Blacdetroit magazine article about Rosemary Summers

 

Jan 20, 2012
09:27 AM

Passionate Summers

For local jewelry designer Rosemary Summers, her work is a labor of love

CHARLES ELLIS

Since the age of 16, Rosemary Summers has had an eye for design. While working as a special education teacher, she started her own business, Summers’ Signature Collection of Jewelry, in 1991. Now retired, Summers dedicates her time to creating showstopping, eye-catching earrings, necklaces and brooches.

How did Summers’ Signature Collection come about?

RS: While working on my master’s degree, I started designing art jewelry in 1991. I was teaching special education students how to create papier-mâché pins. The students’ pins were put on display and were a big success! The teachers and other staff were excited about purchasing them. This enthusiastic response opened up the opportunity to create Summers’ Signature Collection of Jewelry.

How would say your line defines itself?

RS: My line is defined as contemporary ethnic jewelry for extraordinary women and men.  It is big, bold, colorful and amazing—“feel good” jewelry. Most of my clients say, ”I am going shopping to buy me an outfit to wear with my jewelry!”

What does your line say about you and who you are?

RS: My line of jewelry says, “Here is a woman who believed in a dream and never gave up on the possibilities. The woman who designs these beautiful pieces is extremely creative, happy, loving and compassionate.  She shares some of who she is with the public through her tremendous gift of design and creativity and enjoys doing it.”

What are some of your biggest inspirations for your collection now?

RS: First Lady Michelle Obama. She started this administration wearing pins as her accessory of choice. Lately, I have not seen her wearing pins. So, I am inspired by the thought, “What would Mrs. Obama wear from my collection?” I would love to design a collection of brooches for our First Lady.

How do you feel your designing pushes you creatively?

RS: I like to experiment and I am constantly evolving and challenging my potential. All of my designs are original and one of a kind. Attention to detail and high quality are what drives me to create beautiful pieces. I sell to boutiques, specialty stores, gift shops and museums. I design jewelry by passionate inspiration. Each time I create a collection, it will always be distinctively different from the last collection.

How is your design process? Do you sketch and create blueprints, or do you simply create when you come across materials?

RS: I create in the moment. I do not sketch my ideas in advance. I like to sit down at my workstation and be inspired by the sparkle in the gem, or the hardness of the metal or the color of my palette.  I am also inspired by the music I play while I am designing my jewelry, such as jazz, blues, rock or folk.

How often do you introduce new pieces? Is it periodical or based on creation time?

RS: I will be introducing new pieces on my website MyFabPins.com weekly.  I will also have a showing of my spring collection and fall collection of jewelry at the beautiful Irresistible Boutique in Southfield.

Do you feel a need to compete with other lines or do you create from a place of passion?

RS: I create from pure passion, baby! No need to compete. I am just doing me. I like to sit at my workstation with a fertile mind so to speak and just let the creative juices take control.

Where would you like to see your pieces in 10 years?

RS: I would like to see my exclusive line of jewelry available online for purchase from women and men all over the world who wait patiently for the next collection.

Enter to win one of Summers' unique earring and necklace sets!

Reader Comments:
Old to new | New to old
JAN 25, 2012 10:42 PM
 POSTED BY  FABPINS

This is a wonderful article.

JAN 26, 2012 12:16 PM
 POSTED BY  EBONY'S DREAM

I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to witness the beginning of the Summers' Signature Collection. From the very beginning Rosemary Summers' pieces were avant garde and chic for the fashionista who wants to make a statement. Her jewelry is made from top quality crystals and other unusual items crafted together to make a truly unique presentation.

MAR 2, 2012 01:49 PM
 POSTED BY  FAHMEED

Fahmeed said...

Jewelry clasps are often looked over when shopping for jewelry. But, there are many different types of clasps, from fancy decorative clasps to a simple ribbon or stringing material that ties into a bow. Some are part of the design while others are simply the fixture that keeps the piece of jewelry on your body.

MAR 5, 2012 11:19 AM
 POSTED BY  IRRESISTIBLE BOUTIQUE

I’m really looking forward to the launch of your new jewelry line. Because your designs are so artsy, unique and well crafted, it will be our privilege and pleasure to showcase them to the world. Women seeking extraordinary wearable art will appreciate the ethnic inspired culturally rich collections especially since these creations are one-of-a kind.

Add your comment:
Back to blog

2 comments

Thanks so much Julia for that beautiful comment. I love the way you have designed your store. So inviting, beautiful and lots of one of a kind finds at affordable prices. Your ethnic line is simply gorgeous and your general line of clothing in simply contemporary fabulous. Thanks so much for carrying the Summers’ Signature Collection of Jewelry. I look forward to working with you on our Spring and Summer line of jewelry.

Rosemary Summers

I have carried your beautiful line for along time, nearly a year (before your retirement). I recall the first piece that you wore into my newly located boutique! Simply Desirable and Stunning! I Saw, appreciated and showcased it to my ethnic and contemportary artsy customer. I even had you design two pieces for my personal collection; and purchased a beautiful set from your collection, showcased at my boutique. My Customers and I wear your designs with unique pride. My wonderful customers are proud to state that they purchased a Summers Design from Ki & Julz. We look forward to viewing your new line of Jewelry and I wish you much success! Julz

Ki & Julz Boutique

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.