Gurhan Opens New York Atelier

Gurhan at work in his new atelier.

Gurhan, the man and brand, has a public home where his international following, which includes celebrities and notable collectors, can purchase his 24k hand-made jewelry or even work with the man to build a unique piece.

I recently visited the 1,500-square-foot atelier in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York and met the man.

Furnishings and objects from different cultures and periods of time reflect Gurhan's eclectic interests.

Exposed brick walls, antique furnishings and along the back wall, “walk-in” doors of what was once an entrance to a large refrigerated room. In its former life, the building on 160 Franklin St. was a meatpacking house. Gurhan jewelry doesn’t sit in display cases. Instead, it hangs on walls in antique frames like works of art or on antique tables. An eight-foot-long bar is for coffee during the day and cocktails after 5 p.m.

Behind the bar and out in the open is Gurhan’s personal workshop, which he compares to the design of an “open kitchen of a restaurant.” So when he’s not traveling, he will likely be in the store at work, or “playing” as he likes to say, in front of customers.

He has a large operation in Turkey which produces his hand-made designs. However, if someone has a strong ideal about a specific piece, he or she can work with the man himself and possibly have the entire piece made by him.

An eight-foot-long bar is open for business for coffee during the workday and cocktails after 5 p.m. Behind the bar is Gurhan's open workshop. 

Gurhan came from behind his workshop to greet me and immediately started showing me the space and his recent antique and gemological finds. He showed me various gemstones (precious and otherwise), cameos, religious mementoes and other items that could end up on a custom piece made by Gurhan in his atelier.

Clearly, this is what he enjoys. “I will be able to meet the woman, listen to her dreams and desires, and create a piece of jewelry uniquely suited for her lifestyle,” he said.

Gurhan Cleopatra Viper bracelet. The six stations on the bracelet are set in hand-hammered 24k gold and oxidized silver with pave diamonds and rubies.

Even though the store has barely been open three months, this already this has happened. A couple flew in from Seattle to meet him and have him make their bridal jewelry.

24k butterfly micro mosaic pendant necklace

The place is a representation of Gurhan’s eclectic tastes and lifestyle. Like his jewelry, highlights of his career, such as magazine articles, are displayed in antique frames at the front of the store. Furnishings and other objects throughout the space represent the man’s obsession with Western, Middle Eastern and Asian history and culture.

24k Pietersite teardrop necklace

Gurhan’s jewelry is known for his personal, modern take on ancient gold-making techniques combined with artifacts he collects, such as antique coins and Italian cameos. Those who prefer to come in and leave with a piece will find a good representation of his work, including his more accessible silver and gold collection.

However, for those more patient, he can now create a special piece while others watch.

Jewelry designer Gurhan with his 24k jewelry pieces, which are presented in antique frames like works of art.

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New York Jeweler Offers Customers the Chance to Make Three Wishes Come True

Todd Reed’s 36-ct. diamond necklace.

Greenwich Jewelers launched of a special holiday program intended to make three wishes come true for jewelry lovers and their favorite charities. The New York-based jeweler is offering three inspired pieces of statement jewelry for the holiday season. A portion of the sell price for each piece will go to the qualifying charity of the buyer’s choice.

“We were inspired by each of the pieces of jewelry in our ‘3 Wishes campaign,’” said Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich Jewelers. “Receiving any of these extraordinary pieces as a gift would make anyone’s dream come true, and so we thought it was a great opportunity to make some dreams come true for worthwhile, charitable organizations that are close to our customer’s hearts.”

The pieces represent the work of some of the most respected jewelry designers today. The designer and pieces are as follows:

* Todd Reed’s 36-ct. diamond necklace (top picture) combines the concept of the grand necklace as created by the finest jewelry houses with ceremonial breastplates used in ancient Mayan rituals. The diamonds originate from the Diavik mine in Canada. The near colorless crystals are cut in half then set into the 18k gold and sterling silver necklace in their natural state. The suite of diamond crystals is so rare the designer says that creating the necklace was a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” It combines dramatic design, rarity of materials and wearability. Priced at $190,000, $10,000 will be donated to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

* Gurhan, jeweler to stars like Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez, created a 24k gold and rose cut sapphire necklace. Totaling 167 carats of midnight blue sapphires, the play on symmetry in this statement-making necklace gives this piece an unpredictable beauty. Each gold frame was hand hammered by the artist, creating a blend of ancient technique and modern design. Priced at $75,000, $7,500 will be donated to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

* Greenwich Jeweler decided to get into the act of giving by creating the Cashmere diamond cuff bracelet for the special sale. A total of 27 cts. of well-matched pale-brown, black and near-colorless diamonds are set in 18k white gold mesh that creates the look and feel of the fabric that provided the name and inspiration for the piece. The bracelet molds to the shape of the wrist, allowing for a truly unique fit in a piece of statement jewelry. The palette of diamond colors gives the bracelet equal parts uptown elegance and downtown attitude. With a retail price of $50,000, $5,000 will be given to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

Greenwich Jewelers, located in downtown Manhattan, is an independently owned jewelry store that specializes in designer, fashion, fine and bridal jewelry.