5 Questions for… Doron Hakimian, President and Chief Designer of Dove’s Jewelry

While designing jewelry may not have been Doron Hakimian’s first passion — that would be architecture — we couldn’t be more thrilled he discovered his hidden talent for it! Doves Jewelry stands out from the pack with innovative cuts, deep, luscious colors, and a strong, passionate aesthetic we love. So we jumped at the chance to interview the designer on the occasion of his upcoming sale of Doves rings, necklaces, and more on Gilt.com. Read on for Doron’s fascinating answers, and shop Doves Jewelry on Gilt.com on May 14 at noon ET.

Q: How did you decide to become a jewelry designer?
I was raised in a family of jewelers, but architecture was always my passion. Upon getting my architecture degree I decided to spend a summer creating designs for my family’s upscale wholesale jewelry business. What followed was a whirlwind of orders that drew me into the business. I always tell people that I studied architecture but instead of buildings I “build” earrings, pendants and rings.

Q:How does your knowledge of architecture influence your designs? What are the other great influences on the way you design?
Architecture is about space and shapes and understanding how to work with both. When I create a pendant I think about where this will fall on a woman’s neck to be most alluring. When I’m designing an earring I imagine how it will frame a woman’s face and flatter it. I make rings that lengthen a woman’s finger. Women wear jewelry to feel beautiful, and my goal in every design I make is to do just that.

My designs are influenced by art, nature and all things of beauty. Recently on a trip to St. Barths I was struck by the incredible color of the Caribbean Sea. When I came home I immediately began sketching pieces that would capture the experience. The St. Barth’s Blue collection is a doublet of Turquoise and white topaz. Our artisans set a sheet of the finest sleeping-beauty Turquoise beneath crystal clear white topaz and set them in 18 karat gold and diamonds. I take pride in the fact that many of my customers have told me how much the pieces remind them of the ocean in St. Barth’s. As an artist and a designer that tells me that I am doing my job well.

Q:Do you have a woman in mind when you are designing? Where do you see your pieces being worn?
The woman who wears Doves is the woman who strives for the exceptional. Our pieces are exceptionally beautiful and incredibly well-made. The artisans who hand-create each of our pieces make sure that they are durable and can be worn and enjoyed for generations to come. Our pieces are so versatile they can be worn in the boardroom, out for a night on the town, or just spending a day with the family.

Q: Do you have advice on how women can incorporate statement jewelry into their wardrobe?
Jewelry is the most important element of a woman’s wardrobe. A woman can wear a classic black dress but still make a statement by wearing bold, exotic jewelry. The great thing about our pieces is that they are classic yet fashion forward. They are fun and easy to wear.

Q: What do you see in the future for your brand? Are there any major milestones you have in mind to hit this year?
We have gotten quite a bit of celebrity attention in the past year with our pieces being worn at award shows, on celebrity A-listers and on the red carpet. We hope to continue getting not only celebrity attention, but to become a household name. I hope that the Doves name will be synonymous with exceptional designs and incredible craftsmanship.