"Gemstones are in my blood. As a little girl, I spent countless hours with my Grandfather in Brazil looking at stones from the mines practically in our backyard and from around the world. It is because of this, I have such an admiration for the colors, rarity, and places gemstones are found. For me it is like working with the earth’s greatest gifts and the best part is sharing my pieces and teaching others just how unique and special these stones are" - Graziela Kaufman.
The founder and Creative Director Graziela Kaufman.
It is very hard not to notice the deep connection and passion Graziela has for the gemstones. Her beautifully designed pieces are adored and worn among many celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Khloe Kardashian, Mila Kunis and many more.
Her interest for the gemstones has been inherited to her by her grandfather. She grew up in Brazil learning about many of the natural resources the country has to offer. Her backyard was a ‘gemological treasure’. She has travelled to many different mining towns throughout Brazil learning about the fascinating history behind every stone that would ultimately be the inspiration for her future creations. When it comes to gemstones no one can compete with Graziela's knowledge and passion, she is one - of - kind, super intelligent and her signature gemstones play a key role in her designs. Graziela Kaufman is (GIA) certified in Colored Gems, Diamonds and Jewellery making and is part of The Contemporary Jewellery Design from the Gemological Institute of America.
I spoke to the founder and Creative Director of Graziela Gems, Graziela Kaufman about her passion for the jewellery and her 'Titanium' collection launch earlier this year at Las Vegas, 2018.
Scalloped Titanium Earrings in Blue, Titanium
How did the Graziela jewellery brand born?
I was born into the jewellery world. My maternal grandpa was a bench jeweller from Tuscany, Italy so it’s in my blood. I was born in Brasil and grew up surrounded by a Gemological treasure so I believe that it was the perfect combination, my roots and my surroundings. I moved to the US when I was 27 years old, 20 years ago. I’ve been in the business for over 26 years but I only decided to start the Graziela Brand 7 years ago.
Your collection is so vivid, bold and elegant. What do you want to express throughout your work?
I like to express my life and my emotions through my work... It’s the only way that I know how to create. My collections have a lot of personality and colour and it’s almost like telling a story through each piece. I’m obsessed with gemstones and with what they represent and designing around them is a privilege. I grew up and lived in places that have very bold, colourful, feminine cultures and around incredibly sexy, elegant and confident women that aren’t afraid to wear and dare.
You work with so many different ranges of gemstones. What have been your biggest challenge?
Since I work or have worked with the most gemstones and my mind doesn’t stop creating ever... I feel that my biggest challenge has been to create an identity for my brand since my designs can vary depending on what’s happening in my life but challenges just make me grow and better myself.
You debuted your titanium collection at Las Vegas Couture 2018. How did the idea come about?
Since most of my creations revolve around gemstones and colour, when I discovered titanium and that I could actually create pieces adding colour to the metal, it was like a whole new playground appeared in front of me. The possibilities are infinite but since nothing is easy, Titanium is extremely difficult to work with because it’s a very hard metal but the results are fantastic. I designed a pair of earrings and a ring in Feb 2017 that have detachable components and the pieces were only finished in May 2018 because the execution was almost impossible. That was a challenge!
Titanium, Ring, Earings, Bangle in Blue, Green Purple, Titanium.
What's the next step for Graziella jewellery brand?
We want to branch out to new countries and bring Graziela to every woman around the globe. My passions in life are my family and friends, my work and my mission which is rescuing animals around the world. My work allows me to help and save countless animals and it’s a huge motivation for what I do every day. I’m just grateful for it all.
Indicolite & Titanium Ring, Graziela Kaufman.
Titanium Earrings in Purple and Green.
