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.
