June 18, 2025

Nobleman Interview Issue No.29

1. How did your passion for jewelry begin?

My first passion was art. Growing up I was constantly drawing. From shoe designs, intricate mazes, faces, and logos, maybe for future businesses. I went to college in Brisbane, Australia for my Business Management degree. Surprisingly, my most memorable class was Art History as an elective. Learning the way art evolved and pushed boundaries over time was intriguing to me. From Rembrandt’s Baroque Realism to Jackson Pollock pouring paint and flicking cigarettes onto a horizontal canvas; It inspired me to create again. After returning home to Southern California in 2010, I started working for Suzan Zahedi, an established Women’s Jewelry Designer. I worked alongside her Master Craftsman like a sous chef, preparing materials for the next step of the process. Suzan gave me the opportunity to create a Men’s Collection that soon began selling to her clientele. The next industry breakthrough was selling to the iconic Gary’s Men’s store in Newport Beach, California. While setting up the collection, one of their customer’s from Australia walked by and purchased the first piece before it even made it on display.

2. Where do you find inspiration for your craft? 

I approach designing jewelry like creating a piece of art. My inspiration usually comes from the “medium” or materials themselves by combining unusual gemstone colors, metals, leathers, textures, patterns and learned techniques. Rarely if at all do I create jewelry based on seasonal trends, themes or symbolism. I source materials from around the world and am inspired in the moment by what is in front of me. 

3. What are things most people may not understand about your jewelry creation process?

The amount of DETAIL that goes into our collections would be mind numbing for most. One of our bestsellers uses 10 different types of beads. Most of the beads are imperfect, so they need to be hand selected for the final product. Our sterling silver pieces are made by hand every time. We do not cast. This creates its own challenges, but no two pieces will ever be the same. It also gives us the flexibility to create customizations and one off commissions for our customers.

4. What has been the hardest part of your experience so far?
My favorite part of what I do can often be the hardest part. When designing a collection I go through major internal battles and breakthroughs. This process became so predictable that I created a six piece artwork series documenting the stages of my design process. It ended up being a form of therapy and a reminder to keep pushing forward, because the internal struggles and torment was a necessary and important part of the process. The six stages are: Inspiration, Idea Exploration, Self Doubt, Epiphany, Torment, and Restoration. The complete art series "Enjoy the Process" can be found at kentonmichael.com
 
5. How would you describe the importance of jewelry for the male wardrobe? What sort of pieces would you recommend for men starting their collection?To me, wearing quality jewelry is an extra level of put-together. The attention to detail will elevate your style and wardrobe. Wear them with casual, everyday attire or your finest suit. Bracelets are our bestsellers. Start by creating a “stack” with a neutral leather piece, a vibrant gemstone bead, and a solid sterling silver cuff or chain. Wear all together or mix and match to create different looks.
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NOBLEMAN MAGAZINE Issue No.29 Release Party

 

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