Interview with Gregory Simonov

Design gives me a way to speak without words. I became a designer to turn imagination into something you can touch and wear. Jewelry lets me create something beautiful that carries meaning. It can become part of someone's story. That emotional connection is what drives me. Each design is a chance to shape something timeless that resonates with others on a personal level.

It was a choice guided by inspiration. No one pushed me into design. I followed an inner calling to express ideas in a new way. Music came first, but as time went on, visual design became the path I needed to follow. It felt natural and deeply right for me. Once I discovered jewelry, it became clear that this was more than a profession. It was a personal mission.

I design fine jewelry including rings, pendants, and earrings with a focus on intricate patterns and gemstone settings. I enjoy combining elegance with structural precision. I hope to design more sculptural statement pieces in the future. I want to explore ideas that go beyond traditional formats. My vision is to create jewelry that feels both artistic and architectural, pieces that hold their presence whether worn or displayed.

Stay true to your vision. Study the craft deeply but do not try to copy others. Your originality will always be your strongest asset. Be patient and take the time to master your tools. Learn from tradition but think beyond it. Keep creating, even when no one is watching. And most of all, keep your work honest. When your designs come from a genuine place, people will feel it.

A good designer understands form and function. A great designer brings soul into that form. What elevates someone from good to great is the ability to evoke emotion, to tell a story, and to create something that transcends trends. A great designer pays attention to every detail but never loses sight of the overall vision. There is also a sense of risk. Great designers are willing to explore ideas that have not yet been tried.

A really good design has clarity, purpose, and balance. It feels complete, not just visually but emotionally. I evaluate a design by how well it communicates its intention: is it graceful, memorable, and functional? Does it invite curiosity? In jewelry, I also consider comfort and durability. The piece must feel as good to wear as it is beautiful to see.

Good design enriches daily life. It brings meaning into our environment and elevates the objects we interact with. Investing in good design is investing in quality, beauty, and longevity. In the case of jewelry, a well-designed piece can become part of a personal story, passed through generations. It is more than just ornament. It carries a legacy.

If I had the time, I would design a one of a kind haute couture jewelry set for an international cultural event. It would be something that brings together history, innovation, and symbolism. I would love to design for someone who genuinely values art in all its forms and sees jewelry not just as decoration but as a meaningful artistic expression.

I dream of creating a full exhibition of sculptural jewelry pieces, each one inspired by a different element of classical music. It would be a collection where each design is paired with a specific composition, displayed in an immersive space where visitors experience both sound and form in harmony. This would be a true merging of my artistic roots.

The essence of my success lies in intuition and persistence. I trust the internal voice that guides the direction of each piece, even when it feels unfamiliar. I also allow time for ideas to evolve naturally without forcing them. That quiet patience, paired with constant refinement, is what helps a vision mature into something extraordinary.

I find inspiration in a variety of disciplines. From classical architecture to haute couture fashion, there are visionaries whose commitment to detail and balance speaks to me deeply. Artists like René Lalique, who blended nature with design, and architects like Carlo Scarpa, who turned material into poetry, have left a lasting impression on my creative thinking.

I admire designs that appear effortless but reveal deep complexity upon closer examination. Whether it's a piece of jewelry with masterful stone-setting or a minimalist chair with perfect balance, I appreciate when craftsmanship is hidden within simplicity. These are the kinds of designs that stay with you long after the first encounter.

The Diamond Lace Ring from my award-winning collection represents one of my most complete works. It combines structural precision with lightness and elegance. The design balances complexity and openness, creating a lace-like effect through goldwork rather than actual lace. Its harmony between volume and air is what makes it stand out in my eyes.

Improvement begins with observation. Study nature, art, architecture, and how people live with the objects around them. I spent years refining my sensitivity to proportions, materials, and emotional resonance. Learning is ongoing, and humility is essential. The more I create, the more I realize how much more there is to understand.

I would likely have pursued music composition or filmmaking. Both are storytelling mediums that allow creative freedom and emotional expression, which align with how I think and feel.

Design is the art of giving form to feeling. It’s a way to express beauty, function, and intention in harmony. For me, design turns imagination into something others can touch, wear, and experience.

My greatest support came from within. It was a strong inner drive and a deep love for the creative process. Along the way, I’ve been encouraged by my family, clients, and mentors who believed in my vision and gave me room to grow.

Persistence, curiosity, and a relentless desire to improve. I’ve always looked for the deeper reason behind every design choice and never settled for something that didn’t feel right.

One of the biggest challenges was learning everything on my own. I had no formal training in jewelry design and had to teach myself both the creative and technical sides. It took years of trial, error, and determination to reach a level I could be proud of.

