Gregory Simonov

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Gregory Simonov ("GS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

GS : My background began in classical music where I played violin and percussion. Later I composed electronic music, which helped me understand rhythm, form, and harmony in a very deep way. Over time, I felt the need to express my ideas in a physical medium, which led me to jewelry. I taught myself the craft from the ground up. There was no formal education, just passion, practice, and persistence. I started with a small home studio and eventually built G&D Unique Designs into a full jewelry brand known for blending artistic storytelling with craftsmanship.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

GS : Design gives me a way to speak without words. I became a designer to turn imagination into something you can touch and wear. Jewelry lets me create something beautiful that carries meaning. It can become part of someone's story. That emotional connection is what drives me. Each design is a chance to shape something timeless that resonates with others on a personal level.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

GS : It was a choice guided by inspiration. No one pushed me into design. I followed an inner calling to express ideas in a new way. Music came first, but as time went on, visual design became the path I needed to follow. It felt natural and deeply right for me. Once I discovered jewelry, it became clear that this was more than a profession. It was a personal mission.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

GS : I design fine jewelry including rings, pendants, and earrings with a focus on intricate patterns and gemstone settings. I enjoy combining elegance with structural precision. I hope to design more sculptural statement pieces in the future. I want to explore ideas that go beyond traditional formats. My vision is to create jewelry that feels both artistic and architectural, pieces that hold their presence whether worn or displayed.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

GS : Stay true to your vision. Study the craft deeply but do not try to copy others. Your originality will always be your strongest asset. Be patient and take the time to master your tools. Learn from tradition but think beyond it. Keep creating, even when no one is watching. And most of all, keep your work honest. When your designs come from a genuine place, people will feel it.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

GS : A good designer understands form and function. A great designer brings soul into that form. What elevates someone from good to great is the ability to evoke emotion, to tell a story, and to create something that transcends trends. A great designer pays attention to every detail but never loses sight of the overall vision. There is also a sense of risk. Great designers are willing to explore ideas that have not yet been tried.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

GS : A really good design has clarity, purpose, and balance. It feels complete, not just visually but emotionally. I evaluate a design by how well it communicates its intention: is it graceful, memorable, and functional? Does it invite curiosity? In jewelry, I also consider comfort and durability. The piece must feel as good to wear as it is beautiful to see.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

GS : Good design enriches daily life. It brings meaning into our environment and elevates the objects we interact with. Investing in good design is investing in quality, beauty, and longevity. In the case of jewelry, a well-designed piece can become part of a personal story, passed through generations. It is more than just ornament. It carries a legacy.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

GS : If I had the time, I would design a one of a kind haute couture jewelry set for an international cultural event. It would be something that brings together history, innovation, and symbolism. I would love to design for someone who genuinely values art in all its forms and sees jewelry not just as decoration but as a meaningful artistic expression.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

GS : I dream of creating a full exhibition of sculptural jewelry pieces, each one inspired by a different element of classical music. It would be a collection where each design is paired with a specific composition, displayed in an immersive space where visitors experience both sound and form in harmony. This would be a true merging of my artistic roots.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

GS : The essence of my success lies in intuition and persistence. I trust the internal voice that guides the direction of each piece, even when it feels unfamiliar. I also allow time for ideas to evolve naturally without forcing them. That quiet patience, paired with constant refinement, is what helps a vision mature into something extraordinary.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

GS : I find inspiration in a variety of disciplines. From classical architecture to haute couture fashion, there are visionaries whose commitment to detail and balance speaks to me deeply. Artists like René Lalique, who blended nature with design, and architects like Carlo Scarpa, who turned material into poetry, have left a lasting impression on my creative thinking.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

GS : I admire designs that appear effortless but reveal deep complexity upon closer examination. Whether it's a piece of jewelry with masterful stone-setting or a minimalist chair with perfect balance, I appreciate when craftsmanship is hidden within simplicity. These are the kinds of designs that stay with you long after the first encounter.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

GS : The Diamond Lace Ring from my award-winning collection represents one of my most complete works. It combines structural precision with lightness and elegance. The design balances complexity and openness, creating a lace-like effect through goldwork rather than actual lace. Its harmony between volume and air is what makes it stand out in my eyes.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

GS : Improvement begins with observation. Study nature, art, architecture, and how people live with the objects around them. I spent years refining my sensitivity to proportions, materials, and emotional resonance. Learning is ongoing, and humility is essential. The more I create, the more I realize how much more there is to understand.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

GS : I would likely have pursued music composition or filmmaking. Both are storytelling mediums that allow creative freedom and emotional expression, which align with how I think and feel.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

GS : Design is the art of giving form to feeling. It’s a way to express beauty, function, and intention in harmony. For me, design turns imagination into something others can touch, wear, and experience.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

GS : My greatest support came from within. It was a strong inner drive and a deep love for the creative process. Along the way, I’ve been encouraged by my family, clients, and mentors who believed in my vision and gave me room to grow.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

GS : Persistence, curiosity, and a relentless desire to improve. I’ve always looked for the deeper reason behind every design choice and never settled for something that didn’t feel right.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

GS : One of the biggest challenges was learning everything on my own. I had no formal training in jewelry design and had to teach myself both the creative and technical sides. It took years of trial, error, and determination to reach a level I could be proud of.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

GS : Designers should present their work with clarity and authenticity. The narrative behind the design is just as important as the piece itself. High quality images, compelling descriptions, and showing the creative process help others understand the soul of the work.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

