Our interview with jewelry designer Doriana Richman of Stone Symbol Jewelry.
Stone Symbol Jewelry was inspired by her visit to the excavated city of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. It was in this ancient city that Doriana came across an ancient secret symbol, which had emerged as a code to those seeking refuge from religious persecution.
Doriana designs each unique piece of her fine jewelry with a highly-polished, antiqued degradation surrounded by history and intrigue.
Hi Doriana, Please tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Vancouver, BC. Both my parents immigrated from Italy and they successfully instilled in me a passion for life, the arts and a firm belief in family and friends.
How did you get in the industry?
I was first inspired by a trip I took to the excavated city of Ephesus. Along the paths and walkways of the ancient ruins there is the secret symbol still visible today, after 2000 years. Upon discovering the true meaning of this symbol I realized that I had to share it with the world. The symbol is known to be the first sign of Christianity, Unity and a Spiritual birth of Humanity. I love jewelry and I thought there would be no better way to get this message out than by making pieces of wearable history. I want people to feel like they are wearing an antiquity. Every piece is uniquely crafted to bear the mark of time. Stone Symbol will resonate with the “Spiritual Believers” and fulfill the desire that so many people have for a unifying connection.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, Fashionable and Compassionate
Tell us a little about your company Stone Symbol Jewelry?
Stone Symbol Jewelry is based on an ancient, secret spiritual symbol that is being introduced for the first time after resting in the ruins of Ephesus for 2,000 years. Stone Symbol is a high-end jewelry line that makes a statement. It is an authentic, timeless design made with luxurious pure metals proudly produced in the United States.
What inspires you?
Helping causes that I am passionate about and communicating peace, unity and spirituality through my designs.
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
Trying to keep my enthusiasm in check. I am so impassioned about this jewelry line and what it represents, that I sometimes find myself trying to move in several directions at once.
How often do you bring new designs into your collection?
I have just recently launched Stone Symbol Jewelry and I will be bringing in the new collections in the fall of this year.
Are there busy and quiet periods during the year?
There is never a quiet period. I’m not the kind of person that sits by and waits for things to happen. I am very determined and entrepreneurial. I never waste one minute of the day.
Diamonds, Gold or Silver?
My jewelry line is crafted from the finest materials available such as yellow, rose and white gold. Pieces are also available in Sterling Silver and Sterling Antiqued. I take great pride in offering my jewelry to those discerning individuals who appreciate their uniqueness and historical significance. You will be seeing the splash of Diamonds in our new fall collection.
Where did you work before Stone Symbol Jewelry?
I am also the Co-owner and President of LA Motorsports, the entertainment industry’s premiere stunt/performance driving company. Serving advertising, television, and motion picture clients, LA Motorsports delivers on all aspects of a client’s needs – from contracting elite stunt performers and coordinators to designing and executing on some of the most elaborate and expensive action sequences ever put on film. I have been working not only behind the desk, but also as an on-camera, commercial performance /stunt driver for the past 20 years.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Michael Angelo. He was one of the greatest artists if not the greatest artist that’s ever lived. He was a true perfectionist. He was also a real character who felt very confident in his skills. I love the fact that when asked to paint the Sistine Chapel he told the reining Pope, Julius II, that he wasn’t a great painter and recommended his friend Raphael for the job. He felt that his true artistic ability was a sculptor.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
The biggest impact on my life is my mother. She really loved me and showed so much compassion and empathy for others. She was also an amazing designer, dress maker and tailor. She received her degree in pattern making from the University of Rome.
Name one your strengths?
I am fiercely driven and tenacious. I never give up if I believe in something strongly.
How do you spend your spare time?
I spend a lot of my spare time hiking with my dogs or riding my horse. I love to be in nature and that also seems to be when I have my best creative ideas.
Do you have a role model?
I love what Lady Gaga stands for and her messaging in her song writing. I feel that she will be the perfect ambassador to wear the Stone Symbol brand.
What’s next for Doriana Richman?
My future plans are to make “Stone Symbol Jewelry” a global brand. “Stone Symbol Jewelry” is totally authentic and alluring. We want to speak to our customers in a meaningful way.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday is hiking with animals and spending time with family. I love going out for dinner. It’s always a treat to be able to spend quality time with my two children and husband over a great meal.
Do you support any charity?
Since childhood, my love for animals has never wavered and I’ve always invested my time and resources into their well-being and security, particularly dogs and horses. I believe that we as humans should speak out and be the voice for those who cannot fend for themselves. I have pledged to never be silent in the face of abuse and exploitation of animals. As a result, 10% of merchandise sold will be donated to the Beagle Freedom Project, and Physicians Committee. The Beagle Freedom Project is a leader in global animal rescue and advocacy. Physicians Committee has been working towards an alternative to the use of animals in medical education and research. For more information, on these organizations please visit bfp.org and pcrm.org.
Any entrepreneur advice you want to share with our readers?
Women have made great strides in this country and I would hope that their example would spread throughout the world. Regardless of gender, I believe that everyone should enthusiastically pursue their dreams.
Where our readers can follow you?
You can follow Stone Symbol on FB, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Book: Coco Chanel…An Intimate Life
Quote: “Fearlessness is the first requirement of Spirituality. Cowards can never be moral” –Mahatma Gandi
Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
TV series: The Crown, Veep, Homeland and Seinfled
Actor/Actress: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins
Drink: Lychee Martini
Travel Destination: The Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Doriana Photo Credit: Bradford Rogne
Jewelry Photo Credit: Paul Papanek