Designers should present their work with clarity and authenticity. The narrative behind the design is just as important as the piece itself. High quality images, compelling descriptions, and showing the creative process help others understand the soul of the work.

I’m currently working on a new collection that explores architectural symmetry with organic flow. It will be bolder in form while maintaining the grace and elegance that define my aesthetic.

To create pieces that leave a lasting emotional impression and become part of someone’s story. I want my work to inspire, uplift, and represent something meaningful in the lives of those who wear it.

People expect originality, quality, and authenticity. They look for a designer who has a distinct voice and can consistently deliver pieces that reflect a deep sense of artistry and care.

Design influences how we feel, interact, and connect. Thoughtful design improves our environments and experiences, while also expressing our values. In jewelry, it can be a way to honor heritage, celebrate identity, and communicate emotion.

I’m developing a small series of one of a kind statement pieces where every element is hand finished and unique. These pieces will push my craftsmanship and storytelling even further.

The Diamond Lace Collection and the Golden Sunflower Ring gave me immense satisfaction. It challenged me technically and creatively, and the response it received showed me that people resonated with the emotion and elegance behind it.

I would love to see a deeper appreciation for originality and timeless work. The industry often chases fast trends, but I believe in elevating craftsmanship and thoughtful storytelling.

Design is becoming more interdisciplinary, merging digital technology with traditional methods. I see a future where physical and digital aesthetics work hand in hand, creating new experiences and ways of connecting with art.

It varies depending on the complexity. Some pieces come together in a few days, while others require weeks of refinement, modeling, and finishing before they are complete.

I start with a clear concept, an idea or emotion I want to express through the piece. From there, I create initial sketches by hand, allowing the vision to take shape visually. Once the form feels right, I begin building the 3D model and gradually refine every detail until the design fully captures the intention behind it.

My motto is to design with purpose and passion. Every creation should carry meaning, reflect a story, and bring joy to the one who experiences it.

I believe design leads the way. Great design often inspires new trends, not the other way around. While designers may respond to cultural shifts, it is their vision that shapes what comes next.

Technology is a powerful extension of the imagination. It allows me to push creative boundaries, refine details, and bring complex concepts to life with precision and efficiency.

I use Matrix Gold for 3D modeling and design. Alongside traditional sketching, this software helps me visualize and prepare designs for casting. I also rely on high-quality tools for hand-finishing at the bench.

Color, material, and surrounding mood are central to how a design feels. In jewelry, the glow of a gemstone, the warmth of gold, or the contrast between textures can change the entire character of a piece. These elements are essential in shaping emotion and identity.

I wish people would ask about the story behind each piece. Jewelry is deeply personal, and every design I create is rooted in an idea, a symbol, or a feeling worth sharing.

When I see a truly great design, I feel admiration and curiosity. I think about the concept behind it, the choices the designer made, and how it speaks to people. I love discovering what makes it special.

For me, designing is a deeply personal and intuitive process. I don’t typically collaborate or co-design, because each piece I create is an expression of my own vision and emotion. While I respect partnerships in other creative fields, my best work emerges when I can fully immerse myself in the story I’m trying to tell through the design.

Rather than specific individuals, I have been influenced by artists and craftsmen from a wide range of disciplines. Musicians, painters, and sculptors from both classical and modern traditions have shaped the way I think about rhythm, structure, and emotional resonance in design.

Books on classical art, ornamental design, and architecture have had a strong impact on my aesthetic. They taught me the language of proportion and the timeless appeal of pattern and symmetry.

I developed my skills through dedicated practice, self-study, and constantly challenging myself with new techniques. I took time to understand materials deeply and refined my artistic voice through both experimentation and discipline.

I would love to have a conversation with Antonio Stradivari or Fabergé. Their mastery, vision, and ability to infuse soul into craft are endlessly inspiring.

I feel honored and humbled. The recognition is not just a personal reward, but a reminder that my work resonates with others. Fame is not my goal, but it does carry the responsibility to remain authentic and to keep raising the standard.

My favorite color is deep emerald green. I find peace by the sea or in the mountains. I enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.. My favorite season is spring, when everything feels fresh and renewed. As for brands, I admire those that remain true to their identity and show craftsmanship at every level.

There was a moment early in my journey when I was meticulously crafting a ring with a highly detailed filigree design. After hours of benchwork and adjustments, I finally finished the piece and stepped back to admire it. Just then, I realized I had made it one size too small. It was a technical oversight that was caused by working so long without stepping away. I had to start over from the beginning. It was frustrating at the time, but now I look back and smile. That experience taught me the importance of stepping back, resetting your perspective, and never rushing the process, no matter how inspired you feel in the moment. Creativity needs passion, but also pause.

