Turkish designer Gurhan Orhan has recreated himself several times over the course of his life. He has applied his talents to the design of audio equipment, running a restaurant and working as a watchmaker. His latest incarnation, as a jewelry designer, began in 1994, and it appears he has found his calling.

Lustre in Telluride, located at 171 S. Pine, will be carrying a wide selection of Gurhan’s styles, ranging from his Phoenician turquoise to black diamonds and rubies.

Gurhan’s career as a jeweler began simply, with a piece of 24-karat gold given to him by a watchmaker. He experienced an immediate reaction to the pure substance and sought an answer to why goldsmiths had stopped working with the unadulterated material. Most modern jewelry making uses various dilutions of gold, with 18-karat and 14-karat being the most commonly used mixtures.

Gurhan closeted himself in a small workshop in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar for 18 months and researched the techniques of ancient goldsmiths, seeking to restore the lost art of working with pure gold. He has succeeded in establishing pure gold as a viable medium, resurrecting the ancient art through the careful application of modern technology. It has become his passion to perpetuate and perfect the legacy of ancient craftsmen through distinctive and wearable designs. 

Gurhan’s contribution to the world of jewelry design has been distinguished by several awards, among them the Grand Prize in the prestigious World Gold Council’s Millennium design competition in 2000, and most recently First Prize in the Perles de Tahiti competition for his Comet ring in 2004. He is also recognized as the pioneer of the revival of the popularity of 24-karat gold jewelry.

The Gurhan Collection is notable for its use of pure gold. Gurhan is the only designer of his line, and is also a master goldsmith. He designs, develops and creates each prototype by hand and personally teaches each apprentice how to make the piece. It is significant to note that Gurhan only takes on apprentices with no prior jewelry making experience. Their training with him is extensive and unique in the jewelry world.

Gurhan enhances the strength of some pieces through the use of platinum cores, and uses lobster clasps and shepherd’s hooks. In 2006, Gurhan conquered yet another medium by introducing his Platinum Collection.

Gurhan maintains studios in both Istanbul and New York. His line is carried in fine jewelry stores worldwide, including Lustre. Any style in the Gurhan line is available through Lustre by special arrangement. For more information, call the gallery at 728-3355.