Miami Beach, FL – March 31, 2016 – GLORY & HONOR made it’s debut into the Miami market to a crowd full of fashionistas. After falling in love with Miami last summer, Garcia thought The Standard would be the perfect backdrop to showcase her entire collection with an intimate trunk show in the garden. GLORY & HONOR was conceived in the fall of 2012 by designer, Crystal Garcia, after a solo backpacking trip through Europe where she fell in love with jewelry. GLORY & HONOR’s aesthetic is influenced by the beauty of symmetry, the eras before our time, and encompasses the structural and the architectural with a sophisticated edge.

World Red Eye spoke with founder Crystal Garcia, who gave us an inside look into how GLORY & HONOR all began, as well as what we can expect in the future for these striking jewels.

WRE: Where do you draw inspiration from to create your jewels?

CG: I’m inspired by life experiences; for instance, the concept of the New Classic Chain Link Necklace came from my childhood. My cousins always wore curb chain and Cuban chain link necklaces; it was such  a big trend then, the 90’s. I never had one but I wanted to design my own — a bold, weighty, modern chain link necklace that was still  elegant and could be worn with a tee shirt or a gown.

WRE: Tell us a bit about what sets the jewels of GLORY & HONOR apart from other brands?

CG: We create solid, substantial, American-made, luxury jewelry; bold, wearable art that is special and attainable for the aspiring customer.

WRE: What is the common thread in all GLORY & HONOR collections?

CG: Each design is structural, solid, and geometric. I’m thoughtful in the design of each piece, a lot of our pieces are adjustable, so it’s one size fits all, our chain links have a magnetic slip-on clasp to make them simple to put on, and all of our pieces are flattering to wear.

WRE: What kind of person is rocking the latest GLORY & HONOR looks?

CG: A trendsetter, someone who appreciates luxury and high end fashion but makes versatility and functionality their priority. Those who choose transitional pieces that are simple, yet impactful.

WRE: Hardest part about the creative process?

CG: I want my customer to have these pieces for a lifetime. Current trends don’t dictate my designs. I design pieces that I believe my customer will appreciate as a collection piece, and will wear often because it makes them feel special.

WRE: What are some new Spring/Summer jewelry trends that shoppers and admirers should be on the lookout for?

CG: I believe jewelry is season-less and timeless. One trend I’d like to see become more popular is mixing your metals. I encourage my customers to wear their rose gold, silver, and yellow gold pieces together. People still feel that it’s a faux pas, but the different metals look beautiful together.

WRE: What are some staple jewelry items everyone must have?

CG: Rings, simple studs, a cuff or two, versatile necklace/choker.

WRE: Do you find that jewelry trends tend to change with location? For example would people in Miami gravitate towards different pieces than someone would in New York or LA?

CG: Yes, in different boutiques we’re stocked in. One boutique will only carry our Chain Link Collection and specific rings, whilst another will carry our Rail Collection and different rings and cuffs; it depends on the customer, her taste and her aesthetic.

WRE: What kind of jewelry piece represents the ultimate “Miami” look?

CG: Statement necklaces and stacking of necklaces, which I love.

WRE: If you were to describe the GLORY & HONOR brand in 3 words what would they be?

CG: Substantial, Bold, Striking.

WRE: What has been the ultimate “made it” moment for you? If  you haven’t reached it yet, what would it be?

CG: I’ve had the “making it moments,” for instance, we were the  Accessories Partner for LaQuan Smith’s Presentation during NYFW. People contacting me for pulls/collaborations, seeing my jewelry  worn by celebrities, those “making it moments” are much more frequent these days, and it’s really a wonderful feeling. My “made it” moment will be when we’re on the cover of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar.

WRE: What would your dream collaboration be?

CG: Stella McCartney

Current trends don’t dictate my designs. I design pieces that I believe my customer will appreciate as a collection piece, and will wear often because it makes them feel special.

Crystal Garcia, Founder of GLORY & HONOR