Seeing a concept take shape is what drives me. When a design starts to come alive on screen or at the bench, I feel energized. Each small breakthrough brings excitement and makes the process feel rewarding.

Not at all. I was more focused on music and had no idea I’d one day turn to jewelry. But even then, I loved making things with my hands and had a fascination with detail. The path revealed itself later in life.

A thousand years from now, I imagine a world where art and technology are fully intertwined. Hopefully, humanity will still cherish beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship, even as our tools and materials evolve in unimaginable ways.

To those who support and connect with my work, I want to say thank you. Every piece I create is a reflection of something personal and timeless. My goal is to make jewelry that tells stories and becomes part of your story. Art is not just what we make, but it’s what we share.

I began with a small home-based jewelry studio, which eventually grew into a fully integrated jewelry design and production brand.

To me, “design” is a storytelling without words. It’s a translation of vision into form, an emotional and visual language that speaks directly to the heart.

I’m most drawn to designing pieces where patterns, stones, and forms blend into a harmonious composition. I love it when each element enhances the others, where texture, shape, and material come together to create balance and rhythm. That’s where beauty becomes timeless.

My favorite design is always the next one — the one that hasn’t yet revealed itself. But if I had to choose from my existing work, I’d say Diamond Lace Collection. It captures the essence of what I strive for: elegance, intricacy, and a sense of timeless harmony between structure, ornament, and the delicate sparkle of diamonds.

The first thing I designed for the company was the “Opera” ring, which is a fully hand-engraved ring, centered with a concave-cut citrine and embellished with pink rubies.

Gold is my favorite material. It’s very malleable and fun to work with. For the CAD platform, I use Matrix Gold.

I find inspiration by immersing myself in nature, whether it’s the mountains or the oceanside, as well as through cultural experiences like concerts, museums, and theater visits. Spending time in these serene and beautiful environments helps me recharge and fuels my creativity when designing new pieces.

During the design process, I focus primarily on the harmony and proportion between form, function, and emotion. I pay close attention to how the design serves its purpose while maintaining aesthetic balance. The user experience is also central to my approach—I strive to create pieces that not only look beautiful but are also comfortable to wear.

When I design, I feel a mix of focus, curiosity, and joy. It’s exciting to see an idea grow from a simple thought into something real and meaningful. I also feel a sense of responsibility, knowing that the final piece should connect with people. Overall, it’s a very rewarding and inspiring experience.

When my designs are realized, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that started as an idea take shape and connect with others in the real world.

A design is successful when it not only looks beautiful but also serves its purpose effectively and resonates with people.

When judging a design, I first consider its balance of aesthetics and function. In jewelry, this means not just visual beauty and uniqueness, but also wearability and emotional connection. A great design speaks to both the eye and the heart.

As designers, we have a responsibility to create solutions that are both beautiful and sustainable. Our work should improve lives, be socially responsible, and minimize environmental impact, helping to build a better future.

My design style blends intricate patterns and ornamental elements with a more contemporary approach. Some of my pieces focus on traditional decorative designs, while others embrace modern, minimalist aesthetics. I’m drawn to this balance because it allows me to explore both timeless beauty and fresh, innovative expressions.

My design process starts with defining the overall concept. Once I have a clear vision, I move on to sketching ideas by hand, followed by creating 3D models. Then I prepare it for casting, and finally finish the jewelry creation by following benchwork.

My advice to young designers is to stay curious, be patient with your growth, and trust your creative voice. Keep learning from both tradition and innovation, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Most importantly, stay true to your own style—authenticity is what sets your work apart.

The positive side of being a designer is that you have an opportunity to express your imagination. The negative aspect of it is that you constantly need to innovate to meet the fast-changing demand.

My golden rule in design is to always stay true to the concept while balancing beauty and function.

A good designer needs a mix of creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. It’s also important to have strong visualization abilities, technical knowledge, and a good understanding of materials and production.

My imagination, sketching, and 3D modeling are my most essential tools in design creation.

I manage my time by first creating and visualizing the form clearly in my mind, refining it until the concept feels complete. Once I have a strong idea, I move to 3D modeling, which helps streamline the rest of the process and keep things efficient.

Each project is different. Some designs can be created in just a few hours, while others take weeks and require many adjustments, depending on their complexity.

I strive to offer a wide range of products that accommodate different age groups, aiming to create designs that are both aesthetically appealing and practical for everyday wear, as well as for special occasions. My goal is to make pieces that are not only visually striking but also accessible and meaningful to a broad audience.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing unique collections of a wider range of styles that blend artistic expression with contemporary design.

I don’t have a team. The whole process, starting from the design and finishing with the manufacturing of the final piece, is done by me.

I can be contacted through my email, which is:
gregory@gnduniquedesigns.com