Amra Savel: My Journey into the World of Jewelry
I was born in Bosnia, and in 1992, my family and I became refugees, finding a new home in Vienna, Austria. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to art in its many forms. The idea of working with art, learning about it, and eventually studying it seemed like a dream, but unfortunately, I never had the chance to follow that path at first.
Instead, life led me to study dental technology. After completing my apprenticeship and passing my exams, I found myself at a crossroads. It was a long phase of self-discovery, filled with moments of uncertainty as I navigated life’s responsibilities. The security of a traditional job was appealing, especially with young children to care for, but it wasn't where my heart truly lay.
Eventually, at the age of 40, I finally gathered the courage to listen to my heart and make a life-changing decision: to step away from the stability of an office job and dive into the world of art, specifically jewelry design. This decision was inspired by a deep-seated passion I had discovered earlier in my career as a dental technician—the fascinating art of creating intricate pieces of jewelry.
Looking back, I can confidently say that it was the best decision I ever made. Leaving behind the comfort of a steady office job for the unknown world of creativity was both exhilarating and terrifying. But life is too short to regret not following your heart. The thought of lying on my deathbed someday, wishing I had at least tried to pursue what I loved, was simply too much to bear.
What excites me most about jewelry design is the endless possibilities it offers. In the world of jewelry, one is not confined to a single material or a limited selection. The freedom to experiment with a wide variety of materials—whether metals, stones, plastics, or other unexpected elements—brings an incredible sense of creativity and variety to each piece. This versatility allows for the creation of truly unique and personal pieces.
However, if I had to choose where my heart truly lies in jewelry making, it would be with large, bold rings adorned with small, intricate details and pops of color, often in the form of stones or unique plastic materials from my dental technology background. These rings not only capture my fascination with detail but also represent my journey—bold decisions, small personal touches, and an infusion of everything I’ve learned and loved along the way.
Starting this journey at 40 has been a reminder that it's never too late to pursue what makes you feel alive. Creativity knows no age, and following your passion is always the right choice, no matter how daunting the road may seem.
So here I am, pouring my heart and soul into each piece of jewelry I create, constantly learning and evolving. I can only hope that my journey inspires others to trust their own path, embrace their passions, and never let fear hold them back from pursuing their dreams.
