Over the past two months, the Full Circles have featured the remarkable people who made up the Winner’s Circle at JCK. The honorees have been recognized for a variety of accomplishments such as moving the needle in technological innovation, elevating the luxury jewelry retail through customization, or creating designer jewelry that is original and editorially apppealing. One topic we haven’t covered? Designer Retailers. Each year JCK Las Vegashonors the Top 50 Designer Retailers and Design Center exhibitors cast their vote to determine who receives the honor. The number of votes each retailer receives determines their placement within the Top 50, Top 10, Top 5, or Best Designer Retailer. It’s no surprise the community selected Quadrum Gallery as the Best Designer Retailer of 2016 and today, I’m taking you Full Circle with Director Sia Marvavelias. Sia has a deep passion for sharing designer’s stories so now it’s time we tell hers, after-all, a woman who describes her life as one big treasure hunt is bound to have inspirational stories to share.
Professional bios aside, who are you and what is it all about for you?
My life is one big treasure hunt. I started at Quadrum 17 years ago, and have been the Director for 11 years. Madly in love with all things beautiful, I am addicted to representing the work of really, really talented artists. These are the people whose vision and ingenuity have made their way into my life, and are forever guiding my passion. I am constantly inspired to tell their story and share their work. Each designer that we bring home to Quadrum has influenced my contagious jewelry spirit. My ultimate goal is to inspire my clients to find their own unique sense of personal style. The indisputable passion for jewelry that I possess has developed an unrivaled expertise in understanding my client’s needs. Nothing excites me more than celebrating all things of great artistry, originality and harmony – all things jewelry.
Describe your day using 3 numbers:
23,000+ breaths
an infinity of love
100’s of tee hee’s & giggles
Describe your jewelry style in 5 words or less.
Coveted, purposeful, eclectic, meaningul, unexpected
How personal is jewelry to you?
For two years now, I have acted as Co-president of the Women’s Jewelry Association Boston Chapter and have had the ultimate fortune of meeting and building friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I am a firm believer in personal connections. Each piece of jewelry I own has been gifted or purchased from a designer I represent or admire. It is the friendships with these artists that make up the stories that are a part of my every day.
What’s something you can’t live without?
My friends and family. This sounds like two, but to me they are the same thing.
Highlight of your summer?
Getting up close with a major pod of seals in Provincetown harbor with some of the most dearest people in my life, it was so magical! We were all staring at them and they were all staring right back at us.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
This quote by Nail Gaiman really resonates and has inspired me:
“…make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.”
Last TV Show you binge-watched or book you read?
Outlander, Ray Donovan, Game of Thrones…
How did you get your career started in jewelry?
With an art background, I came into the designer jewelry world armed with an infatuation with color and a keen eye for design. It helped that I had zero expectations and infinite enthusiasm. I landed at Quadrum 17 years ago, and have not looked back since.
Biggest surprise and or challenge on your journey so far?
The biggest surprise for me has been how tight the jewelry world is. At a glance, it looks like a vast landscape that can at times seem unmanageable for a novice – but with the right guide, the international designer jewelry scene can be a home away from home. There is so much talent out there, and curating the very best is my favorite challenge.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I actually do own colorful clothing (at Quadrum we wear only neutral colors to highlight the jewelry) and I love to dig in the dirt and garden.
Fill in the blank:
Playing jewelry and finding homes for the pieces I love by designers I believe in is my favorite thing to do.
First word that comes to mind when you hear JCK.
Industry Authority
Favorite gemstone?
Diamonds. They are brilliant, and as unique as the wearers themselves. You can see a white rose-cut diamond next to a lacy black carbon filled one – they are both so completely different from one another, yet equally as insanely sparkly and breathtaking . Diamonds are a truly fascinating wonder.
Favorite place(s) to get inspiration.
The ocean. It centers me, and is an instant reminder of how precious life and the treasures found here on earth are.
