Q & A with Jewelry Designer Andrea Fohrman

There are some moments where certain pieces of jewelry or a designer’s work can make you feel happy–like the kind of joyous happy, where you immediately put a smile on your face. That’s what happens to me every time I see jewelry from Andrea Fohrman. Her weather-inspired jewels bring me back to an innocent time, around 5th/6th grade, when all I ever watched was The Weather Channel and all I ever dreamed of was cumulus clouds and precipitation. I would turn on The Weather Channel on our big screen tv circa 1995, and press the mute button on the remote. I would then get in my weather reporter stance and dictate the forecast, motioning my arms eastward as if I was personifying the frontal system. This former self of mine can easily see how weather can be inspiring in so many ways and Andrea Fohrman brings every meteorologist’s fantasy!

I caught up with the busy designer to ask her a few questions:

I have this reoccurring theme of Weather & Sky that happens when I design.  My husband always catches me watching the weather channel and asks me why I didn’t become a meteorologist… I am currently working on a new weather design and the expansion of my rainbow collection.

I am also very excited about a secret collaboration with a very cool artist – I am sure it is not a shocker that this is also weather related!

It started with my Grandmother’s cocktail ring collection –Her collection of 1920’s – 1950’s Vintage Rings inspired me to capture that antique feel and somehow update it into a modern look.  Her daughter was born in October, the same month both my kids were born, which is why my first collection was mainly cocktail rings in all different kinds of opals.  I used to have to talk customers into buying opals and promise them it was not bad luck (if you know that superstition)– but now the Opal craze has taken over…

Formally, I have a BFA and went to school in Italy, working with local artisans in Florence and taking photography, sculpting, art history and drawing. Being there, in the most inspiring setting in the world captured my love of the arts and formed my taste and style forever.  Although I graduated and worked in the entertainment industry for some time, I always craved a more artistic outlet and began stringing jewelry and collecting vintage pieces that I reworked and used as pendants.  This turned into a line of fine jewelry the year my daughter was born.

Luckily, I have had quite a few proud moments in my jewelry career.  This process has been incredibly exciting and humbling, at the same time.  I have had moments that I am proud of from different aspects of the business.  One moment was about a year ago when Sarah Jessica Parker, herself, called me to borrow some earrings for an event.  I consider her to be a style icon–the risk taking and energy she brings with her style is incredible and something I admire.  After returning the borrowed pieces, I sent her a pair of earrings as a gift and she called to thank me just as I was picking up my son from school.  I still have her voicemail on my phone; she is one of the nicest most down the earth people and the way in which she complimented me on my line was something I will never forget!

Of course, I aspire to run a successful business, but I want it to be one that is constantly growing and changing—not stagnating. It is very important for me to remain authentic and true to myself. I want my children to watch their mother create, but at the same time be a businesswoman and respected for her craft.

The most special/favorite piece that I own is my engagement ring that I reworked five years ago, on our 10th anniversary.  The ring was beautiful, and very simple when my husband gave it to me, but I wanted to put my twist on it… See for yourself!