Almost a year after our first conversation, Philip Gefaell returns at a very different moment in his trajectory.
What was once a rising name in bespoke jewelry has evolved into a globally recognized atelier, working with an increasingly international clientele and delivering creations that blur the line between craftsmanship, engineering, and art.
From pieces that captured worldwide attention to projects that redefine what jewelry can represent, Gefaell’s work has expanded not only in scale, but in ambition.
In this follow-up conversation, we explore what happens after the breakthrough — the projects, the pressure, and the philosophy behind building at a higher level.
Start of the Interview:
- It’s been almost a year since our last conversation. Let’s start there what has changed for you over this time?
To be honest, everything accelerated. That period marked a real shift. The scale of what we’re doing, the type of clients we work with, and the level of projects we take on it all moved forward significantly.
We’ve completed several major creations that gained international recognition and, in many ways, redefined the position I’m in today. There were a few projects that gained global recognition.
At the same time, we expanded globally in a much more structured way. Right now, our strongest markets are the United States, the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Poland.
These are the regions where we see the highest level of engagement and demand for bespoke, high-end pieces. That said, our clients are truly international – we work with people across multiple continents, and that global reach continues to grow organically.
Overall, it feels like we moved from building foundations into operating on a completely different level.
2. Wow, that sounds incredible. So let’s go deeper – what were your biggest projects over the past year?
Let’s start with the first major breakthrough. One of the projects that really changed everything for us was the Pokéball necklace – inspired, of course, by the world of Pokémon. But the real artistic direction came from the art language of Daniel Arsham – that mix of futuristic, almost archaeological sci-fi aesthetics.
We incorporated motifs inspired by microchip structures – integrated circuit patterns – giving the piece a very technological, almost otherworldly feel.
The necklace itself was fully functional – it could open, revealing a Pokémon figure inside, entirely crafted in gold, set with the highest quality diamonds and tsavorites. Every detail was executed at the highest level of craftsmanship.
That piece created our first real global moment. Hypebeast picked it up, and from there it spread worldwide. I believe we were featured across media in over 20 countries. It gave us massive exposure and really accelerated everything – suddenly, we were being talked about internationally.
3. I remember that – it was everywhere! Media across the world were covering your work. I also saw that you were called one of the top jewelers globally, and even ranked as the number one jeweler in Poland.
Thank you – those are big words.
But honestly, I just focus on doing what I love and what I feel I’m truly good at. I see this as just the beginning… and I won’t argue with those statements haha. It really means a lot.
…
Going back to the projects the second major one was definitely the slot machine necklace. That was on a completely different level. The piece was created using over 200 carats of diamonds and more than one kilogram of gold.
What makes it truly unique is that it features a fully functional mechanical system it works like a real slot machine. You can pull the lever, and the symbols spin, just like in a casino. It made a strong impression globally.
We were contacted by Vogue and Rapaport Group which, for those unfamiliar, is one of the most influential authorities in the diamond industry, known for its pricing reports and global market insights.
This project took a long time to develop. We collaborated with Swiss engineers – professionals who typically design mechanisms for high-end watches and together we engineered the internal system of the piece.
From a design perspective, the inspiration came from Art Deco especially New York architecture.
References included the Chrysler Building, architectural elements inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and details like the entrance doors of Stella Tower. This was definitely the most complex and ambitious piece we completed this year.
There were other major projects as well, but these two were the ones that truly helped us gain global recognition and push everything forward.
4. I also saw that you hosted an event recently. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes that was a very special moment for me.
In December, around Christmas, I decided that after four years it was finally time to come back home. And I thought – if I’m coming back, I want to make it meaningful.
So we combined it with something bigger.
We organized a private event in Warsaw at the Raffles Europejski Warsaw – one of the most iconic and luxurious places in the city. It was an exclusive gathering for our VIP clients.
What made it truly unique was that many of these people I had only known through online communication before. This was the first time we could meet in person, talk, connect properly. I had the chance to thank them personally for their trust and support, and to present our jewelry collection in a much more intimate, real setting.
It was an incredible experience.
