The Journey …
AND WHAT A LONG, GREAT TRIP IT HAS BEEN!
Susan Helmich
Born in Los Angeles in 1951, Susan’s journey and career path began in 1970 while studying fine art and metalsmithing at Cerritos College in Southern California. While simultaneously attending college, she worked at the Compton Rock Shop in Compton, California. There, she was conducting retail sales in lapidary equipment, precious metals, tools, rough and cut gems, casting and repairs. In 1974, Susan was offered the opportunity to study under the private tutelage of Master Clemente Urrutia. The following eight years offered Susan formal training in gold fabrication, tool making, gemstone and diamond setting.
Moving to Colorado in 1980, Susan partnered in the inception of Kostbar International, a wholesale gem importing and jewelry design business. Susan’s avant-garde designs and extraordinary quality of craftsmanship began to attract national attention and in 1989 Susan was invited to exhibit at the JA “New Designer” Pavilion in New York City. That same year, Susan was a guest exhibitor at the Los Angeles Jewelry Show in Beverly Hills. The summer of 1989 unveiled “Susan Helmich” to the U.S. and International jewelry trade. Susan’s career was officially launched, with her name defining a new movement in creative and artistic design within the industry.
Of the many awards and accolades that were to come after 1989, some are particularly special to Susan. Voted “American Designer of the Year” in 1991 by Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America (MJSA) which sent her to the prestigious Macef Jewelry fair in Milan, Italy. There, her designs were honored for their “vision” and “high-quality execution”. In 1992, Susan was an honored as a guest exhibitor at the Munsteiner Atelier in Stipshausen, Germany. 1993 brought her the “Design Excellence Award” by the prestigious WJA. Voted “Top 100 Designers of the Past 30 Years” by National Jeweler (2006), Susan also served as President of the American Jewelry Design Council (2000-2003).
In 2015, the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution acquired Helmich’s brooch/pendant “Midnight Dreamscape” which has served as one of her proudest moments. Helmich has since been honored with AGTA Spectrum Awards consecutively 2017 - 2018 in both Objet d’art and Evening Wear categories. Helmich is proud to be amongst the recognized artists working in association with “Somewhere in the Rainbow”, a philanthropic and educational organization dedicated to the expansion and awareness of fine gems and jewelry design throughout the world.
As with life itself, Susan’s work is constantly evolving. She sees herself as a “dimensional translator” and while she continues to create her hallmark one-of-a-kind designs to the private sector remaining dedicated to the personalization of jewelry design. Her designs also include theme-inspired limited edition collections. Much of the work tends to be non-gender and consequently offers a universal appeal. Susan is currently selling throughout the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
True to her beginnings as a painter, Susan is still an artist at heart. Inspired by music, life forms and natural elements, she employs a rich palette of precious metals, ancient coins, pearls, diamonds and creatively cut gemstones to convey her message: “A timeless design does more than simply reflect the union of organic elements and an artist’s vision. It transcends them.”Celebrating her 45th year on this journey, Susan believes that her designs and workmanship must offer more than an intrinsic value. Her intention is to create timeless creations that translate a personalized aesthetic for the wearer.
On a personal note, Susan is the Mother of an amazing son, Joshua Stephen, and a beautiful daughter, Whitney Alexandra. Currently, Susan resides in the Colorado Springs area. Josh lives in Scottsdale with his wife Keylee and their daughter, Presley Steven. As the owners of Helmich Luxury Group, they conduct private sales of luxury Fine Jewelry to the most discerning clients. Josh also consults globally within the industry. Whitney lives in New York City where she is a product and photo stylist. As an entrepreneur, she is in collaboration with Chance Athletics, creating basketball products.
Accolades along the way
