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.
