Tess Topf started her jewelry study early at the Bulova School of Watch Making. While there she also studied jewelry making.
After a year of working in the Manhattan jewelry trade she apprenticed
for three years as a goldsmith in
The Goldsmithing School of Manhattan.
Tess is known for her delicate and
detailed work.
"I make everything; rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, everything."
"I put a lot into my work, I want people to come back to me, I’ve had people I’ve known for 23 years who still call me to make jewelry for them, which is nice. I want a long-term relationship with my customers."
"I love doing custom pieces. I really enjoy putting someone’s imagination into a piece. It’s a challenge and I like that. I wouldn’t feel right if a piece went out and it wasn’t perfect."
Often clients will bring old damaged jewelry and ask that she combine stones and create a unique piece that they would then enjoy wearing.“We’ll sit down together and look at the stones, and I will sketch based on their thoughts. Tess and the client will then discuss her ideas.
“It’s easier to change things on paper than in the metal”.
Working in gold or platinum Tess will duplicate the final sketch adding stones, more likely provided by the customer but also through her resources.