Designer Q+A: Type Jewelry
To celebrate the arrival of Type Jewelry, we sat down with Panamanian designer Sara Bassan to talk about her creative world: from her obsession with the rhythm of color to the architectural inspiration behind her designs, and how she crafts fine jewelry that feels like a true extension of yourself.
Read on for a glimpse into her process, her daily rituals, and the story behind her forever-stackable LEGGO collection.
What prompted the shift from marketing into jewelry design, and what was the original spark for Type?
I graduated very young, but I always had this instinct for fashion and for seeing things differently. Design became my way of expressing myself and sharing that point of view. That was really the spark behind Type: creating pieces that feel unexpected and personal.
When someone puts on one of my pieces, I want her to immediately feel different—authentic, confident, and strong.
How does your Panamanian upbringing show up in how you think about color, craftsmanship, and the way you make your pieces?
I’m extremely meticulous. I keep working on a piece until it expresses exactly what I want it to say.
Panama is bright, sunny, and warm, and I think that naturally comes through in my use of color. But I never want color to feel obvious. I want it to feel fresh and effortless, like a continuation of a woman’s personal style, with a story behind it.
What are your earliest memories with jewelry?
From a very young age, I remember my grandmother wearing these beautiful pieces of jewelry. They were part of her identity, but what stayed with me wasn’t only the jewelry, it was the way she wore it. There was an attitude and a confidence behind it. That is exactly the feeling I try to bring into my designs. When you put them on, they become part of you, and they give the woman wearing them a sense of confidence.
We’re so excited to be carrying your LEGGO collection: the name plays on “let go” and “ego.” What’s the story behind the name, and the idea behind the collection?
I’m obsessed with repetition. I believe repetition moves the eye and creates a rhythm that ultimately leads you toward a focal point. Repetition and scale are really the foundation of LEGGO. Each piece becomes part of a composition that can continue to grow: you can add to it, extend it, and make it your own.
That’s what I love most about the collection. It’s never really finished. It’s a story that keeps growing.
Your pieces are so rich with multi-stone, mixed-color combinations. How do you source your stones, and what colors or stones are you most drawn to right now?
For me, it’s not simply about finding beautiful stones, it’s about how they work together. I’m always looking for combinations that create a story without feeling like a rainbow. The colors have to elevate one another and create something unexpected and almost magical, while still feeling sophisticated and wearable.
Right now, I’m especially drawn to different shades of brown and the depth you can create by combining them with other tones.
Beyond jewelry, what are a few things that have been inspiring your work lately: places, art, film, music?
Inspiration can come from almost anything: a moment, a chair, a window, or a color combination that suddenly catches my eye.
I love traveling, and I’m constantly observing different cultures: the way people dress, the way they behave, the architecture, the colors, the details. These little moments capture my attention, and somehow they find their way into my designs.
Quick Fire!
I always start my day with: Coffee.
My secret skill or side passion: Lifting heavy weights.
Current soundtrack: The ocean.
Something I find myself recommending to everyone: Crème PIGM 400 by Biologique Recherche, especially before makeup.
A piece of jewelry I never take off: My XL LEGGO diamond bracelet.
A place that always resets me: A walk in the park.
My signature fragrance—or a scent that reminds me of home: Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle.
A small daily ritual that keeps me grounded: Praying every morning.
My current color obsession—or color combination: Shades of brown.
