Meet Gemma Park the brilliant creative behind the brand Veniroe. Gemma is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and an industry powerhouse with over two decades of experience; her journey is as extraordinary as the jewelry she designs. Gemma’s passion for nature drives her to travel the globe, drawing inspiration from its beauty and transforming those experiences into meticulously crafted, unique fine art jewelry.
Can you share more about the 20 years ago when you first encountered colored gems, and how it influenced your journey into jewelry design?
Twenty years ago, my mother showed me her cherished collection of jewelry with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. I was instantly captivated by the vivid allure of these natural gemstones. The radiant main colors set in harmony with white diamonds sparkled like protagonists in a movie, and I couldn’t take my eyes off them. It was this mesmerizing beauty that inspired me to become a jewelry designer, with a desire to make these unique colors shine even more brilliantly and beautifully.
Veniroe’s designs often incorporate whimsical and playful elements, such as the Bicycle Rabbit necklace. How do you balance whimsy with the sophistication of fine jewelry?
As a child, I loved reading books and painting a world of imagination in my mind. I used to imagine that even a rabbit running diligently might dream of flying through the sky, so I envisioned a bicycle that could soar. I also imagined that a fox in the desert might want to walk the sky path, so I created a beautiful sky-blue path for it. To vividly bring my imaginary world to life, I enjoy mixing various shades and intensities not only with colorful gemstones but also with enamels and shells. This blend allows me to create intricate, whimsical designs that balance the playful with the sophisticated.
You’ve mentioned a shift in the jewelry market due to the pandemic, with a rise in online purchases and changing design trends. How has Veniroe adapted to these new market dynamics, and what parts of the customer experience do you retain at your brick-and-mortar location in Beverly Hills?
Due to the pandemic, the global economy has slowed down, and the competition in the online market has become fierce. During this time, Veniroe has leveraged the strength of our Beverly Hills boutique by focusing on attracting VIP clients. We emphasize the importance and value of gold and diamonds, highlighting their significance as assets for our customers. Our marketing efforts are dedicated to educating clients on these aspects, ensuring they see the lasting value and elegance of our pieces.
The G Collection is described as being particularly daring and a testament to self-expression. Can you share the creative process behind this collection and what makes it stand out? What part of your personal expression exists in this collection?
The G Collection represents the pinnacle of my jewelry career. It began when I moved from Korea to the United States and encountered Western culture. This transition inspired me to become more confident and bold in my personal and professional growth. While Eastern design emphasizes lines and intricate details, Western design is often characterized by boldness and grandeur. I wanted to blend these two styles to create my own unique details. My dream is to merge the fascinating elements of ancient Egyptian times with the brilliant craftsmanship of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty to create a new and distinct world in jewelry design.
With your Graduate Gemologist certification from the GIA, how do you ensure that each gem used in Veniroe’s jewels meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Can you give us insight into the process of creating your pieces?
At Veniroe, all the gemstones used in our pieces are natural. I personally handle the selection and purchase of these stones, including verifying their origins. After assessing the inclusions and overall condition of each stone, they are entrusted to our in-house artisans, who have been working with us for over 20 years. These skilled craftsmen bring our designs to life with meticulous handcrafting.
As you watch the transformation in jewelry design trends, particularly among younger demographics, what future trends do you anticipate, and how are you preparing to meet evolving tastes?
Initially, I struggled to understand young design trends. However, after many years of operating a boutique in Beverly Hills, I began to grasp the sensibilities of younger customers. To survive in the highly competitive jewelry market, it is crucial to anticipate and respond to these trends. I believe the key lies in creating simple yet unique designs. With so many similar designs flooding the market, trends come and go quickly. It’s essential to develop distinctive designs that can adapt swiftly and stand the test of time.
The Blossom collection, particularly the Twin Blossom ring, has been incredibly popular. What do you think makes it resonate so strongly with your customers?
The history of the Twin Blossom collection dates back 12 years. It remains popular because many customers purchase multiple rings with different colored stones, allowing them to mix and match or wear them interchangeably. The vibrant combination of colored stones makes these rings stand out in any setting.
Are there any particular themes you seek to evoke in your art?
Travel and relaxation are my sources of inspiration. The cities, architecture, and history of various countries provide ample energy for my designs.
How did you translate elements of royal architecture into your Castle Collection designs?
I envisioned creating a castle for Veniroe, with a secretive and radiant octagonal door depicted in various colors. The collection features a towering castle marked with the initial “V,” symbolizing Veniroe’s unique presence.
Your designs draw from both your Korean heritage and Western influences. Can you tell us how these diverse cultural elements manifest in your work?
I have been captivated by the allure of Egypt, delving into its architecture, pyramids, and Cleopatra through extensive reading and research. I aspire to blend these elements with the intricate details of Eastern design. I believe that the historical motifs we study can become compelling sources of inspiration for contemporary life.
What is your personal and professional mantra?
My design philosophy is to harmonize historical cultures to create unique pieces with deep roots. Incorporating more mainstream elements is a challenge I continue to work on.
Veniroe captivates the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts around the world, offering a curated selection of exquisite pieces that truly shine forever. As Gemma Park and her team look to the future, we can only anticipate more breathtaking creations that celebrate the essence of luxury and the timeless allure of fine art jewelry. To explore this world of design and elegance, visit www.veniroe.com.
