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Designer Larisa Laivins is inspired by the nostalgia of unexpected surprises, like finding a ring in a gum ball machine! Her playfully elegant designs are instant heirlooms, and when she’s designing, she literally lets the stones do the talking!

JA New York: How would you describe your brand to someone who is not familiar with it? Give us your “elevator pitch!” 

Larisa Laivins: A gum ball machine unearthed in an archaeology dig! I make 18k gold jewelry that combines traditional shapes and ideas with modern geometry and colorful stones like turquoise and opals mixed with diamonds. 

JA New York: Do you have a particular wearer in mind when you’re designing?

LL: I’m designing for someone who wears fine jewelry in a casual way every day. 

JA New York: What is your biggest source of design inspiration?

LL: The biggest source of design inspiration is the stones themselves – Every year I go to Tucson, clear my mind and wander the shows as a blank slate, letting myself be drawn to anything that is pulling me in. Then when I get back to LA, I spread everything out and let the stones do the talking. After that so many things inspire the design – everything from ancient artifacts to pop culture. 

JA New York: What is one thing that can always make you smile?

LL: The absurdities of daily life

JA New York: If you could spend one day in somebody else’s shoes, whom would it be and why? 

JA New York: George is my favorite stone setter and bench jeweler in downtown LA. He is 89 years old,works 7 days a week, and is a master craftsman. He isn’t accepting apprentices, so this would be the perfect way to soak up some of that knowledge. 

Registration for JA New York Spring is now open! Use this link to register to attend. Your JA New York badge will also give you access to MJSA Expo and the Antique Watch and Jewelry Show, LUEUR, which are co-located at the Javits Center.