work?
“Simple, feminine, delicate looking, pretty”
4. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
“Generally I am inspired by the materials I am using; most stones have a pattern or shape that usually “speaks” to me. I also get a lot of inspiration from nature.”
5. What kinds of materials do you usually work with? Can you take special requests?
“Mostly I work with natural gemstones- I LOVE Freshwater Pearls. Most of my designs are made with argentium silver (a new alloy made with the same silver content as sterling 95% with 5% germanium which is far more resistant to tarnish, instead of 5% copper). I also work with 14k gold and 14k gold-filled (unlike gold plated, it has a thick layer of gold over a brass core, it wears like 14k but is about the same price as silver). Special requests are always welcome!”
6. What makes your work different from that typically found in large jewelry stores?
“Biggest difference would be most of my pieces are either one of a kind or very limited production. I also like to use gemstones that are not commonly found in commercial jewelry stores or different cuts & colors of stones that are. And I like my pieces to have a hand made look- visible hammer marks, wire wraps- techniques you don’t see in pieces that were made from a mold & cast by the thousands.”
7. When you’re not creating beautiful pieces in your workshop, what are you doing?
“Well, I am very involved in my family’s business. We have 9 greenhouses & start all of our plants from seed. Spring can be a pretty busy season for me but I love working with the flowers. I also spend a lot of time going to meetings with my husband, Wedding dj/Events Coordinator Jeremy Ganss. I love talking with brides about their weddings & sharing ideas for their receptions! When I’m not working I love to bake & cook, and I think I have a slight addiction to home renovation.”
8. Do you have a fantasy creation–something you’ve always dreamed about making but just haven’t yet?
“Yes, Mokume gane. It is similar to the process used to make Damascus steel, you layer different colors of metals (golds or mixed metals) fuse them together, compress them, twist them, hammer or stamp patterns into it, a VERY labor intensive process. The result is a stunning affect that can look like wood grain or rippling water drops in the metal.”
9. I’m a bride interested in custom designed jewelry for myself and my bridesmaids, where do I start?
“Custom bridal jewelry is my specialty! I love to take inspiration from the style of or beading on a wedding dress & create a perfect compliment to it with jewelry. A custom piece of jewelry is the perfect bridesmaid gift, whether it be color matched to you day- tied in to your wedding theme- or made specific to your friends personalities. I also have a lot of designs for mothers of the bride & groom.”
10. If you weren’t a goldsmith, what would you be?
“A baker- I have a need to create things that other people can enjoy.”
11. What is one thing you absolutely can’t live without?
“It might sound cheesy, but my husband.”
12. Any other things that brides should know?
“I have a helpful tip for newly weds on tropical honeymoons- DO NOT wear your wedding bands into the ocean snorkeling or diving- so many are lost this way because your hands contract from the cold water and they fall off unnoticed.”
If you’re a bride looking for the perfect pieces for yourself and your bridesmaids, I definitely recommend checking out Heather’s work at HDW Designs. And if you’re not a bride, I still recommend checking out her work for great, custom gift ideas.
Also, I’ve created a page devoted to my favorite vendors in Pittsburgh. Be sure to check it out as you plan your wedding.
by mary