About Designer Mark Reyes G.G
How did you get here?
As a young boy, my brother and I always loved to tinker and make stuff in our garage - anything from modifying our bicycles to creating our own skateboards and my grandfather would assist with the metal cutting and soldering. One summer day, I had a chance encounter with someone who urgently needed to fill an apprentice position in his custom jewelry fabrication shop. That's where I found my true calling - utilizing my love of metal work to create lasting memories for people.
I went on to study Jewelry Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and then became a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). I've since had the honor of being invited back to my alma mater, FIT, to teach Gemology for their Jewelry Design Associates Degree Program.
For the past 30 years, I've been creating custom jewelry for customers and celebrities worldwide. Having Olivero Designs studios based in New York City really keeps me on the cutting edge of fashion and design. I live to create exquisite pieces of art that tells a personal story - now that's the excitement of custom jewelry design.
Most treasured moment in your jewelry design career?
One of my most treasured moment in my 30 year career is designing an engagement ring for my friend's son. It was a memorable moment because I made his father's engagement ring 25 years earlier. This was my very first generation piece.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a big collector of statues and action figures. I own over 250 of them and my top 3 superheroes are the Hulk, Spiderman and Goku (Dragon Ball).
What is one of your guilty pleasures you just can't give up?
My all time favorite Italian restaurant is just a few blocks from my office. I go there more often then I'd like to admit to have a big plate of fresh linguini in light marinara sauce with chunks of tomatoes.
What’s something that amazes you ?
How in today's world jewelers still use very old techniques to create jewelry.