Designed by women for women has become the tagline of New York-based Gumuchian, and one that superbly captures the brand’s distinctly feminine appeal.
Gumuchian is truly a family affair, going back to its origins in Istanbul, then to Antwerp and finally to New York. The family’s matriarch, Anita Gumuchian, designer and expert in coloured stone acquisitions, is joined by her daughers Myriam Gumuchian Schreiber, president of Marketing and Sales, and Patricia Gumuchian Grayson, president of Product Development and Manufacturing. Together this talented trio has created a brand with a superb reputation for innovation, originality, quality, and customer service. In terms of innovation and originality, Gumuchian has made three major contributions to the jewellery industry. First is the pioneering three-prong setting where the stones sit tight against each other. Second is the Captiva collection, the first to set diamonds in the shank of the ring as well as on top. The third is Twinset, where tiny diamonds are carefully set into the prongs holding the larger stones. Gumuchian was also one of the first to use platinum in its bridal lines in the 1970s.
And the innovation continues. This year the talented trio is introducing “Lady G.” Crafted in diamonds and yellow and white gold with the same Gumuchian concern for high quality and unique design, it comes at a more affordable price point. With a tagline “Style Is Everything,” Lady G is inspired by glass window motifs found in different cultures, and comes in long chain necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants, all with slightly different designs.
And, when it comes to quality, the mother-daughters team takes a hands-on approach. They inspect each piece—hand-made in their New York ateliers with unparalleled care and craftsmanship using the latest technology—to ensure that it meets the Gumuchian standard.
For customer service, the standard is also very high. “Once a retailer places an order, they have joined the Gumuchian family. We want everyone to feel like a friend, like we are here to help,” says Myriam. And help comes in many forms—rushing a special bridal order, assisting clients with trunk shows and events, or doing co-op ads. A few comments, among many, from some of the “extended family”: “Gumuchian is the little black dress of the jewellery industry; something every woman should have in her wardrobe,” says Veronica Guarino, of Louis Anthony Jewelers in Pittsburgh; “The whole Eiseman team has admired the Gumuchian family for over 30 years for their passion in the jewellery industry as well as their impeccable style and taste and their sense of family. These characteristics have translated to a consistent 30 years of partnership,” says Richard Eiseman, Eiseman Jewelers, Dallas, Texas.
Respected jewellers are not the only ones to recognize the trio’s talents. Award-winning Gumuchian jewellery has been seen on the Red Carpet and the Big and Small Screens, adorning celebrities such as Gisele Bundchen, Mariah Carey, Stacy London, Felicity Huffman, and Tatum O’Neill, among others. (And, check out the new website at gumuchian.com and the very impressive Facebook page.)