In adherence with classic, German traditions, Barbara studied as a jeweler’s apprentice for three years before earning a degree in jewelry and holloware design at Pforzheim College of Design. Following her graduation in 1983, she received a Rotary scholarship, which allowed her to travel to the United States and complete her Masters in Fine Art at Rochester Institute of Technology. After receiving her Masters, Barbara opted to establish her own brand in the states, opening up Barbara Heinrich Studios in Upstate New York.

A classically trained, master goldsmith, Barbara is both designer and maker of her pieces. This free flow of sentience and tactility is evident in the balance of color, form and proportion in her work, the grace of each, intentional line. The expressiveness of her designs is achieved through a well-developed technical prowess that allows her to employ a variety of complex techniques in the work.

Rich textures and surface contrasts create a play of light and shadow, enhancing the holistic beauty of the designs. Each stone incorporated into the work is hand-selected and often dictates the direction of the creative process; beginning with line drawings and color renderings, the stone, precious metal, artist, fabricator and appreciator work in unison to achieve the perfect outcome.

Still in constant commune with nature, Barbara maintains her distinct ability to absorb the energy of gemstones, the nobility of gold, and the inherent strength of flora and fauna, and convey their inherent essences in tangible form. While she spent the first decade of her career immersed in the world of conceptual jewelry and exploring the boundaries of wearable art, she wanted to expand the audience of her designs and so she underwent a seminal shift in her perspective.

She describes this pivotal moment as, “…embracing the Bauhaus philosophy that everyday objects can and must be well-designed. Form follows function, which I translated into designing beautiful wearable jewelry that functioned as everyday jewelry.”

Within her studio, Barbara has created a sacred space that fosters a flow of creativity. Working with a team of artisans, which includes apprentices, master jewelers and recent college graduates, she freely and generously shares her wisdom and knowledge, which is bountiful.

As an artist, Barbara is revered as a paragon of design and fabrication, renown among art galleries and serious collectors, as well as her fellow goldsmiths. Yet she approaches each new design concept with both humility and curiosity, working and re-working concepts tirelessly, sometimes over the span of years, until it meets her exacting standards. The end result connects with women on a personal level, the integration of elegance and intention in the designs meant to live with the wearer, to enhance her beauty gracefully and allow her to express her presence and individuality.