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Zoltan David

Flower Fly Pendant

Hungarian Rhapsody Ring

Cognac Eternity Ring

Byzantine Suite earrings

Compass Star Pendant

SIR ZOLTAN DAVID DOES NOT JUST BELIEVE IN MAKING JEWELLERY, BUT IN CRAFTING PIECES OF INSPIRED ART WITH TECHNICAL MASTERY. THESE QUALITIES - PLUS A PATENT FOR HIS SIGNATURE PRECIOUS METAL INLAY - GRATIFIES EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING CONSUMERS WHO DEMAND EXCEPTIONAL JEWELLERY. ANGIE LOW FINDS OUT MORE.

Q: From Hungary to Canada to the US – you have lived and worked in these countries and was even conferred a knighthood by your native Hungary. How do all of these experiences contribute to your aesthetic and design sensibility?

A: Each area and culture has its own strengths and beauty; the visual and emotional experiences have been many and varied, and these experiences accumulate within me and are an influence in my creative process. The fountainhead of my art is within me and all experiences are part of that well.

One of the characteristics often used to describe the ornamentation I used in my work is “aristocratic”, and this has been influenced by the architectural details found in beautiful Budapest.

Q: You are currently based in Austin, Texas, which not many would think of as a design- and, jewellery-artisans hub, compared to vibrant New York, for example. So, why Texas? And has this influenced your designs in any way?

A: Though I could have settled anywhere, and I know New York well (and recognize it would certainly be a more advantageous base from which to launch a luxury brand), Austin also has a strong vibrancy, an intellectual, creative and independent power that is evident to even to those who but pass through this city.

Most importantly, Austin has a natural beauty everywhere you turn, with its beautiful oak trees, rolling hills and the rivers and lakes. Nature’s beauty sustains and rejuvenates my soul. Here, we live by a clear and clean lake, it is a visual paradise. This became more important to me than New York.

Did I mention my lovely sixth-generation Texan wife? She played a part in my choice of location as well.

OUR WORK IS ART,
NOT JUST A PRODUCT.

Q: ou started out in the jewellery industry at a young age and have been winning numerous awards and accolades since. How do you cope with the expectations and the pressures that come with every award?

A: The awards carry no pressure for me, and I regard them as gifts received with joyous gratitude. They are a welcome confirmation that I am on the right path.

The biggest pressure I have is the relentless pursuit of excellence, which does not allow me to let up on myself. I owe this to myself, to the gift I have been given and to my clients.

Q: How would you describe Zoltan David Precious Metal Art’s brand philosophy?

A: Originality, beauty, durability, wearability, and constant evolution – these qualities form the bedrock of my jewellery art. Each piece that I create must contain these qualities. The watch idea came very quickly. I think the line will be quite successful because it touches everybody.

ORIGINALITY, BEAUTY, DURABILITY, WEARABILITY, AND CONSTANT EVOLUTION – THESE QUALITIES FORM THE BEDROCK OF MY JEWELLERY ART.

Q: What do you consider as your most significant collection and why?

A: The Natus collection was the initial collection I designed to establish myself in the international jewellery arena in 1994. The collection garnered me two very significant design awards and I was the first designer in the history of the New York jewellery shows to have ever received both prestigious awards in a year. The recognition has helped greatly in the launching our brand.

Q: You have a patent for your signature technique of precious-metal ornamentation. What inspired you to it?

A: I am also a goldsmith. I was working on a new piece of jewellery one evening and had an idea, a “What if?” moment. After I executed the idea, I knew I had created something new…and beautiful.

Q: Describe the journey that a piece of jewellery undergoes from your atelier to retail – from design and craftsmanship through to realisation.

A: Our designs are either brand new concepts or derivatives of one of our existing designs. Derivative creations are mostly understood, but considerable research and development is required when working on a brand new concept.

For the last two years, I have been working on a new collection which I believe will be revolutionary. Our work is art, not just a product, and so demands more time and attention to detail. Some pieces can be created in a few hours, most take days, some take weeks and a few take months to complete. Before anything goes out of my studio I must be happy with it.

Some design concepts require the sourcing of suitable gems, while some gems require the creation of the right design. Most importantly, each client has their own story to tell when it comes to their jewellery. Each piece of bespoke jewellery design is a journey of inspiration and discovery.

Q: We may be into a new year now, but the economic doldrums have not been completely shaken off yet. Can you share some of the strategies you adopted during the challenging period experienced by the luxury industry?

A: I believe it is time to get real. While fashion trends will always have their place, clients are looking for something unique that has a personal meaning, a luxury that carries individuality. Innovation and sensitivity to the consumer is the winning formula. And of course, it must be inspirational as discerning consumers will only be willing to make purchases if they see real value.

Being told to wear such and such just because somebody else is doing so just does not cut it anymore.

Q: If there was one thing you could change or influence in the jewellery industry, what would that be?

A: To disengage the marketing link created between costume jewellery and luxury items. The greatest strength of jewellery lies in its uniqueness – jewellery is a treasure and it has been prostituted into a product.

Q: What are some of the exciting collections we can look forward to from Zoltan David Precious Metal Art? Any plans for Asia?

A: My latest collection Knight Dreams will soon be ready for launch. I will be in Hong Kong next year for a jewellery event. I love Hong Kong and I can’t wait to return.

SKIN DEEP

How did you earn your first dollar?

When I was a child in Hungary, we would visit our relatives during Easter. It was my job to recite a poem and sprinkle the Lady of the house with perfume, for this I would get paid...great gig!

What has been your most extravagant purchase so far?

I bought a power boat a few years ago.

What do you do to unwind/relax?

I practice martial arts.

What can you not live without?

My freedom

Who are your favourite artists?

This list is somewhat long because it contains not only the obvious, like Da Vinci, but musicians, a few jewellery designers,a few authors, thespians and poets.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My wife Patti and my son Zoltan David III.

Whom will you give a fortune to meet?

The person who can double my fortune.

What three words best describe your personality?

Honest, creative and independent.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who left the world better than he found it.