Designer Profile
Australian-born jeweler, Ray Griffiths, has been creating beautiful jewelry for more than 30 years. Spending weekends assisting his shoemaker Father as a child shaped his fascination with craftsmanship and attention to detail. Fuelled by a love of gemstones and jewels from an early age Ray studied the art of restoration under master jewelers whilst still a teenager. He then went on to obtain degrees in Gemology and Diamond Technology. A very successful career as partner and head designer for Sydney’s premier jewelry store in the 80s and 90s followed until the call to New York could no longer be ignored. For the past 15 years Ray has called the city that never sleeps his home.
From his gorgeous light filled studio overlooking 5th avenue Ray designs and creates his masterpieces, every jewel is hand finished on the premises. Renowned for his exquisite metalwork, profound technical skills, and exquisitely cut gemstones (to his specifications), the “crownwork” that runs throughout his designs reflects his early training fabricating the intricate substructure of tiaras and crowns. Developed through Ray's classical jewelry training and love of antiquity, crownwork has a historical reference that shines through every jewel.
Ray's collection is rapidly collecting admirers amongst the media, celebrities and private collectors of fine jewelry. The New York Times “Styles” section shopping critic Cintra Wilson raved, "I was stunned by the work of Ray Griffiths, an Australian designer trained in the dying art of designing and repairing crowns for royalty. His bracelets are jaw-dropping…" Ray made his television debut on the hit Bravo’s "Real Housewives of New York" Alex McCord’s favorite designer; Debra Messing, Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Angela Basset and Brooke Shields are some of the famous faces wearing his beautiful creations.
“Jewelry is something that takes a long time to get right. Integrating technical skills into one’s own sense of style and design occurs over time. Real jewelry isn’t seasonal, it’s evolutionary.” ….Ray Griffiths
Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry is sold in select jewelry stores and boutiques in the US, Canada and Barbados. Private appointments are also available at his Fifth Avenue studio in New York.