Turkish-born, New York-based jewelry designer Gurhan Orhan brought a rare glow to the Couture Show in Las Vegas, showcasing a wide range of hand-wrought 24-karat and 22-karat gold, as well as sterling silver pieces. Known for blending ancient artistry with luxurious materials, Gurhan’s designs range from a $245 granulated silver cross pendant to an extraordinary Paraiba tourmaline necklace valued at around $200,000.
His work stands out not just for its beauty, but for its roots in centuries-old craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from the Byzantine Empire, Gurhan uses antique elements sourced globally and relies on traditional techniques to create pieces with timeless appeal.
Handmade in Istanbul, Loved Worldwide
Many of Gurhan’s collections, including High Jewelry, Gold Classic, Curated, Men’s, and a 25th anniversary line, are crafted by artisans in Istanbul. These craftsmen have been carefully trained by Gurhan himself over the years.
His Antiquities collection, in particular, features ancient Roman micro-mosaics, carnelian intaglios, and rare Japanese Satsuma porcelain buttons from the 16th century. These details reflect Gurhan’s passion for history and his deep respect for Old World artistry.
In an interview via Zoom ahead of the Couture Show (June 4–8), Gurhan reflected on his journey, which began in Turkey and led him to New York City 26 years ago. His Soho boutique at 160 Franklin Street has been a fixture for 11 years, and his creative pursuits continue to evolve.
Now trained as a lapidary, Gurhan cuts his own gems—like turquoise and boulder opal—that are featured in his designs. At the Couture Show, he’s introducing collections that highlight #8 mine turquoise, tourmaline, sapphire, and a variety of gold and diamond pieces.
“We’re also showcasing versatile designs,” Gurhan said, “like a bracelet that can be attached to a necklace to create multiple looks. Customers really appreciate that kind of flexibility.”
A Byzantine Influence
When asked about his main design influences, Gurhan pointed to the Byzantine Empire.
“That’s where it all begins for me,” he explained. “Byzantine art and culture had a strong love for gold. In those times, gold symbolized divine light, spiritual purity, and power.”
Gurhan noted that the Byzantine Empire, which emerged from the eastern Roman Empire and centered on Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), left a lasting legacy in art, culture, and especially in jewelry design. This historical connection is central to his aesthetic.
His pieces often feature hand-applied techniques like granulation, filigree, and inlay. These time-consuming methods mirror the meticulous metalwork of ancient artisans. For Gurhan, gold is more than a metal—it’s a substance with deep physical and energetic properties.
“Gold came to Earth through meteorites,” he said. “It’s a cosmic material and the best conductor of electricity. I believe it transmits energy into the body.”
The Energy Within Gemstones
Gurhan’s reverence for natural materials extends beyond gold. He also believes in the energy of gemstones.
“There’s definitely energy inside stones,” he said. “Take pearls, for example. They’re created by living creatures—oysters. That’s pretty incredible.”
During the interview, he held up a 40.25-inch strand of baroque freshwater pearls, complete with a 22K gold clasp. Part of his Oyster collection, the necklace exemplifies his approach to organic, statement-making design.
Rising Gold Prices and Innovation
As gold prices continue to reach record highs, Gurhan is adapting his designs to maintain affordability and wearability.
“We’re making new gold chains that are lighter but still look substantial,” he explained.
Despite the rising cost of materials, Gurhan believes that gold is still undervalued, given its rarity. “There’s only so much gold in the world,” he said. “If prices go up, it only adds value to what we create.”
Thanks to a loyal customer base and a successful loyalty program tied to his online boutique, Gurhan remains confident in the future.
“My customers and retail partners truly love gold,” he said. “That love keeps everything moving forward.”
Conclusion
At the Couture Show, Gurhan’s creations serve as more than luxury items—they are living expressions of history, tradition, and personal passion. With his deep connection to gold and ancient craftsmanship, Gurhan Orhan continues to shine in the world of high jewelry.
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