Gina Nigrelli draws from a myriad of life experiences, ranging from living in southern Africa, to launching her career in fashion in Las Vegas, to receiving a graduate degree in Fashion Design while acting as Director of Marketing and Events for a national, online shopping destination. After relocating to the Virgin Islands in 2005, Nigrelli followed her lifelong dream of pursuing a creative venture. Her husband, Brian Smith, a perpetual entrepreneur, works behind the scenes aiding in bringing the project to life.
Nigrelli and Smith reside in St Thomas, USVI. Driven by a firm belief in appreciating everyday beauty and life’s simple pleasures, Jules Smith Designs is a reflection of life in the Virgin Islands. The azure waters and lush landscapes offer a compelling setting for unburdened creativity. The laid-back lifestyle and vibrancy of the Caribbean allows Jules Smith Designs to maintain a genuine and realistic approach to fashion. Jules Smith Designs takes pride in accessibility and honesty, using only precious metals, semi-precious and precious gemstones while keeping price and wear-ability a priority. Expressed through a mutual adoration for the beauty that surrounds them and a love for everything fashionable, Jules Smith Designs creates Luxe Resort Jewelry.
Shannon: You have your graduate degree in Fashion Design; what lead you to choose jewelry as your main focus over fabric?
Gina Nigrelli: After I graduated design school we relocated to the Caribbean. The jewelry industry is dominant in that part of the world and it just seemed to make sense.
Shannon: What are the basic elements of design and how are they used when making your jewelry?
Gina Nigrelli: Color, texture and efficiency. Every design must have a unique blend of the aforementioned.
Shannon: How does living in the Virgin Islands play into your jewelry designs?
Gina Nigrelli: It makes it extremely difficult to get things done, yet being stranded on a desert island sparks the creative juices for sure.
Shannon: How do you stay inspired and motivated to create different design styles?
Gina Nigrelli: Designing is an escape for me and I never would have imagined that I would enjoy my job this much.
Shannon: What vision do you have for your brand and your jewelry?
Gina Nigrelli: Luxe Resort. Approachable luxury. I aspire to grow organically, but of course want to become an internationally recognized brand, a household name would be nice.
Shannon: Do you have any tips for those who want to venture into jewelry design?
Gina Nigrelli: It’s expensive, making mistakes with precious metals is not cheap. With that said, dare to try new things.
Shannon: Is there any one metal or gemstone you prefer to incorporate into your jewelry?
Gina Nigrelli: I love rose gold and smoky quartz. They look amazing together.
Shannon: Out of your entire collection, which piece is your favorite and why?
Gina Nigrelli: My Audrey bracelet, because I came up with it while watching breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Shannon: If there was one celebrity you wish to see wearing your jewelry, say on the red carpet to announce to the news media, who would it be?
Gina Nigrelli: Angelina Jolie.
Shannon: Is there any piece of jewelry in your collection that holds a special sentimental value?
Gina Nigrelli: My Something You ring, because I wore it to my wedding as my something blue.
Shannon: What other artists or movements inspire your work?
Gina Nigrelli: I love mid century modern and any clothing/accessories/jewelry from the 1970’s. That is my decade and I have the high waisted jeans to prove it.
Shannon: Do you have any artistic goals for this year?
Gina Nigrelli: Yes, but I’m superstitious and if I write them, they won’t come true!
You can view Gina's complete collection of jewelry at www.JulesSmithDesigns.com and she also has an informal blog at MySpace. For more blog posts related to jewelry, be sure to check out our Jewelry PR blog.
Posted by Shannon Nelson on August 17, 2007 5:48 AM
| Permalink
