Mr. Ray Griffiths is a visionary fine jewelry designer with a signature touch. Being a fan of his work and a friend with him for many years, we had an exclusive interview with him about his jewelry designs and beyond.
Q: What was the first piece you ever designed?
A: It was a small diamond .05 carat, suspended in acrylic, in a 9kt gold frame fitted onto a simple gold band very ahead of its time at least I thought so :)
Q: Tell us about the single piece of jewelry you’re most proud of
A: There have been so many I have always loved making things to order for people with family jewels that have built-in history so I can be told the history and take it from there.
Q: Number of years in the biz?
A: 49 years Jan/22 this year since I signed my apprenticeship papers.
Q: Number of employees you oversee?
A: 4 people including myself.
Q: What about family and pets?
A: I can’t look after myself let alone a pet. Personally I’d love a dog but travel way too much.
Q: What book are you currently reading?
A: The Land before Avocado. It's a look at Australian society in the 60’s/70’s
Q: And a book you’ve been meaning to get to?
A: The hare with the amber eyes. I started reading it a year ago and put it down
and I know it's a good book.
Q: What did you have for breakfast?
A: a glass of water with psyllium husk, a coffee and 2 bananas.
Q: What’s your exercise regimen?
A: I love Yoga and have done it most of my adult life, but in the real world I need to spread it out over a few different forms so I go to the gym, ride a bike and walk about in NYC. I love a good long walk.
Q: Describe your personal style
A: I love mixed colors, sometimes bright patterns on shirts and fitted slim pants. I’ve always liked to dress well, love a good linen suit with great shoes and jewels. As you know I love a good ring (never too big) and a few necklaces at the same time, so if you see me without jewels I’m not feeling right lol.
Q: If you weren’t designing jewelry, what would you be doing?
A: I was born to make jewelry. There was never anything else from the time I was a child. I started talking about making jewelry from when I was 7 or 8 years old.
Q: What do you love the most about living in New York ?
A: It is the city that never sleeps. Anything you want is just around the corner! And a whole lot of what you don't want as well.
Q&A part 2 is coming soon. Stay tuned for more. Get your own Ray Griffiths creation today!