GS : I’m currently working on a new collection that explores architectural symmetry with organic flow. It will be bolder in form while maintaining the grace and elegance that define my aesthetic.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

GS : To create pieces that leave a lasting emotional impression and become part of someone’s story. I want my work to inspire, uplift, and represent something meaningful in the lives of those who wear it.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

GS : People expect originality, quality, and authenticity. They look for a designer who has a distinct voice and can consistently deliver pieces that reflect a deep sense of artistry and care.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

GS : Design influences how we feel, interact, and connect. Thoughtful design improves our environments and experiences, while also expressing our values. In jewelry, it can be a way to honor heritage, celebrate identity, and communicate emotion.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

GS : I’m developing a small series of one of a kind statement pieces where every element is hand finished and unique. These pieces will push my craftsmanship and storytelling even further.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

GS : The Diamond Lace Collection and the Golden Sunflower Ring gave me immense satisfaction. It challenged me technically and creatively, and the response it received showed me that people resonated with the emotion and elegance behind it.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

GS : I would love to see a deeper appreciation for originality and timeless work. The industry often chases fast trends, but I believe in elevating craftsmanship and thoughtful storytelling.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

GS : Design is becoming more interdisciplinary, merging digital technology with traditional methods. I see a future where physical and digital aesthetics work hand in hand, creating new experiences and ways of connecting with art.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

GS : It varies depending on the complexity. Some pieces come together in a few days, while others require weeks of refinement, modeling, and finishing before they are complete.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

GS : I start with a clear concept, an idea or emotion I want to express through the piece. From there, I create initial sketches by hand, allowing the vision to take shape visually. Once the form feels right, I begin building the 3D model and gradually refine every detail until the design fully captures the intention behind it.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

GS : My motto is to design with purpose and passion. Every creation should carry meaning, reflect a story, and bring joy to the one who experiences it.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

GS : I believe design leads the way. Great design often inspires new trends, not the other way around. While designers may respond to cultural shifts, it is their vision that shapes what comes next.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

GS : Technology is a powerful extension of the imagination. It allows me to push creative boundaries, refine details, and bring complex concepts to life with precision and efficiency.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

GS : I use Matrix Gold for 3D modeling and design. Alongside traditional sketching, this software helps me visualize and prepare designs for casting. I also rely on high-quality tools for hand-finishing at the bench.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

GS : Color, material, and surrounding mood are central to how a design feels. In jewelry, the glow of a gemstone, the warmth of gold, or the contrast between textures can change the entire character of a piece. These elements are essential in shaping emotion and identity.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

GS : I wish people would ask about the story behind each piece. Jewelry is deeply personal, and every design I create is rooted in an idea, a symbol, or a feeling worth sharing.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

GS : When I see a truly great design, I feel admiration and curiosity. I think about the concept behind it, the choices the designer made, and how it speaks to people. I love discovering what makes it special.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

GS : For me, designing is a deeply personal and intuitive process. I don’t typically collaborate or co-design, because each piece I create is an expression of my own vision and emotion. While I respect partnerships in other creative fields, my best work emerges when I can fully immerse myself in the story I’m trying to tell through the design.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

GS : Rather than specific individuals, I have been influenced by artists and craftsmen from a wide range of disciplines. Musicians, painters, and sculptors from both classical and modern traditions have shaped the way I think about rhythm, structure, and emotional resonance in design.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

GS : Books on classical art, ornamental design, and architecture have had a strong impact on my aesthetic. They taught me the language of proportion and the timeless appeal of pattern and symmetry.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

GS : I developed my skills through dedicated practice, self-study, and constantly challenging myself with new techniques. I took time to understand materials deeply and refined my artistic voice through both experimentation and discipline.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

GS : I would love to have a conversation with Antonio Stradivari or Fabergé. Their mastery, vision, and ability to infuse soul into craft are endlessly inspiring.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

GS : I feel honored and humbled. The recognition is not just a personal reward, but a reminder that my work resonates with others. Fame is not my goal, but it does carry the responsibility to remain authentic and to keep raising the standard.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

GS : My favorite color is deep emerald green. I find peace by the sea or in the mountains. I enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.. My favorite season is spring, when everything feels fresh and renewed. As for brands, I admire those that remain true to their identity and show craftsmanship at every level.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

GS : There was a moment early in my journey when I was meticulously crafting a ring with a highly detailed filigree design. After hours of benchwork and adjustments, I finally finished the piece and stepped back to admire it. Just then, I realized I had made it one size too small. It was a technical oversight that was caused by working so long without stepping away. I had to start over from the beginning. It was frustrating at the time, but now I look back and smile. That experience taught me the importance of stepping back, resetting your perspective, and never rushing the process, no matter how inspired you feel in the moment. Creativity needs passion, but also pause.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

GS : Seeing a concept take shape is what drives me. When a design starts to come alive on screen or at the bench, I feel energized. Each small breakthrough brings excitement and makes the process feel rewarding.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

GS : Not at all. I was more focused on music and had no idea I’d one day turn to jewelry. But even then, I loved making things with my hands and had a fascination with detail. The path revealed itself later in life.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

GS : A thousand years from now, I imagine a world where art and technology are fully intertwined. Hopefully, humanity will still cherish beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship, even as our tools and materials evolve in unimaginable ways.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

GS : To those who support and connect with my work, I want to say thank you. Every piece I create is a reflection of something personal and timeless. My goal is to make jewelry that tells stories and becomes part of your story. Art is not just what we make, but it’s what we share.