What better to go with a custom dress than custom rings? Goldpoint Jewelry in Greenpoint, NY, is the place to go. Owners and crafters, Olivia and Sue, create beautiful and durable pieces using ethically and sustainably sourced jewels, so you never have to worry. Keep reading to see how you can design your one-of-a-kind ring!
We interviewed Tina Serrano, the social media manager and photographer at Goldpoint to get some insight into the business. She has 10 years of marketing and photography experience in the jewelry and fashion industries and has been at Goldpoint for 1.5 years. Let’s see what she had to say.
the Founders
Founders and owners, Olivia and Sue, seamlessly blended a decade of industry experience with a pandemic-born vision to create Goldpoint. Their focus on eco-friendly and ethical practices permeates every aspect of their operation. Olivia, crafting in the back, and Sue, engaging with customers upfront, embody their commitment to quality and consciousness.
Specializing in enduring pieces, they prioritize longevity over fleeting trends. Everything is made in-house in small batches using post-consumer gold and either lab-grown or post-consumer diamonds, ensuring each creation is a testament to sustainability and craftsmanship. At Goldpoint, it's not just about jewelry; it's a dedication to a more mindful way of living and creating.
Dani & Graham
Why did they start the business?
Their journey into the realm of jewelry began with a shared passion for the craft, rooted in a deep love for the art of creation. Goldpoint emerged after the two women decided it was time to move on from the company they previously worked for. The experience helped Olivia hone her skills in production, while Sue adeptly managed sales and customer relations, yet they yearned for a more personal connection with their craft and clientele under their own business model.
Transparency became their guiding principle, from the origins of their stones to their formulaic pricing model, fostering trust and integrity. At Goldpoint, they revel in the freedom to focus on what they love most: designing and crafting exquisite pieces all while staying true to their vision of authenticity and openness.
Do they have a signature style?
“Architectural and modern” are the traits you’ll see in a Goldpoint piece. The essence of these traits is encapsulated in every meticulously designed piece. While custom creations are a cornerstone of their offerings, many clients draw inspiration from Olivia and Sue’s pre-designed collections. Each collection is a testament to the diverse, worldly inspirations that fuel the owners’ creative visions.
From the evocative Ruins Collection, drawing inspiration from ancient architectural decay, to the elegant Bosc Collection, featuring pear-shaped diamonds reminiscent of its namesake, each line tells a unique narrative. The Cornice Collection stands out with its intricate architectural detailing, evocative of old-world charm, while the Amorphous Collection pays homage to Sandra Chamberlain’s artwork, some of which is displayed in-store. Who doesn’t love art inspired by art?
What are the most popular ring styles?
At Goldpoint, certain designs have become fan favorites, like the beamless banded ring known for its comfort and versatility and the step ring, featuring unique hexagonal green sapphires. Each stone in these designs is distinct, adding to the ring's allure. The ellipse ring is also a standout adorned with tourmaline and an old mine cut diamond admired for its timeless elegance. Plus, it’s worn by Olivia herself, so you know it’s a keeper!
What customization options do they offer?
Creativity knows no bounds, except for what Olivia and Sue consider unwearable or unsafe for daily use, ensuring practicality without compromising on style. Clients often arrive with many ideas, including upcycling family stones and heirloom pieces, entrusting Goldpoint to breathe new life into their sentimental treasures.
Their dedication to durability is evident in their choice of secondary stones, favoring sapphires for their resilient nature, ideal for everyday wear. They offer sapphires in a range of colors (no, not just blue!) as well as tourmalines, emeralds, and mother of pearl. There is no lack of options here!
How does the custom process work?
The journey begins with a consultation with either Olivia or Sue, where desires are expressed, and visions are shared with sketches and inspo photos. After viewing their collection of stones, the design process unfolds organically, with a CAD rendering and a wax model crafted to provide a tangible preview of the final masterpiece. Feedback is welcomed and encouraged, fostering a collaborative environment. If you’re using your own stones, more consultations may be needed, but either way, the exchange is not complete until every detail is perfected, and the ring is finished.
Creating each piece begins right in their studio, where a trusty jeweler’s bench serves as the starting point for every piece. While many steps are meticulously carried out in-house, casting is done off-site, but the essence of each design is preserved through a hands-on approach. Chains are sourced from a refinery that prioritizes post-consumer gold, aligning with Goldpoint's sustainable and ethical approach. A brand that sticks to its values is a brand we can get behind!
Repairs, although a rarity due to the jewelry’s long-lasting build, are also completed in-house. Their settings are engineered to withstand the test of time, sparing customers the worry of stones coming loose or settings wearing out, distinguishing Goldpoint from other jewelers and providing peace of mind to those who invest in their products.
How do you incorporate personal touches while ensuring the ring is timeless and enduring?
“It's really just in explaining to someone why certain things can and cannot be done,” Tina told us. A dainty band might look nice, but it won’t last forever, and Olivia and Sue are honest about that reality. “It's easy to trust someone when they're right there and are going to be the people actually making your ring.”
And boy does the trust pay off! As for the personal touches, “We've had some people bring in their children's baby teeth and pets’ teeth,” transforming memories into wearable treasures. Charms cast from Olivia's dog's baby teeth became cherished additions to their collection, which sparked clients to embrace the concept. From earrings to necklaces, each piece is commissioned to honor their unique stories.
Goldpoint Couple Stories
Kate and Alan, whose last-minute wedding didn't stop them from getting rings they adored. Kate knew about Alan through his roommate who also happened to be her friend, Jessie. Instead of having Jessie introduce them, Kate decided to adjust her Hinge settings so that she could match with him, and the rest is history. We love a little harmless scheming! Kate’s sapphire ring was perfect not only because her childhood friend, Olivia, made it but also because it matched her mother’s sapphire wedding ring.
It's no wonder that there is a unanimous sense of delight among those who choose Goldpoint for their special moments!
What are your favorite rings?
I’m sure you’re wondering if Tina has any favorite rings from their repertoire because we were too! Aside from Kate’s, Lucia’s was definitely a sight to behold—a horizon-style ring with three consecutive diamonds. “The stones are so big and beautiful that it wouldn't really be something made to have in our case, so it was really exciting to see,” Tina elaborated. Witnessing transformative heirloom creations was truly breathtaking. Take Morgan and Josh's modern ring infused with Art Deco inspiration, consisting of a center diamond flanked with diamond baguettes and eye-catching emeralds. We’ve never seen a ring quite like it! There’s no doubt that these repurposed heirlooms will become heirlooms themselves.
We’ve included some of our fave custom designs below!
Any exciting upcoming trends in the jewelry industry?
While the Goldpoint girls prioritize crafting forever pieces that defy fleeting stylistic trends, they have seen some patterns in clients’ custom requests. For instance, two-stone engagement rings are adding a playful twist to tradition and have yet to be included in a collection. Pearls have made a notable comeback, embodying classic sophistication. These gems of the sea blend seamlessly into the Amorphous Collection, ensuring that each piece remains a timeless expression of enduring beauty and style.
Check out the Goldpoint website for more ring inspo!
