There’s an inherent charm to each of the jewelry designs Georgianna Koulianos, the founder of GK Designs, creates, and we hope you’ve discovered that each one is irresistible. Her jewelry is eye-catching, gorgeous, and stunning, and what we love is that each of her necklaces has an unexpected “Ahh!” factor that will take your breath away. Georgianna grew up in Scarsdale, NY, and she set her sights on the Rhode Island School of Design to continue her education once she realized that making jewelry was something she had to pursue. She couldn’t imagine doing anything else, and at RISD, she studied and honed her craft in the Jewelry and Light Metals Department.
She uses sterling silver, and 18k rose and yellow gold vermeil in her designs, sometimes combining all of those materials with pearl and crystal accents for rich vibrant contrasts. Take a closer look at her Live Your Dreams Necklace and her Lucky Love Necklace, and you’ll fall in love with the wonderful final products. On her website, she leaves us with a few words about her intentions - “May the words on each piece be your reminder and keepsake for your dreams.” With her inspiring necklaces close to your heart, it’ll be almost impossible to stop smiling.
M&C: How did you decide to become a jewelry designer?
GK: I had started making jewelry in high school , and knew that was my passion back then!
M&C: What is your favorite creation?
GK: I love pieces which can be mixed together and worn easily. I made some gold stack rings which I always wear along with a stack of bangle bracelets that I never seem to want to change.
M&C: How would you describe your jewelry?
GK: User friendly with soul.
M&C: How did you get started?
GK: I started selling my jewelry at art shows held at my college, and soon after I graduated, I started approaching stores and doing craft shows.
M&C: Who do you admire? Has this helped you in your career path?
GK: My first ‘favorite’ jeweler was Robert Lee Morris ~ which inspired me to learn more about other designers and their background to see how they grew and developed their work and business.
M&C: Have you ever expressed yourself through another path apart from jewelry design?
GK: Yes, drawing, painting, sculpture and glass blowing.
M&C: Where did you grow up, and what did you study in school?
GK: I grew up in Scarsdale NY, and I attended the Rhode Island School of Design where I studied in the Jewelry & Light Metals Department.
M&C: Can you describe your favorite piece of jewelry from your childhood?
GK: I had a bead chain necklace and collected a huge bunch of charms and beads that I kept adding onto the chain.
M&C: When did you realize that this dream was something you could pursue wholeheartedly?
GK: As soon as I realized I loved it, I knew I could pursue my passion…. a long time ago !
M&C: How did you prepare yourself for the business and marketing aspect of your company?
GK: In high school it started with an internship in the jewelry district, and from there on out, I continued to learn, meet people and ask a lot of questions. I never had a formal business background coming from art school, though I wish I had!
M&C: Where do you travel to?
GK: Greece, where I have family, and throughout the states.
M&C: What inspires you in everyday life?
GK: Compassion in people, and animals.
M&C: What is your favorite trend?
GK: Creativity, I do not really go into trends.
M&C: What do you hope to accomplish as a jewelry designer?
GK: As an artist, I chose words on the jewelry to truly inspire and reach other people, which I have been doing forever -I chose this medium versus another fine art so that I can reach a lot of people and put a message out there for others.
Tags: designer interview | GK Designs
Play it up with fun and lively jewelry. The louder the piece, the more fun you will have with it. Looking for something fun and festive for a summer party? Try some funky and fresh jewelry.
Leila Ribbed Enamel Rings are the perfect hand accessory for a fun vibe. In a variety of vibrant colors, these rings will look great with any ensemble.
For those of you who loved elephants as a child, Presh has a few fun choices of elephant-inspired jewelry. Show off your hands in a big way with the Presh Gold Elephant Ring. You might just feel unstoppable! A bit more delicate, the Presh Gold Elephant Pendant and Charm is a cute addition to any outfit.
An innovative designer, Jami Rodriguez preserves our youthfulness with a hint of sophistication. Try Jami Rodriguez Jaguar Crystal Drop Earrings for a night on the town. These funky earrings are anything but boring! Looking for a stand-out bracelet? Put on the Jami Rodriguez Bee Citrine Bracelet. You’ll be sweeter than honey AND fabulously stylish.
Wanting a fun piece of jewelry without standing out too much? Well we’ve got your piece, Ms. Timid. Don the GK Designs Live Your Dreams Necklace. With five lively charms, you can have fun in moderation as well. Presh Gold Studded Leather Bracelets are also delicate with a touch of fun, and will complete any look.
Tags: GK Designs | Jami Rodriguez | Leila | Presh
Special occasions can often be a terrorizing subject for gift givers. Fret no more. Give the gift that keeps on giving: jewelry that can be worn forever. Traditional pieces and personalized items are often a safe bet - they can be worn with anything and everything. Here are some more ideas arranged by occasion.
Birthdays:
Whether the birthday girl is your best friend or your aunt, we’ve got you covered. Give your buddy something she can wear time and time again: Jessica Elliot Gold “Use Your Words” Bracelets. These bracelets are chic and fun; surprise her with a great message! With words such as “peace, spicy, lucky, amor, mama, bella, j’taime” and more, you’re bound to find one she will adore. Treat your sister with the Ettika Circle of Peace & Love Bracelet. With a circular pattern of love and peace, she’ll remember the great bond you two share. Celebrating the birthday of a close relative? Try the Calico Juno Gold Necklace with Rubies. It is a simple and heartfelt gift she is sure to love.
