Meet Sophie Zamel, the contemporary fine jewellery designer creating responsibly crafted pieces.
'Behind the Source’ shares the stories of Sourcewhere partners - those who find and source the best of present and past, and power the fashion sourcing network.
Known for her contemporary designs that draw on inspiration from nature, we sat down with fine jewellery designer Sophie Zamel for the launch of the White Glove Service - an immersive 1-1 sourcing experience with brands and designers. Having begun her journey in New York, Zamel created her namesake label in 2020. Her debut collection, Free-form, features an assortment of gemstones and diamonds sourced from various locations across the world, reflecting her values on ethically sourced materials.
A quest for creative expression as well as to design fine jewellery pieces that reflected my personal style.
To ignite a sense of excitement and inspiration by sharing some of the most extraordinary natural treasures the world has to offer. I was determined to forge a unique supply chain, collaborating with global partners who share our unwavering commitment to addressing social and environmental concerns.
Nature’s intricate details - its captivating shapes, patterns, and textures - serve as an endless well of inspiration for me. I look to archival fashion, and have a strong admiration for the work of Miuccia Prada, particularly from the year I was born, 1989.
I draw inspiration from the smallest details found in a vast array of stimuli that catch my attention. Just last week, I bought an old Denonvilliers catalogue, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of 19th-century French wrought iron and cast iron.
I place a great emphasis on the meticulous shaping of curves to create an overall composition that pleases the eye. I’m fascinated by how we, as humans, instinctively respond to form.
I’ve become increasingly attuned to studying and understanding the diverse needs of others, which has helped me develop a keener eye for recognizing patterns. I find myself embracing my intuitive responses and impulses, allowing my creative instincts to guide me through the design process.
I am continuously in search of artisanal gem miners who are committed to unearthing stones in an environmentally mindful manner. Recently, I connected with a group of professional divers operating along the Western Coast of South Africa, specializing in procuring melee and fancy-cut diamonds from the depths of the ocean.
"I’m fascinated by how we, as humans, instinctively respond to form."
I prioritize comfort and usually wear neutral or cooler tones. I like to upstage an outfit with great accessories, a beautiful flat from say The Row, and an encrusted jewel. I wear a lot of crisp, oversized shirts. I love the Parisienne label Cristaseya for their shirts.
I gravitate towards natural fabrics and pieces that are easy to travel with. Dry clean-only items are not my friend. I’m always on the lookout for a great print, hard to come by, but can really add magic to an outfit. I tend to pick up new pieces when I travel and turn to Sourecewhere for hard-to-find items.
When I travel, I always like to bring a couple of Pleats Please garments with me. They’re lightweight and can be worn straight out of the suitcase. Some of the pieces I’ve been wearing lately are items my mother picked up over 20 years ago.
I live in an open space, so I am always conscious of having too many objects around to attract my eye. My home is my refuge and I like the space to be visually quiet as much as possible. I collect slowly with time, keep most things stored away and bring one or two treasures out at a time to create different settings based on my mood and the season.
I am drawn to objects with a functional purpose. I have been slowly collecting silverware from German American furniture designer Tommi Parzinger. The item that never gets put away is my Sori Yanagi kettle which is put to constant use!
My process is guided more by intuition than intention. I love to hear stories behind the creators as well as the provenance of each piece.
Jewellery, of course! I don’t like to carry too much with me, so I’m usually without a bag. I opt for comfort so that I can freely navigate whatever city I’m in, whether I’m riding my bicycle, or venturing on foot. It’s jewellery that adds the final touch and always helps to polish an outfit.
I’m on the lookout for silk scarves. I have been looking into the healing properties of silk lately, and have my eye on some beautiful vintage Hermès options.
Silk is a remarkable insulator, and unlike other natural textiles is created from a long, unbroken thread. It is believed to safeguard one’s energy and maintain balance in the body.
"It’s jewellery that adds the final touch and always helps to polish an outfit."
One product you recommend from your collection, a tip and style recommendation.
The piece: Braid earrings from the Free-form collection.
The tip: They can be worn in a couple of different ways. Have a play!
Pairs well with: Honestly everything, that’s the beauty of fine jewellery. For classic elegance, pair with a crisp white shirt.
