Interview: Marli New York founder Maral Artinian talks high jewellery and creating a brand that transcends borders

Maral Artinian is making waves in the jewellery industry. Her fine jewellery brand, Marli New York, recently celebrated its landmark 10 year anniversary, and has just debuted in London with a boutique at Harrods. Marli New York has also, for the very first time, forayed into the world of high jewellery.

Maral comes from a family of fine jewellers. Born in Syria and raised in Armenia, she brings with herself a wealth of jewellery expertise not just from her rich cultural heritage, but also from her two brothers who are also part of the jewellery business. She has lived all over the world, absorbing the cultures and vibrancies of each city before finally settling in New York, where her brand Marli New York was born.

Maral believes fine jewellery should be an expression of our individuality, empowering anyone who chooses to wear it — not simply a piece of adornment on your body. Personal style should be celebrated, she says, and one’s jewellery wardrobe should fit into this — not the other way around.

So in honour of International Women’s Day and Women’s History month, we spoke to Maral Artinian about her journey to becoming a jewellery designer. Here, she talks about growing Marli New York, creating a brand that transcends borders and the challenges that led her to this moment.

Related: Molly Anderson talks championing women’s tailoring on Savile RowYou are the founder of Marli New York, which just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. What made you want to be a jeweller?
I was inspired by New York’s energy, diversity, and limitless possibilities. I envisioned creating a borderless brand that embodies individuality, self-expression, and meaningful connections. Marli designs are defined by powerful silhouettes, every piece is a labour of love crafted with commitment to excellence, and passion for creating jewellery that transcends time and trends.

You were born into a family with generations of fine jewellery experience under their belt. How has your upbringing and cultural heritage influenced your high jewellery endeavours?
With three generations of experience, the legacy in my journey spanned continents from my family’s jewellery boutiques in the Middle East to the diamond business in Europe. Today, Marli New York’s legacy is pushed forward by crafting fine jewellery collections like Cleo by Marli, LIFE, and Empire which are designed to transition effortlessly from bold to subtle, from day to night, reflecting the dynamic spirit of those who wear them. I want to connect with today’s generation through jewellery that transcends adornment. 

Your brand has just forayed into the world of high jewellery. How does that feel?
High jewellery! It is a milestone moment for me and Marli New York. It’s a celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary and a tribute to New York City, which has been a constant source of inspiration. Entering the world of high jewellery, we are excited to push boundaries and create something truly special with a unique blend of modern style and high-end craftsmanship. 

Related: How Marilyn Monroe continues to influence fashion todayWhat advice would you give to someone looking to incorporate jewellery into their everyday fashion? What elements should they look out for?
Jewellery is all about self-expression. The idea is to style yourself with creations that truly reflect your individuality. An example of this would be through sentiment, identity and accomplishments. The Marli collections are thoughtfully curated to cater to the different moods and styles of everyone. For example, the Cleo collection is perfect for those who want to make a statement—it is bold, colourful, and unapologetically vibrant. On the other hand, the Tip Top collection is all about elegance and femininity. It’s designed for those who appreciate delicate, refined pieces that exude grace and timeless sophistication—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. No matter if you’re feeling bold, feminine, or classic, I want everyone to feel confident in expressing themselves through Marli. Each collection is a reflection of the diverse facets of modern womanhood, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

You have said that jewellery should be an extension of our individualities rather than pieces of adornment. Can you talk a bit about that?
There is something powerful about putting on a piece that feels like an extension of you. It’s about stepping into a certain energy and certain mindset. Jewellery has the incredible ability to transform not just how we look, but how we feel. A sense of confidence and ease like we are carting something deeply personal yet effortlessly expressive. What is the best way to use jewellery to make a simple outfit stand out? 
Marli is all about self expression. There are various ways that you can style yourself mixing materials by layering and ring stacking. You can mix and match delicate silhouettes with bolder, more statement-making creations. Marli designs are intentionally curated with versatility; styling in multiple ways to make it feel new every time. Something with captivating colours can add an unexpected pop to make an outfit stand out. Or, stacking delicate bracelets or rings can bring in an elegant, feminine touch, making a basic outfit feel more refined yet still playful.

Finally, what advice would you give to other women who are looking to step into this industry?
The most important thing in any industry is to have the knowledge, expertise and the passion to be able to choose any path. At the end of the day, passion is what keeps you going, and it’s also what helps Marli resonate with people. It’s the heartbeat of our brand that inspires our clients, collaborators, and peers in the industry. The jewellery industry is constantly evolving, and your passion should push you to stay ahead of those changes.

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