Monday, January 16, 2012

5 Minutes With...

Robert Procop

Robert Procop’s passion for gemstones and fine jewelry knows no bounds. He translates classic stones into modern settings that are able to stand the test of time.

A Procop piece is an heirloom piece to pass down to following generations. Procop’s recent collaboration with Angelina Jolie has resulted in a rich, covetable collection called “Style of Jolie”. Proceeds from the collection will go to benefit the nonprofit organization, Education Partnership for Children of Conflict. Procop shares with us his career origins, favorite pastimes, and Jolie’s special inspiration that helped him design this stunning collection.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE WORLD OF JEWELRY DESIGN?

From a young age, I had a fascination with jewelry and particularly with colored gemstones – friends and family would marvel at my ability to see a myriad of colors in a single-colored stone. Aged sixteen, I got a part-time job in a jewelry loan store and from there started to build my own collection of precious gemstones – trading diamonds to pay my way through college! To many, it would seem inevitable that I would end up working in the jewelry industry, and it was a logical progression to move into jewelry design where I could showcase the gemstones as works of art, almost. I feel immensely lucky to be able to work in an industry which I love and I never take a moment of my work here for granted.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

It may sound clichéd, but for me the greatest inspiration is often the gemstones themselves. They are works of immense natural beauty, millions of years in the making, and it is a privilege for any jeweler to handle them and ensure that their rare beauty is showcased. In creating these jewelry masterpieces, we are creating a legacy for these gemstones and it is essential that they are handled with the utmost respect and sensibility.

YOUR NEW COLLABORATION IS WITH ANGELINA JOLIE, CALLED THE “STYLE OF JOLIE.” WHAT IS IT ABOUT ANGELINA JOLIE THAT SPARKS THE CREATIVE PROCESS FOR YOU? WOULD YOU CALL HER YOUR MUSE?

It is unusual for someone not trained in jewelry design to be able to engage so wholeheartedly with the creative process. Angelina was passionate about communicating her style in the collection and meticulously researched the different elements to the creative design process, working closely with me to identify the most appropriate gemstones to reflect her intentions. To describe Angelina as my muse would be to belittle her wider involvement in the creation of the Style of Jolie. More accurate would be to describe her as my design partner – her passion is inspiring and it was my pleasure to help her to realize the jewelry masterpieces that comprise the collection.

THERE IS A PHILANTHROPIC ASPECT TO THIS COLLECTION. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?

Angelina’s philanthropy knows no bounds and it was always her intention that these objects of immense beauty be used to bring benefit to children in need around the world. To that end, she and I have agreed that our proceeds from the Style of Jolie collection be donated to her charitable foundation, The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict. I’m delighted to say that despite the fact that the collection is still in its infancy, we have already raised enough money to build a school in Afghanistan, with several other exciting projects in the pipeline. To work with someone with such a big heart, who always puts the needs of others first and who has made a lifelong commitment to helping children in need around the world, is a humbling experience. I’ve been able to learn so much from her as we’ve progressed this collaboration.

WHAT TYPE OF WOMAN WOULD BUY PIECES FROM THE STYLE OF JOLIE COLLECTION? WHAT TYPE OF WOMAN DO YOU HAVE IN MIND WHEN YOU DESIGN JEWELRY?

Put simply, the Style of Jolie is the epitome of Angelina’s style. The collection has been designed for women who share the same stylistic ideals as Angelina. I design for women who have an appreciation not only of the finished piece of jewelry, but of all that combines to makes it so special – from the gemstone themselves to the provenance of the classic designs such as the Tablet setting, which harks back to the dawn of time.

ANGELINA JOLIE’S BEAUTY IS TIMELESS. THE COLLECTION YOU HAVE CREATED LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR ANY ERA. WAS THIS INTENTIONAL?

The intention of the Style of Jolie collection was to channel Angelina’s distinct style. As it happens, her timeless beauty is matched by an equally classic, very feminine style which is epitomized by her love of monochromatic, block color. The vibrancy of the gemstones that we sourced to use in this collection means that they require no adornment, just the warm embrace of the rose gold setting.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF COLLABORATING WITH ANGELINA JOLIE?

It is an absolute privilege for me to have been able to collaborate with Angelina Jolie on this collection. She is a truly remarkable woman – inherently creative, and with a great eye for design. Helping her to realize this collection has been a remarkable experience. Angelina’s philanthropy is inspiring and it is an honor for me to know that the proceeds from our Style of Jolie collection will be able to bring so much hope to the lives of disadvantaged children the world over.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?

The year 2012 promises to be a busy one for the Style of Jolie collection, and for me personally. I’ll be taking some pieces from the Style of Jolie collection to China for exclusive exhibition to VIP clients of the prestigious Golden Eagle Department Stores in Shanghai and Beijing. I will also be launching other collections at Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels – most notably The Parisian, The Queen of Diamonds, and American Glamour – and completing the research for the latest edition of Famous Diamonds – a chronicle of the world’s most remarkable diamonds – of which I am Editor-in-Chief and which is published in October 2012.

interviewd by CAROLINE SEIF|written by GRACE GORDON