But beyond the event itself, coming back to Poland after four years – that was something else. Seeing Warsaw again, feeling the atmosphere, reconnecting with that environment… it honestly made a huge impression on me.
Poland is an amazing country. I truly love it.
Even now, talking about it – I get chills.
5. Do you have any upcoming events planned? And more broadly – what are your next steps?
Events are definitely coming this year.
At the same time, we’re currently at a point where the volume of orders is extremely high to the extent that it’s honestly challenging to keep up with everything we’re building. We’re working on several major projects right now.
I can’t reveal too much yet, as most of them are still in production and bound by contracts, but I can share a few things.
One of the pieces we’re creating is for the number one influencer in the world from the United States. I won’t say who but I think people can guess. It’s a huge honor for us.
Beyond that, we have multiple large-scale creations that will be revealed soon.
And there’s one project in particular that I’m incredibly excited about something very personal and meaningful.
A VIP client came to me with a vision to create a piece that would grow alongside his family over time. His daughter was born this year, and he wanted to celebrate that in a truly unique way.
We are currently designing a crown composed of 18 individual elements.
Each year, for the next 18 years, he will give his daughter one part of that crown until it becomes complete. It’s not just jewelry, it’s a story unfolding over time.
To accompany it, we are also creating a custom trunk – a large, handcrafted piece with 19 drawers, each with its own key, designed specifically to hold every element of the crown.
When I heard this idea, I was genuinely moved.
Moments like this remind me that what we create goes far beyond objects. These are emotional, generational pieces – something that carries meaning, memory, and legacy.
I’m incredibly grateful that people trust me with projects like this. It’s something I don’t take lightly.
And honestly – I just feel proud to be able to create at this level.
6. Can you tell us what’s behind your success – why do you have so many clients from all over the world?
It’s hard to point to just one reason.
But I believe the foundation is the design itself. Every piece that leaves our studio is something I personally design – every detail, every element. I oversee the entire process, from the first idea to the final result, making sure the quality and execution meet the highest standards.
Clients know that what they receive is not just a product, but something I’ve been directly involved in from start to finish.
At the same time, we focus a lot on accessibility despite operating in the luxury space.
We offer free worldwide shipping to all our clients, no matter where they are. We deliver pieces to the most remote parts of the world, and depending on the project and its scale, some orders are even delivered personally.
So I think it’s a combination of design, control over quality, and availability. That’s what really makes the difference.
7. And what kind of commissions do you receive the most inquiries for?
It’s a very wide spectrum.
On one side, we create large, bespoke high jewelry pieces from bold, statement designs inspired by hip-hop culture to big necklaces featuring emeralds, rubies, and rare gemstones.
On the other hand, there’s a huge demand for engagement rings.
And I have to say this is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do. Creating a symbol of love for so many people is something I truly value.
Very often, clients come to me with standard designs they’ve seen before. And while those can be beautiful, I always try to push them slightly further – to create something unique.
It can still be classic, but with a twist.
Anyone who follows my work knows that I love incorporating mechanisms into jewelry.
Like the Pokémon Pokéball piece that opens, or the slot machine necklace with a working mechanical system. Right now, we’re also designing a brooch with a rotating center – on both sides there will be miniature hand-painted artworks created by a European miniaturist.
We’re also working on a gorilla head piece where, after pulling a lever, the teeth retract and reveal a detachable element that can be worn separately as a brooch.
So even with engagement rings, I always try to introduce something extra.
For example, a ring that looks classic for everyday wear, but comes with an additional removable layer set with emeralds or sapphires – something that transforms the piece into a more extravagant version when desired.
I think that balance – between timeless elegance and innovation – is what clients are really looking for today.
8. Are you able to share who your typical clients are?
That’s actually quite a complex question.
First of all, I can’t disclose most of the people I work with – discretion and privacy are absolutely fundamental in this space, and I take that very seriously.
But I can give you a general picture.
We work with a wide range of clients – from celebrities across Europe, to business figures in the United States, to people deeply connected with the music industry both in the U.S. and Europe. There’s also a strong presence of clients from the cryptocurrency space.
