Meet Jewelry Designer Tara Gasparian

Tara Gasparian designs stunning one of a kind Jewelry, using antique and vintage components. Inspired by the French Art Nouveau, Victorian, and Georgian era art and design movements, each piece she designs features the imperfect beauty, faded elegance and the time worn patina she admires. One of southern California's most sought after jewelry designers, her one of a kind pieces are avidly collected by women with their own sense of style, who are leaders in fashion, not followers. Her jewelry is classic, elegant, trendy, without ever becoming passé. Tara hails from an extensive artistic background, her parents were celebrated artists in Laguna Beach, California, where she grew up. Tara pursued diverse creative passions, she studied hairdressing in London, managed a vintage clothing shop in Manhattan's trendy East Village, worked in theater, t.v. and film as a dresser/ stylist/ and designer.

Tara's Jewelry was the very first line designed by an artist that we fell in love with at FrenchGardenHouse. As soon as I saw Tara's Jewelry, I knew it was something extraordinary ~ her work is stunning and intricate, her pieces personify the juxtaposition between formal, old-world fine jewelry design and modern jewelry’s casual wearability. Jewelry that's not for everyone. It's for you, if you know who you are, delight in the unusual, and have a sense of adventure, and an innate sense of elegance. A woman who cares about self-expression and finding ways to show the world her unique creativity. I asked Tara about the inspiration for her exquisite and elegant jewelry collection, here's what she shared with me:

1. Please tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Laguna Beach, California, surrounded by natural beauty, and a unique design aesthetic; both my parents were painters and collectors of European Antiques. I have always been drawn to things and objects that take me to another time or tells a story from the past.

2. When did you realize you wanted to design jewelry?

My favorite thing to do is search for antique treasures and design beautiful collectible jewelry. Once I figured out a way to take something old and time worn, add a bit of edge and sparkle, and see it come alive on someone, I was hooked.

3. What other jobs did you have before?

I have had quite a few “careers” before this one. (fingers crossed, it's my last!) I was a hairdresser, a costume designer for Television, Film and Theatre, I operated a vintage clothing store and was an Interior Designer.

4. What inspires you?

I am inspired by faraway places, great conversation, laughter, music, art and LOVE.

5. If your jewelry had a message, what would you like it to say?

Live life boldly, lead, don’t follow, and enter every room with a sense of aplomb!

My favorite colors are:

The deepest ruby red and 1940’s Roseville Pottery green.

If I had one wish, I would wish:

That I could continue to travel the world to seek antique pieces for my one of a kind jewelry line, and then design and create. On larger scale, I wish that everybody could appreciate each others differences as well as their similarities.

My very favorite place is: Always where I am right now. Right now I’m reading: Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton. A magnificent memoire by a NYC chef and writer. I can’t live without: The comforts of home, my adorable husband, my furry children, and Bravo TV. FrenchGardenHouse items I adore: I love the Provence Kitchen. My dream kitchen would be full of FrenchGardenHouse antique linens and silver. Thanks so much for sharing a peek into your life, Tara. If you would love to see Tara's Jewelry currently available at FgH you can find her pieces HERE. If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.