Since making her debut as a jewelry designer, Gina Ferranti left a few careers behind: boutique owner, gemstone appraiser for David Yurman and sales associate for an antique jewelry gallery. It was her stint with Yurman that “got her juices going to design” and encouraged her to get certified as a gemologist. Now, after only three and a half years, she has created a stir in the high jewelry world with seven dazzling collections for her brand GiGi Ferranti which has won the attention of thousands of social media and trunk show fans—many who come up to her after shows and ask to buy the jewelry she’s wearing. “It’s a compliment,” she says. “My Lucia Huggies get noticed all the time. I take them out, clean them off and sell them right out of my ear.” She’s also been called one of the most exciting new designers to watch in bridal jewelry. “A natural progression,” says this Brooklyn-based rising star who is known for her intricate pavé gemstone and diamond settings. Currently, Gina is getting ready to showcase some of her latest creations at the grandest of all jewelry shows, Premier in Las Vegas and we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak. Here, she talks about her new collections and the inspiration behind her unique look.—Sue Perry

DPA What stones are you into lately?

GF Right now I’m into peach moonstones, mother-of-pearl and turquoise cabochon. All three colors mix well together and work well with what’s going on with spring fashion because they mimic the Pantone colors of the year.

Lucia Cabochon rings

DPA Cabochons are smooth, not faceted stones like your signature pavé. This is something really new for you, right?

GF Yes, it’s a change from my pavé pieces. I wanted a bigger, bolder, smoother look for spring and to interject something different into the line. And they can be stacked with my Lucia.

DPA What inspires you?

GF My work with antique jewelry sparked an interest in the Deco period of jewels with its geometric lines and architectural elements. So my jewelry reflects a modern twist on bold Deco styles. I call it delicately bold because I use a lot of pavé which gives a more delicate look, but the shapes are bold. It’s a mix of both.

Gianna ring with diamonds

DPA Tell us about your approach to bridal jewelry, which is probably one of the most romantic pieces of jewelry anyone could give or get.

GF My first wedding pieces were stacking bands to signify unity between a husband and wife. So my approach is to celebrate a united, more flexible kind of love. I made my first engagement ring with a powder blue sapphire which can also be customized to any diamond shape. As people ask me to design rings I bring a bit of my aesthetic twist into it.

Lucia stacking bands and Julia engagement ring with sapphire and diamonds

DPA What is your go-to jewelry style?

GF I love pieces that stack. Stacking is definitely one of my go-to styles.

Gianna stacking ring

DPA What piece of jewelry could you never live without, and why?

GF My Lucia Huggies. If you catch me in the daytime on 47th Street in the Diamond District or out at night, I’ll be wearing these. They’re small enough to wear every day but big enough to be seen. I make them with a diamond or sapphire center stone.

Lucia Huggies