About the Artist and CJ Recht
Mindy Recht is the designer and metalsmith behind CJ Recht. Mindy began studying metalsmithing after she moved to New York, and also makes hollowware in addition to jewelry.
CJ Recht jewelry is made by hand in gold, sterling silver, vermeil and bronze, accented with diamonds, semiprecious gemstones and beads. Mindy’s jewelry is distinguished by its unusual shapes and textures, and sculptural cuts with a hint of attitude. While her work is often described as modern and edgy, it is always wearable.
In 2007, Mindy began making jewelry on a full-time basis, but she has loved jewelry since she was a child. Born and raised in Pittsburgh PA, Mindy studied biology but then became a lawyer. After a stint in private practice and a tour of duty as a prosecutor in Washington DC, she moved to New York in 1995 to attend a graduate program in American fine and decorative arts. Although she returned to practicing law, Mindy (finally) made time to study jewelry making. Not only did pounding metal keep Mindy from killing her lawyer co-workers, but it soon became clear that this was her true calling. Since people kept trying to buy her jewelry while she was wearing it, she realized that she should step away from the courthouse and step into the studio. So she did. Mindy named the company after her father, who, despite the fact that he was a lawyer, always said she should be a designer. Better late than never.
Mindy has been honored repeatedly by the World Gold Council and was chosen for inclusion in their best new designs of 2011 entitled, “The Power of Gold”, as well as in 2010 – entitled Revelations in Gold: Elegant and Innovative Gold Jewelry Design.” Her work has been shown by the Gold Council in their booth at JCK in Vegas – the largest, most prestigious jewelry trade show in the US.
Mindy has developed a loyal following – and she has regular trunk shows at Bloomingdale’s stores, primarily in the SOHO store – that well-edited, cutting edge gem of a store in the company! She has a full schedule of trunk shows for fall and winter 2011 both at Bloomies and at her retailers. Mindy’s work for CJ Recht is also available at galleries and boutiques in NYC and across the country. And Mindy also does custom work including engagement and wedding rings – and she loves to dress brides! If you can dream it, she can make it!