In Poland, we’ve had the privilege of working with individuals who rank among the top 20 on the Forbes list of the wealthiest people.
We also regularly create pieces for members of royal families.
At the same time, it’s not only high-profile clients. There are many “regular” clients as well and in some cases, we don’t even fully know what they do professionally. They simply come to us because they want something unique.
So it’s a very broad spectrum – but what connects all of them is the appreciation for individuality, craftsmanship, and design.
9. Do you consider yourself more an artist or an entrepreneur?
That’s a great question.
I’d say it’s truly 50/50 half artist, half entrepreneur. It’s always been that way for me.
From a very young age, I had this natural drive to create not just in terms of art, but also ideas, projects, and businesses. Whenever I had the opportunity, I was already trying to earn my own money, build something of my own. That entrepreneurial instinct was always there.
At the same time, I was constantly exploring art learning, studying, understanding aesthetics, history, and craftsmanship.
At some point, those two worlds naturally came together.
And today, I feel like I’m doing exactly what I love combining business and art in the most complete way possible, through creating high-end diamond jewelry.
10. What does luxury mean to you today?
For me, luxury is above all about creating something truly one of a kind.
There are many brands offering beautiful jewelry, but what I consider real luxury is personalization bespoke pieces designed specifically for one individual. Something that cannot be replicated, something that carries a story, a character, a certain soul.
At this stage, it’s honestly difficult for me to fully relate to buying purely based on trends choosing something just because it’s recognizable or widely worn. I believe that a more refined understanding of luxury comes with appreciating individuality.
The most aware clients don’t look for what everyone else has they look for something that represents them.
That’s why bespoke jewelry holds such a strong value for me. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about meaning.
And of course, true luxury also comes from the use of the highest quality materials exceptional diamonds, rare gemstones, and craftsmanship executed at the absolute highest level.
11. Who is the ideal client for Philip Gefaell jewelry?
The ideal client is someone who truly understands and appreciates artistic value not just the material aspect of jewelry, but the craftsmanship, the vision, and the story behind it.
It’s someone open-minded, willing to explore ideas, and not afraid of unconventional designs. Most importantly, it’s a person who trusts my instinct and allows me to guide the creative process.
Fortunately, there are many clients like this.
I genuinely believe that what we create is unique pieces that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. That’s why I deeply appreciate clients who fully entrust me with the design process.
That level of trust means a lot to me.
What I enjoy the most is that moment when, after just a few conversations and understanding the person, I can present a concept that resonates with them completely and they immediately feel that it’s exactly what they were looking for.
That connection between vision and result is what makes the whole process so special.
12. What do you enjoy the most about your work?
Honestly, I think it’s one of the most beautiful professions in the world.
Being a jeweler means creating something truly exceptional pieces that didn’t exist before and will often stay with someone for a lifetime. Of course, it also comes with good business, which I appreciate… but that’s not even the best part.
What’s really special is that every time a client pays for a piece, it doesn’t feel like a typical transaction.
We receive something much more genuine appreciation, emotion, and gratitude.
And the funny thing is… every time I hand over a finished piece, it almost feels like I’m giving a gift to the client. Even though technically, they’re the ones paying for it.
That moment when they see it for the first time – that’s something you can’t replace.
Concluding
If the past year has defined momentum, what lies ahead for Philip Gefaell will be defined by scale, precision, and intention.
As his work continues to expand across markets and disciplines, the challenge is no longer visibility; but consistency at the highest level. Maintaining the integrity of craftsmanship while operating globally is a balance few manage to sustain.
Yet, if this conversation makes one thing clear, it is that Gefaell is not simply building a brand, he is shaping a language. One where jewelry moves beyond adornment into something more personal, more architectural, and ultimately, more enduring.
And we are more that happy to share his journey with you!
Contact With Philip Gefaell
Discover and follow more about Philip’s work trough the following links: IG : @philipgefaell
Contact: [email protected]
Written by Founder & Head Editor: Anton Fernandez in collaboration with Philip Gefaell.