Barbara Heinrich finds inspiration in many forms of art, nature, architecture and music. There is no limit to what can trigger the creative flow for her. Making jewelry transforms the images and ideas in her mind into material form, bringing her inspirited designs to life as wearable pieces of art.
Barbara’s work is hand fabricated directly in her studio. Using mainly traditional goldsmith techniques and tools, she and her team of talented and professionally trained jewelers create pieces that display the unique multi-textured finishes in 18 karat gold that Barbara has become known and recognized for. She combines colorful precious stones with the soft nature of brushed gold to create pieces of jewelry that embody the union between classic and contemporary design.
She studied jewelry and hollowware design in Germany after completing a formal goldsmith apprenticeship. After completing her degree at Pforzheim College of Design, Barbara came to the United States and completed her Masters of Fine Art at Rochester Institute of Technology. She immediately opened Barbara Heinrich Studio and has been successfully operating her business for over 30 years.
Barbara Heinrich is president emeritus of the American Jewelry Design Council, is an active member of numerous professional jewelry organizations, and is considered a contemporary leader in the art jewelry industry. She is the recipient of various national and international awards, including 1st Place at the Couture Design Awards in both 2009 and 2019, the 2011 MJSA Vision Award for 1st Place in Gold Distinction, and both the 2011-2012 Fashion Award and the Luster Award from the International Pearl Design Competition given by the Cultured Pearl Association of America. Her work has been published in a wide array of international books and publications.