Passionate Summers

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

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!