We capture timeless beauty and rich history, blending old-world charm with a modern twist to create pieces that transcend time and trends. Gurhan Orhan’s passion for pure gold and dedication to ancient goldsmithing techniques shine through every creation. Renowned and award-winning, Gurhan, the visionary Turkish designer, has dramatically transformed the luxury jewelry landscape, pioneering the resurgence of 24-karat gold craftsmanship. His journey to international success encapsulates a tale of creativity, innovation, and global recognition. His love for the craft is evident: “I watch each creation come to life as I hammer it by hand. Knowing that it will continue that life being worn by someone who values the noble tradition of hand craftsmanship is my reward.”
What Sets Us Apart?
Every handmade jewelry piece tells a story. From earrings to gemstone necklaces, we ensure unparalleled craftsmanship. Our chains, entirely handcrafted, exude an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. The painstaking effort—often spanning 9 hours for necklace bezels and 18 for bracelets—reflects our unyielding commitment to quality. But it’s not just about the time; it’s about the art. With one-of-a-kind designs that often incorporate rare stones, ancient coins, and micro mosaics, each piece becomes a unique narrative. For those who value authenticity, our jewelry comes with a hand-engraved serial number. This not only assures genuineness but also allows us to trace a piece’s journey, ensuring every GURHAN creation remains timeless.
Our jewelry has graced red carpets and found its way into the personal collections of stars like Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah, Sandra Bullock, Megan Fox, and Hillary Clinton, highlighting its esteemed place in the world of high fashion.
How is it Made?
Inspired by the goldsmiths of past empires, we craft hand-hammered 24k gold designs using tools reminiscent of the Anatolian and Byzantine eras. Each piece is unique and exquisite, handcrafted by skilled artisans personally trained by Gurhan Orhan himself. “From the start, it was my vision to reincarnate the craft of ancient goldsmiths by using the same pure gold they used and by staying true to their hand-hewn techniques.” Pure 24k gold bars are meticulously pressed into delicate sheets. The intricate hand-hammering process strengthens the gold and gives it the signature texture or ‘fingerprints’ that GURHAN jewelry is known for. Each square inch of gold may bear over 1000 individual hammer strokes, showcasing our commitment to craftsmanship and detail.
The story of GURHAN is told through its unique, refined details.
Our Little Touches
Every piece of GURHAN jewelry is engraved with its own unique identifying serial number and production code, ensuring it can always be identified as yours. By registering your piece with us, you create a lasting association, and we’ve even been able to return lost jewelry to its rightful owners because of this feature. Look for the special details on each piece: a little logo hang-tag with a tiny diamond, a two-inch extension chain to adjust necklace lengths, and a kiss of gold to elevate silver jewelry. Handcrafted to perfection, our bezel settings combine aesthetics with functionality, ensuring gemstones remain luminous and secure. Many designs feature a secret charm, adding a personal touch known only to Gurhan and the wearer. As Gurhan expresses, “Our dedication to craftsmanship is particularly evident in the ancient art of granulation, where the intricate bonding of tiny metal spheres to the base design enhances its allure and sophistication.”
Our Gold
We are deeply committed to the environment and the work conditions of laborers in the jewelry supply chain. For a long time, we have partnered with a refinery dedicated to using only recycled gold, ensuring that all our gold is ethically sourced. Our creations are exclusively crafted from 24k or 22k gold, as gold with a lower karat does not meet the standards of our rejuvenated ancient method for crafting high-karat gold. While our core pieces radiate the rich glow of 24-karat gold, elements like earring posts and clasps are crafted in 22k gold for added durability. Each piece reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, embodying the vision and craftsmanship of Gurhan Orhan.
Our Functional Excellence
To bolster durability, we occasionally use ceramic fillers, a type of non-metal filler. If a specific design needs physical reinforcement due to the softness and bendability of 24k gold, we use these proprietary ceramic fillers to ensure the integrity of the pieces. This method, inspired by the Anatolian goldsmiths of the Byzantine period, provides both strength and longevity. Many of our designs are constructed as tubes or beads with hollow spaces, mostly for threadings, hoops, and chains. Earring push backs are crafted in sterling silver and plated in 24k gold for a touch of luxury and durability. While nothing compares to the magical warmth and beauty of high-karat gold, it is not always optimal for functional parts of jewelry. Therefore, we make our clasps, bales, earring clips, posts, and other purely functional parts in 22k gold to ensure your piece is sturdy enough for everyday use. We don’t compromise on beauty; these lower-karat pieces are carefully plated in 24k gold to match the main design.
Why GURHAN?
GURHAN embodies a promise: delivering designer jewelry that combines high karat gold with intricate design, ensuring a blend of everyday elegance and exclusivity. Our collections are versatile, transitioning seamlessly from day to night.
In Istanbul, where tradition meets innovation, GURHAN’s workshop is where the magic unfolds. Hand-picked and personally trained by Gurhan Orhan, our master craftsmen bring a passion that mirrors the brand’s spirit. Their skills, combined with Gurhan’s visionary genius, result in pieces that are nothing short of art. And for those in New York City, a visit to GURHAN Atelier might reveal the maestro at work, either crafting a new masterpiece or collaborating on a custom design.
Legacy of GURHAN
Passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the craft have made GURHAN a legacy. When you wear a GURHAN design, you don’t just wear jewelry; you wear a piece of history, a fragment of art, and a touch of elegance. Over the years, we’ve embraced the traditions of ancient goldsmiths while melding ancient techniques with contemporary refinements to create pieces that stand out in any era. Every piece reflects the exceptional artistry and dedication of Gurhan Orhan, showcasing his devotion to the timeless beauty of pure gold.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
Our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is at the forefront of our decision-making. For a long time, we have used only recycled gold, ensuring all our gold is responsibly sourced and mined with minimal environmental impact. We proudly observe the Kimberly Process Certification for our diamonds, guaranteeing they are conflict-free and ethically sourced. Gurhan himself selects each gemstone, embracing the extraordinary array of natural stones for their unique personalities rather than standard definitions of perfection. We recognize our responsibility to the planet and are committed to creating eco-friendly jewelry through transparent supply chains. We also minimize our environmental footprint by managing energy, chemicals, air quality, waste, and packaging.
The Future of GURHAN
While we cherish our past and the rich history that has shaped our brand, we also look forward to the future. GURHAN is on a continuous journey, always seeking out unique materials and refined techniques, and creating designs that resonate with the next generation, all while preserving the essence that makes our jewelry timeless.
Gurhan says, "The future of GURHAN is about honoring our heritage while embracing new possibilities. We are dedicated to exploring the beauty of craftsmanship, discovering exceptional materials, and crafting pieces that continue to tell our story. I am excited to share this journey with you and to see our creations become part of your cherished moments."
We invite you to experience the magic of GURHAN and let our pieces bring beauty and joy to your life.