There is not much we can say about jewelry legend Angela Cummings that hasn't already been said. If you didn't know, this is a woman whose name ranks among greats like Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger, and Elsa Peretti – owing to a over decade spent with Tiffany & Co. (until 1984) creating pieces for the iconic American brand. Born in Austria but raised in the United States, Cummings headed back to Europe to study at the Art Academy in Perugia, Italy, and in 1967 earned degrees in goldsmithing and gemology from Zeichenakademie in Hanau, West Germany. Although she retired in 2003, she couldn't resist the allure of South Sea pearls, and in 2013 joined forces with Assael to design a capsule collection of very special pieces that manage to both highlight the pearl but not overwhelm it. We're honored that Cummings is here on FFR. Look Mom, we made it!
“Throughout my career I have been inspired by the sea, flora and both exotic and everyday wildlife.”
What’s your idea of ultimate luxury?
Something that is so rare, unique + beautiful that it would have to be discovered…but probably could never be found!
The gemstone you are currently lusting after is…
Having worked with so many beautiful gems throughout my career, I’m not really lusting, but I always love seeing rare gems of every sort.
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Dinner with Mallord Turner (J.M.W. Turner English landscape artist) would be wonderful. He could tell me what inspired his great paintings such as Fishermen At Sea.
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another CFDA member, what would it be?
There is so much beautiful jewelry by all of my fellow CFDA Designers…but I’d love a John Brevard leather and metal bracelet for my son, Bruce.
Where's the last place you visited that inspired your creativity? Give us some details!
My last trip to Alaska! It was so wild, untouched, huge and beautiful that I cannot wait to see it all again…it's definitely inspired my painting!
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why?
It would be wonderful to be at the FIT Future of Fashion Show to have a crystal ball and see what passion and creativity the next wave of new designers envisions!
If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be?
A perfect person and an inspired painter.
Be honest – who is your celebrity crush?
Sir Derek Jacobi because I just marvel at the magic of British charm…
What’s your spirit animal and explain why.
Throughout my career I have been inspired by the sea, flora and both exotic and everyday wildlife. This makes it impossible for me to say that one from any of the categories is my ‘spirit animal’.
What does it mean to you to be a member of CFDA?
It means a true connection to a group of fellow supportive professionals, who foster excellence in both design and industry practices, as well as becoming dear friends.