Artist Interview: Spiritual Jewellery Designer, Donna Sparano

Today I’m talking with Donna Sparano of Lauria Jewellery. I had the pleasure of meeting Donna with her wonderful mother one day while having coffee with my friend Karen. It was a very fortunate discovery that happened purely by accident. Sometimes the most fabulous moments are when universal forces bring people together.

Thank you for allowing me to interview you today, Donna. 🙂

Hi Vacen, thank you for speaking with me.

Donna, would you tell me a little about how you came to be designing jewellery?

I’ve always loved to draw even as a child. I studied Art as one of my major subjects throughout my school years and was very passionate about learning it. I discovered at an early age that I was different from other children as I had a gift. I felt awkward and kept my secret to myself. At the age of 7 I began to express myself through my drawings spiritually. I almost always drew angels.

I have always followed fashion and jewellery, especially the high-end designers, and admire their creativity and ability to express themselves. I guess I had all these ideas and visions in my head and decided to put my gift and drawings into creating a jewellery collection of my own.

Tell me a little about Lauria Jewellery and the philosophy behind your creations?

Lauria Jewellery is elegant, unique and high quality jewellery. However, it has meaning behind it. It has been designed to remind us of our faith. To help us restore it, regain positive energy, and help us conquer our battles in whatever life throws at us. The coin I have designed with Archangel Michael is to remind its wearer that they are safe and protected. That they are strong and can defeat their demons. It is a reminder to believe in yourself as a person.

After many years of working in fashion retail I know just how important accessories can be in the fashion industry. Tell me where you would like to see your jewellery placed in today’s fabulous fashion arena?

Ideally, I would like to see Lauria Jewellery as both a national and international success. Just knowing that people are wearing it, enjoying its beauty and believing in its concept and what it projects would be amazing.

Like all designers I too have big dreams and a passion. I suppose the rest is in God’s hands.

Some jewellery designers like to make their jewellery in collections and also tell a story. Do you take this approach when designing a collection?

My jewellery reflects me as a person. My experiences in life, who I am. I think that my collection, and would say the next collection to come in the future, is all about the person who wears it. It is a reminder of who you are and how you got there. A reminder of strength that each of us have within.

I often hear jewellery designers describe their designs as bold, glamorous or wearable. If you could only use three words to describe the essence of your jewellery what would they be?

 CLASSIC, INSPIRATIONAL, STRONG.

What influences your work and your creative process?

Many things. Being spiritually gifted has allowed me to meet so many wonderful and compassionate people along my journey in life. Those people have allowed me to grow with them and in turn help me to grow.

I would say working with angels most of my life and having them guide me have definitely influenced my concept in seeing what they have done for me as well as others. That is an inspiration of its own.

My parents have also been a huge influence in my creative process. As well as the support of my husband and 3 sons. They have always supported and believed in me. I have been very blessed. My Father, who recently passed away was probably my biggest inspiration. He told me to never be afraid of who I am and to let the world see me as me and not anybody else.

Can you explain the process of creating one of your elegant pieces for readers to help them understand the time and work that goes into your wonderful creations?

The process of creating a piece is a wonderful and invigorating experience. I try to design each piece with patience and attention to detail. I make them in my mind and on paper with the intention that they will be memorable and classic. A piece of jewellery that will not date. Something that will make a statement.

It all begins with pencil and paper. I am old fashioned like that. Then onto modern technology. Which I thank God for. Before I create the moulds I go through the design with a very anal attitude. It has to be perfect.

So, to summarize, to create a piece of Lauria Jewellery, it takes me a long time. But I love it.

If readers are thinking about buying a new piece of jewellery tell them why yours stands out and why they should own one of your creations?

I am an Australian designer who is just like most women in Australia, and the world for that matter. I am a mother and a wife and I work. What makes me stand out I think is the concept behind the pieces. What it represents, love, protection, energy and strength. How it can help others to think and feel more positive. Also, that the jewellery looks elegant and is unique. The Archangel Michael coin especially. It is original and it is Lauria Jewellery.

Do you have a quote that you live by?

Yes. “No matter what life throws at you, take the Devil by the horn and conquer your battles. Believe in your strengths and believe in yourself.”

Is there any big WOW that you would like to share with us?

The biggest WOW for me is being featured as a full page feature advertisement in the November 2013 issues of Marie Claire and In Style magazines. And may I add that Lauria Jewellery will also be featured in both magazines for the December issues 2013. It is surreal. To see Lauria Jewellery in a magazine with designers I have admired and been inspired by was like an out of body experience for me. LOL.

It made me even more aware that through so much pain and sorrow that I have been through in my life because of the loss of my father and my sister, that there really is a beautiful bright light at the end of the darkness. I hope that everyone can see that light some day.

That is what Lauria Jewellery is all about.

The importance of DIABETES awareness and support.

Lauria Jewellery is a proud sponsor of Diabetes Australia. 10% of each piece sold on line goes toward helping find the cure.

I have chosen diabetes as my charity because it is a cause that is very dear to my heart. My Father Tony Lauria was diagnosed with it at 45. I watched this wonderful, strong man deteriorate to this silent killer and at just age 59 sadly he lost his battle. 3.2 million people have been diagnosed with this disease in Australia. For every person diagnosed it is estimated that there is another who is not yet diagnosed.

I would like to be part of the crusade to help find the cure. I hope that more will join me.

Thank you Donna. What a magical and inspirational meeting this has been. Love and best wishes to you and your gorgeous family.

Thank you Vacen. God Bless.

You can find Donna’s fabulous jewellery collection on her website here. 

 If you would like more information about diabetes please visit Diabetes Australia here