Less is More: Modern Jewellery by Bepart

“I find beauty in minimal forms, graphic elements and modern simplicity,” says Petra Arbetova who translates clean lines and geometric shapes into delicate and contemporary jewellery. Born and raised in Piestany, small spa town in Slovakia, Petra founded her jewellery line in 2012 when she returned from her studies in Finland.

Arbetova, who has a background in design and goldsmith and Masters degree in jewellery design, works with traditional goldsmithing technique, using precious metals like a sterling silver and 14kt gold to achieve high quality. Her creations favor elegance over excess and resonate a special attention to details embracing the natural imperfections of hand work.

At a time when craftsmanship has lost much of its meaning, what distinguishes good from the great are exactly those details: thoughtful touches, exquisite materials and impeccable technique. Bepart takes the approach a step forward by upgrading organic forms into strong statements. The rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces are subtle yet powerful and enduring.

We talked to Petra about her style, design process and personal relationship with the jewellery.

Please share with us a bit about your background. Where did you grow up and where you live, how did you learn your craft?
I was born in small spa town in Slovakia, which is called Piestany. I was living a bit in Finland and in London, but now I am back in my hometown, where I have sattled my studio and I work from here. I love it here because the size of the town is perfect and I can get by my bike wherever I want to go. When I was 5 I started to attend local art classes. My first jewelry experience was when I was 12, I think. I was making these bijoux from beads. My main study in jewellery fields came from uni though.

What inspires you in design and in life in general?
I love minimalism and geometry. I adore scandinavian design and simple design with good concept. I agree with quote by Mies van der Rohe : “Less is more”.

What draw you to the jewellery design?
It maybe sounds ridiculous but my friend brought a pair of earrings from her vacation and I fell in love with them. I was a bit jealous and tried to make the same earrings by myself. I was drawing earlier than I learned to talk, but I find it especially satisfying to make 3D object by my hand, to create something. It is the best feeling to make something from nothing.

Why have you decided to start your own brand and a company?
Bepart started back in 2012 when I came back from exchange program in Finland. I guess it was the strongest impulse to start something own and pursue my real passion. My vision was clear – to one day make a living out of my passion.

How would you define your particular style or approach to design? What is unique for Bepart pieces?
Simple, dainty and minimal. I always try to play with geometric side of my jewelry and with more ways how to wear them. Usually there is an idea behind every piece.

What has influenced  your design style?
As I have already said I have always felt connected to the scandinavian design. When I have free time I find myself browsing pinterest even for few hours without the brake. My hero from all contemporary jewellery artists is Otto Künzli. I utterly adore his work! Visual part is quite simple, but the concept behind his jewellery is brilliant.

What is your process of making a collection?
First of all I find a main theme or inspiration for the collection. My design process always starts with sketches and playing with material. Every design is developing step by step. Sometimes I take idea or shape from a previous collection and reinterpret it.

Who wears Bepart jewellery?
Chic woman who loves to be original, knows the value of handmade jewellery and loves minimal design as much as I do.

I love minimalism and geometry and strongly agree with the quote by Mies van der Rohe : “Less is more”.

If you could choose one favourite item from the collection which one would it be & why?
Aston earrings – one of my favorites. They look completely different on a body.

What is your personal relationship with the jewellery? 
I do not wear jewellery anymore and a lot of people ask me why. They say I could be good walking advertisment for my own work and for free, but I do not have right answer why. We could apply an idiom here “The shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot”.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently working on a new collection. It would be awesome if I would be able to continue developing my label and maybe launch more products as well as my jewellery boxes. It would be genuinely wicked to start collaborating with more stores and see my pieces in some of my favorite ones.

Written by Sandra Gubenšek, photos by Bepart (photographers Patricia Kvasnovska and Andrea Zvadova).

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