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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Istanbul Jewelry Show Reports 27% Increase in Visitors

The Istanbul Jewelry Show October 2013 “ended on a high note,” according to show officials, with a “remarkable” 27 percent increase in total visitors compared to the 2012 edition. A total of 14,861 buyers, including 3,470 revisits, were recorded at the four-day event, which ended October 6. 

The trade fair (which just completed its 37th edition in 28 years) targets the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa, Russia and the CIS Countries. Participation by the United States and Asia confirms its professional and international status in the jewelry industry, said show officials representing UBM Rotaforte, which organizes the trade fair held twice per year at the Istanbul Fair Center.

A total of 67 percent of visitors were domestic and 33 percent were from overseas representing 95 countries. Countries with the top visitors were: Turkey (9,990), Iran (730), Russia (482), United Arab Emirates (243) and Ukraine (207). 

They were there to see products and offering on 30,000 square meters of exhibit space from country and group pavilions of Hong Kong, Italy and Thailand, and more than 800 companies and brands from Belgium, mainland China, India, Lebanon, Spain, UAE, and USA. In total, companies from 14 countries participated in the trade fair.

Sermin Cengiz, managing director of UBM Rotaforte, said the sector in Turkey is currently planning a target of $5 billion worth of exports in the next three years, with the Istanbul Jewelry Show playing an important role in contributing to that target. 

“The show creates a meeting point that ranks high on the agenda of every professional in the industry,” he said. “I am comfortable to say that our October fair has become a brand just like our March edition…. The rise in exhibitor numbers, exhibition space and number of visitors this year not only confirms the fair's international status but also highlights Istanbul’s important role in the global jewelry trade.”

UBM Rotaforte, is a joint-venture company formed by UBM Asia and Rotaforte International Fairs Inc., owns the Istanbul Jewelry Show, an international exhibition for jewelry, gems, watches and related equipment.

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