Bridal Shower:
Bridal showers are a fabulous time to give congratulations to the bride-to-be and send her on her merry way to marriage with a few nice new things. Whether the bride is a close relative or a family friend, treat her to something she can treasure for life. For a unique and sophisticated find, try the Jennifer Zeuner Five Charms Gold Necklace. It can be the perfect addition to any ensemble, casual or formal. The Tracy Matthews Short Lalitha Chain is the perfect piece for her to bring on her honeymoon. With a simple design, this necklace is very polished and beautiful. If you want your gift to make an appearance at the wedding, give her Brian Danielle Diamond Open Heart Studs. She’ll reconsider her previous jewelry choices and want to wear your beautiful gift instead!
Sweet Sixteen and other milestones:
Give your congratulations and show your love with a few fabulous gifts for a special someone. Remind her that good times are still to come with the GK Designs Live Love Laugh Dream Charms Necklace. It will serve as a daily reminder to “Live, love, laugh” and greet the day with a smile. If she loves earrings, try the beautiful Arena CPH Nanet White Agate Earrings, which will make her radiate with beauty every day. Another idea is Melinda Maria Doughnut Hammered Earrings. Delicate and original, these earrings will make her the star of her night, as if she isn’t already.
Tags: Arena CPH | Brian Danielle | Calico Juno | Ettika | GK Designs | guide | Jennifer Zeuner | Jessica Elliot | Melinda Maria | Tracy Matthews
Halle Berry stepped out in Los Angeles last month in a great white summer dress and a few well placed accessories. She kept things simple and balanced - her small gold bracelet looked great with the slim necklace she had around her neck, and her stacked black bracelets offered an interesting contrast with her crisp white dress and ivory and gold handbag.
Love Halle’s laidback chic look? Follow our 7 jewelry and handbags recommendations to rock Halle’s style:
Presh Leather Studded Bracelets (1) are great edgy bracelets that are perfect for spicing up your everyday look. Monogrammed and personalized necklaces can be your trademark. Have your initial, your child’s, pet’s or significant other’s intial engraved on a GK Designs Medium Sterling Silver Initial Charm (2). Try the Zoe Chicco Personalized Yellow Gold Script Initial Necklace (3) if you like scripted lettering or would like to soften your look. You can’t go wrong if you pair one of the Presh bracelets with the Goldenbleu Black Patent Gemma Bag (4), and with a bag as roomy and spacious as this one, it’s the ideal carryall.
We love Halle’s look so much because she’s mastered the art of balancing her outfits; if you have a stack of bracelets on one hand, keep your other hand light and free with just one bracelet. Try the beautiful slim Tracy Matthews Marquise Faceted Bracelet (5) on one wrist, and pile on the Alex and Ani Silver Tigris Beaded Expandable Wire Bangles (6) and the Ettika Phaistos Gold Coin Bracelet (7) with the Presh bracelet for a great layered bracelet look. Now you’re all set to look stunning when you step outside this summer!
Image courtesy of People Magazine.
Tags: Alex and Ani | celebrity | Ettika | GK Designs | Goldenbleu | Halle Berry | Presh | Tracy Matthews | Zoe Chicco
Mamma Mia! premiered this weekend in theaters bringing in a cool $21 million, and it’s been the most talked about musical-movie since last year’s Hairspray. The ABBA infused musical - each of the musical numbers is a recreation of 80’s pop dance group ABBA’s hit songs - takes place on a small Greek Island. Meryl Streep plays Donna, the mother of 20 year old bride-to-be Sophie, Amanda Seyfriend of Mean Girls. Sophie’s always wanted to be escorted down the aisle by her father, and although she has never laid eyes on him, she wants that dream to come true. She reads her mother’s diary and invites three of the men she dated with the hope of discovering her true father. It’s a lighthearted cute musical about holding on to what counts the most and falling in love all over again.
Greece is alluring because of its perpetual summer. The fashion style that’s emerged in that region is enriched by the good food, sparkling blue water, and plentiful sunlight. In all of the Mamma Mia! scenes the cast is sunkissed and glowing. We’ll show you how you can infuse your life with a bit of the magic and transport Greece, love and happiness into your jewelry box.
Look as radiant as Sophie does by the sea in a sapphire outfit and delicate gold jewelry. The Arena Copenhagen Lonia Gold Heart Necklace has a sweetheart charm that’s perfect to pull an outfit together. Add the Arena CPH Lova Gold Heart Studs for a nice finishing touch, and you’ll be radiant. GK Designs Live Love Laugh Dream Charms necklace is a great alternative that will make your appearance even more appealing. The message of the necklace is embodied in the heart, peace, horseshoe, “dream,” and “Live Love Laugh” charms, and it’ll inspire you everyday.
Donna’s free-spirited personality is reflected in her jewelry. The chunky cocktail rings suggest she’s down to earth and playful. The Melinda Maria Hammered Ring and Rebecca Norman Turquoise Ring will look you. Meryl Streep’s character Donna glows in her chandelier earrings in the last screen shot. Either the Calico Juno Rio Chandelier Earrings or the Jami Rodriguez Tangled Hoop Chain Earrings will make you glow too!
Tags: Amanda Seyfriend | Arena CPH | Calico Juno | earrings | GK Designs | gold jewelry | Jami Rodriguez | Melinda Maria | Meryl Streep | Necklaces | Rebecca Norman | rings
