Alson Chats with Maral Artinian of Marli NYC

We recently sat down with Maral Artinian, founder of MARLI NYC.  We talked about everything from our favorite pieces from her collection to our favorite spots in NYC.  We love her cool, chic designs that pair perfectly with our favorite jeans or a formal gown. Read on to learn more about Maral and her stunning jewelry designs.

Where are you from?  I am a New Yorker (originally from Armenia)

How did you get started designing jewelry?  My family has been in the jewelry business for over a century, thus I was born in this industry and I feel as if it’s part of my DNA.  At a certain point I realized that women of my generation are independent and dynamic and there was no fine jewelry addressing the need of being always ready for what could happen next.  With that in mind, I created MARLI and, with it, I started creating fashion-forward and versatile pieces that make women feel confident from morning to evening, whether it be at work, dinner or a red-carpet event.

What was the first piece of jewelry you designed?  The first piece I designed was a pendant with my initials, a unique, sophisticated piece in 18k gold and diamonds that I could wear all the time.

What inspires your designs?  MARLI designs are inspired by the dynamic environment of New York City and more importantly by women. The philosophy behind MARLI’s collections is to create fashion-forward and versatile pieces that make women feel confident from morning to evening, whether it be at work, dinner or a red-carpet event. In fact, MARLI pieces perfectly fit with jeans, casual dresses as well as with a gala dress.

What piece of jewelry do you wear everyday?  I wear a MARLI piece every day and all the time, but not a specific one. I design each collection having in mind women’s needs, therefore I like to wear all of them, appreciate the quality of all and each of them, as my customers do. Most of the time I play, mixing the different collections and letting the Cleo colorful stones reflect my vibes.

Who is your style icon?  My icons are the women I encounter walking on New York’s streets and in all my travels.

What trends are you loving right now?   I like the sophistication of layering, mixing pieces and styles

What was your favorite piece of jewelry when you were sixteen?  The pendant with my initials that I first designed, of course!

What was your first job?  I used to spend my afternoons after school working at my father’s jewelry store. Mostly, I loved watching the craftsmen in our factory creating masterpieces with such an impressive attention to detail.  I still spend a lot of my time in my factory monitoring the production and creating new designs, it’s such an inspiring place!

Favorite spot in NYC?  I love walking by the Hudson River and in particular that feeling of peace so much apparently contrasting the dynamism of the city.

Favorite vacation spot?  Mediterranean beaches, they remind me of my childhood and, when I go, I can still hear the laughs of my brothers to my father’s jokes.

Wine or Martini?  Martini, the happy hour drink in New York City!

Describe your personal style. Chic, cool, and sophisticated

What is the best advice you have received?  Be yourself, everyone else is taken!

If you could have a super power, what would it be?  To be able to be in different places at the same time

For more designs by MARLI NYC, check out our website and Pinterest page.  We’re very social, so be sure to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.