5 Minutes With... GfG Jewellery

GfG Jewellery is a London based jewellery brand that believes in encapsulating timeless beauty. We spoke to the founder, Nilufer Kizilkaya to find out what inspires her and to get a closer look at the brand. 

How did GfG Jewellery begin?

I believe my Mediterranean culture and heritage heavily influenced my admiration and love for jewellery. I can vividly remember trips to the Grand Bazaar during my childhood to meet jewellers. The coloured gemstones, diamonds, precious metals and their artistic way of creating something beautiful has always intrigued me and my dream to establish my own jewellery company was realised in 2014.

Jewellery design is my second career after spending more than a decade in investment banking. The process of selecting gemstones, designing collections and the creativity behind it is my real passion. I am a firm believer that you need to do what you love and life and jewellery design is definitively mine.

Have you always been interested in fashion?

I've always had an interest in fashion, although my main interest lies in creating designs that are not available everywhere.

What have been the highest and lowest points on your journey so far?

The highest point is always when my customers are satisfied and feel happy wearing my designs. The lowest point is having no one to prepare you when 24 hours in a day just isn't enough to run your company, especially at the start.

What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?

The inspiration in my latest collection has been the sun and sea.

Do you ever struggle to stay inspired?

I get inspired from everything I see, although the creation process for each collection is different so I need to stay focused and narrow down the inspiration point which is often a struggle.

Where is your go-to meeting spot?

My office is in the Spitalfields/Shoreditch area, so I tend to meet around there.

How would you describe your customer base?

I would describe my customer as a woman who enjoys wearing jewellery any time of the day. She's a person that feels naked without having her jewellery on and she also likes a bit of sparkle and shine.

Is there anyone you would love to see wearing your designs?

It's always a compliment when anybody enjoys wearing my designs! But if I had to put famous faces to my jewellery line, it would be Daisy Ridley, Alicia Vikander, Emily Blunt or Jennifer Aniston.

What are the morals you run your brand by?

The ethos of my company is to try to deliver the highest quality of jewellery for my own designs. 

What apps keep you sane?

Mind & Body, I love to book my spin/yoga/pilates classes through this app, the fact that I know that I will have some time off keeps me sane.

If you could only wear one piece from your collection, what would it be and why?

The Niki ring, it took me a couple of attempts to perfect the design of the ring, but when it came together I just fell in love with it.

What’s the biggest style mistake you’ve ever made?

Short hair! It just does not suit my face, I guess it was just a period I had to go through.

Is there another designer whose work you particularly admire?

On the jewellery side there are a couple of names that come to my mind, but nobody in particular. On the clothing side I am a big fan of Joie, Vince and Stacey Bendet’s brand Alice and Olivia.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To believe in myself.

What drew you to Wolf & Badger?

The opportunities it gives to emerging designers and the most friendly staff.

Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

In 5 years time I hope to become an established brand along UK and Europe on the other side of the pond.