Designer Q & A

A CONVERSATION WITH
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN

GWYNN’S: Can you describe the key pieces or standout items from your jewelry collections?GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: My signature pieces include the Floating Necklaces, the 3 Sided Rings, and the Mega Swirl Rings. Designed for everyday wear, these designs make every woman feel beautiful in her own way. They effortlessly go from the gym to a meeting, and then to a night out. These are true must-have pieces that you'll never want to live without.

GWYNN’S: How do you see your collection fitting into the holiday season?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: Every October, I release a special collection of truly One-of-a-Kind pieces, just in time for the holiday season. These vibrant creations celebrate the spirit of giving – 10% of profits support animal welfare causes. If you're looking for a unique piece that no one else will have or want to give a beautiful couture gift, the holidays are a perfect opportunity to add a little sparkle from my collection.

GWYNN’S: What materials and techniques do you use that set Graziela apart?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: I’m passionate about innovation and love experimenting with different materials in my designs. For years, I’ve worked with titanium and color rhodium, which give my pieces that distinct Graziela flair. One of my proudest achievements is the Floating Diamond Collection, featuring drilled diamonds – a technique I pioneered over seven years ago. Cutting-edge technology has truly set my brand apart and continues to inspire my jewelry designs.

GWYNN’S: You grew up watching your grandfather make jewelry. Can you share a specific memory from that time that has influenced your designs today?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: Absolutely. As a young girl, I spent countless hours in my grandfather Mario Barone's studio, where he fashioned diamond rings and wedding bands with meticulous care. His love for Italian brushed gold bracelets and substantial jewelry sparked my passion for old-world craftsmanship. From him, I learned the importance of quality, comfort, and the deep emotional connection jewelry can forge in people's lives. Growing up in Brazil enriched my creativity with vivid colors and sensual designs.

GWYNN’S: You have designed pieces for high-profile celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift. How did these opportunities come about, and what impact have they had on your brand?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: When I launched my company 12 years ago, I partnered with a PR firm that recognized the potential of my designs among stylists and celebrities. The breakthrough moment came when I created the Wave Ear Cuffs, which reignited interest in ear cuffs within the jewelry world. This newfound popularity allowed me to forge friendships with many stylists and celebrities who now proudly wear my creations. Additionally, my commitment to animal welfare – donating 10% of profits to animal rescues – has resonated deeply with many celebrities, further strengthening their support for my company.

GWYNN’S: How do you decorate your home for the holidays?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: I’ve been collecting Christmas everything for 25 years, so I have a beautiful assortment at this point. A few years back, I went all out with outdoor lights, turning my home into a winter wonderland – think Griswolds! Since then, I've toned it down a bit, but white lights paired with gold and lots of sparkle remain my festive go-tos.

GWYNN’S: Do you have a favorite holiday memory or moment?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: Every year when my kids were little, I would spend the night before Christmas wrapping gifts for my four boys. And then they’d walk down the stairs in the morning, shouting, “He came! Santa came!! And he ate all the cookies! And drank the milk!” There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing the holiday magic through their eyes.

GWYNN’S: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
GRAZIELA KAUFMAN: The joy that Christmas brings to children is something I cherish deeply, and I wish every child could equally experience its magic. I make it a point to provide gifts for many kids whose families struggle financially, which fills my heart with happiness. Growing up in Brazil, I would fill a bus with soccer balls and dolls during the holidays, driving into favelas to spread joy. Those moments, the anticipation in their eyes, are etched in my memory forever. Even now, years later, I reflect on those experiences and still think of those children.

Discover the Graziela Fine Jewelry Collection at Gwynn's and on Gwynns.com