CollectionsMay 05, 2021
Dana Bronfman Introduces Bridal OfferingsEditorsMay 10, 2021
GiGi Ferranti’s Graffiti-Inspired Collection Wows
The Brooklyn-based designer just took initial and heart pendants to a whole new level.
The new GiGi Ferranti collection is an elevated take on classic heart and initial pendants.
There’s something about Gina Ferranti’s jewelry that just feels like home.
It could be our shared backgrounds, a topic I touched on when I covered her candy-colored dream of a collection, Portofino.
Ferranti and I are both Italian-American women from southern Brooklyn, just a stone’s throw from each other.
Scrolling through Instagram a while back, I stumbled upon a familiar face from my high school homeroom, who turned out to be her niece, modeling her jewelry.
“What a funny coincidence,” I thought to myself, but the jewelry world is a small one and so is Brooklyn.
Her latest model? Another woman from my graduating high school class.
Though we were more acquaintances than friends, I recognized her right away. We were co-stars back in our high school drama days.
She looks as lovely as ever and adds a gorgeous Brooklyn edge to the photos.
Maybe it is just a coincidence, or maybe it’s the universe aligning, but I had to cover this collection.
The new GiGi Ferranti Graffito capsule collection is edgy and fun, colorful and bright.
It has all the hallmarks of Ferranti’s jewelry, from its bold, architectural designs to its subtle nods to her Italian heritage and Brooklyn background.
The pieces draw inspiration from the historic frescoes in Pompeii and New York City’s graffiti murals.
“It’s a modern version of the Pompeii etchings on the wall,” Ferranti said.
Ferranti used the singular “graffito” to refer to both individualism in art and the stand-alone initials seen in the collection.
A set of Graffito initial pendants ($1,700 for colored gemstones, $2,100 for diamonds)
Graffiti artists have developed myriad styles, but Ferranti chose the “blockbuster” style, which incorporates bold, block letters.
Style-wise, this year is going to be all about boldness and confidence, with a little of that quarantine casual mixed in, said Ferranti.
She recommends pairing the pendants with a comfy sweatsuit and trendy sneakers or oversized jeans and a fitted blazer. The pendants add the perfect pop of color to a neutral palette.
Initial jewelry is all the rage, with designers like Brent Neale and Marla Aaron throwing their bedazzled hats in the ring.
If you’ve seen one heart/initial pendant, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong.
But you do have to come up with something pretty spectacular to stand out from the crowd, and Ferranti has done just that.
The charm pendants are set with ombré gemstones, hand-chosen to give the appearance of spray paint.
Available in 14-karat yellow or white gold, the initial pendants come in a blue and purple version, set with sapphires and amethyst, a green version in varying hues of tsavorite garnet, and a pink and orange sapphire version.
There is also a white diamond style available if opting for a more classic look.
Perfect for layering, the pendants can be sold with or without a 16-inch paperclip chain.
Each piece is crafted in New York City.
Ferranti has an affinity for heart jewelry, adding at least one per year to a collection, she said.
She takes the typical heart pendant up a notch, using a slightly askew, edgy heart shape.
It’s available in 14-karat yellow or white gold in the same color schemes as the initial pendants.
Her personal favorites in the collection are the orange-pink heart and the initial pendant in the blue-purple tones, which she says is especially easy to pair with denim.
The orange-pink pendants are a standout to me, each color blending into the next as seamlessly as a summer sunset.
Ferranti was fresh from a trunk show at London Jewelers when we caught up with each other.
The collection has been well-received, she said, with the heart pendants in particular resonating with her more mature clientele.
“We were having fun just figuring out how to wear it.”
The pendants are sold on their own, with a paperclip chain add-on available, though some customers have been adding them onto their existing charm bracelets.
It’s been so well-received that Ferranti is expanding the collection, slowly adding in new pieces.
“It’s going to be expanding beyond initials because the look is really what people are loving.”
There may be some hoop earrings on the horizon, she said, an addition I’d especially love to see.
Looking ahead, there’s another small capsule collection in the works, expected to be launched around the holidays.
“I don’t want to give away the name, but I will tell you that it will be something in a holiday price range and something that any age group can definitely wear.”
As someone who admires Ferranti’s jewelry from afar, I’m thrilled to hear this.
To keep the price under the $1,200 mark, she will be going heavy on the sapphires, though more expensive diamond versions will be available.
For this upcoming collection, Ferranti is trying the direct-to-consumer model, selling exclusively on her website.
I will be checking back in to see what dazzling designs Ferranti comes up with next, so stay tuned for that!
The Graffito capsule collection is available at London Jewelers, SoHo Gems, and online.
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
