Like Jewelry Designer Father, Like Daughter
Picure credit: @Jose Balli Jewelry
A father-daughter jewelry legacy in New Orleans
Family means so much in the jewelry industry. Whether a jewelry store is a multigenerational operation or your most treasured piece is a family heirloom, emotional layers are everywhere. Of the hundreds of jewelers we know, there are many family-run shops but rarely do we stumble across a father-daughter duo designing alongside each other.
Meet Jose Balli, the designer and craftsman behind the New Orleans-based Jose Balli Jewelry. And meet his daughter, Sarah, who is designing her own line as her father’s apprentice in their local studio. They’re both inspired by the south, apparent in their designs celebrating Louisiana’s natural, architectural, and iconic beauty, with Sarah catering to a younger crowd.
Dedicated to all the wise, talented, loving fathers out there, here’s an interview with both Jose and Sarah that gives you a glimpse into their special working relationship.
Jose Balli
Your daughter in three words:
Beautiful. Talented. Kind.
How has it been working with Sarah as a fellow jewelry designer?
I love it. My favorite part is when we’re carving side by side—working, listening to music, chatting. I’m just as excited as she is when Sarah finishes a new piece of jewelry. As a parent, you want not only to see your kids succeed, you want to see them love what they do and surpass what you’ve achieved.
Did you have a hunch Sarah would become a jewelry designer?
If not a jewelry designer, I knew Sarah would be involved in the arts since she was a toddler. When she was young, I’d often draw Barney, the purple dinosaur, for her. Each time Sarah would have her nose pressed against the pencil, studying the lines as I drew.
What was the first skill you felt Sarah should learn to make jewelry?
The first most important skill was wax carving. My first instruction to Sarah when she sat next to me in our studio was not to be intimidated, that wax is such a forgiving medium. If you over-carve or the wax breaks, you can easily repair it.
What’s some sage advice you’ve given Sarah about her career path?
Design from your heart. Even if the new design never makes it to the showroom cases, nothing goes to waste because ideas feed off themselves. Also, to be creative, you have to keep your eyes open. Inspiration can come from walking a trail, shopping in a mall, or just watching TV. New designs are out there if you’re looking for them.
What has Sarah taught you about jewelry design?
Sarah has taught me the craft through a fresh set of young eyes and patience when making changes. I've been wax carving since the '80s, so it's second nature for me to sit and create a new design without thinking about the process. It's totally different to sit next to Sarah and explain how to carve. The time we spend working together is precious to me.
Sarah Balli
Your father in three words:
Generous. Easygoing. Creative.
How has it been working with your dad as a fellow jewelry designer?
It's been wonderful. Since I was young, my dad has encouraged my creativity, so to be at a place in life where I'm designing my line of jewelry alongside him has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I love being able to carry on his legacy in a new way.
My dad is a humorous, laidback guy so it’s always a fun time whenever we’re in the studio together. He loves what he does and to be around that kind of passion as a young designer is very inspiring. Plus, he’s a master of his craft, and that means I always learn something new when I’m sitting next to him.
Have you always been interested in jewelry design?
I’ve always been interested in designing. I have piles of old sketchbooks from high school and college full of wedding dresses, theatrical costumes, logo designs, you name it. But it wasn’t until last year that I considered designing jewelry. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What's your inspiration?
Much like my dad, my inspiration comes from the unique culture and landscape of New Orleans. There's just no other city like it. Growing up, I watched my dad always find inspiration wherever we went, which made a lasting impression on me.
What's the best advice your dad gave you when you started working with him?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. He always tells me that wax is a forgiving medium, so there’s no problem we can’t fix.
Wordsmith: Samantha Durbin
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