Uli Rapp
Becoming a jeweler wasn’t something I always planned. When I started art school, I was mainly focused on screen printing, but as I experimented with different forms of design, I found myself drawn to creating smaller, more personal pieces. There was something incredibly satisfying about the intimacy and scale of jewelry—it felt like I could express so much in such a small, wearable form. Jewelry allowed me to explore the connection between the body and art in a way that larger objects never did.
My fascination with history, particularly 16th-century jewelry and lace, has also been a major influence. I’ve always been intrigued by how people use jewelry to express power, identity, and emotion, from the ornate pieces worn by royalty to the bold statement pieces we see today. My designs aim to be a ‘body extension,’ adapting to the person who wears them, moving with their body, and offering a form of expression that is dynamic and personal.
I find endless inspiration in the human body and how we adorn it. My pieces are more than just decorative; they’re about the feeling, the statement, and the way they help people express themselves in unique ways. It still amazes me that people from all over the world, from drag queens to bloggers, wear my work and make it their own.
