Lauren Harwell Godfrey’s journey from creative director in advertising to acclaimed fine jewelry designer offers a masterclass in brand storytelling and reinvention. Through her namesake line, Harwell Godfrey, she has built a distinct visual language rooted in symbolism, purpose, and bold design—earning both industry acclaim and cultural relevance through moments with Sotheby’s, the Met Gala and more. In this conversation, as Harwell Godfrey launches “1975”—its most ambitious collection yet and a love letter to the style, sparkle and spirit of the 1970s—Lauren shares how authenticity, social impact, and creative risk-taking have helped carve out space for an independent brand in a legacy-driven industry.

You started your career in advertising before making the leap into fine jewelry. What drew you to this new path?

I spent over 15 years in advertising as an art director and creative director, which sharpened my eye for storytelling, branding, and visual communication. Still, I was craving something more tactile, more permanent. Jewelry felt like the perfect medium—it’s wearable art, steeped in symbolism and craft. The transition wasn’t planned, but once I started working with metal and stones, I knew I had found my true calling.

As an independent fine jewelry designer, how do you carve out space in an industry dominated by legacy brands?

By staying true to my perspective. I don’t try to blend in—I lean into bold geometry, vibrant color, and deep symbolism. I’m also transparent about my journey. I’m a self-taught designer, a woman of color, and a mother building something from the ground up. That lived experience shapes every part of Harwell Godfrey, and I think people connect with the authenticity behind the work.

Congratulations on recently celebrating the one-year anniversary of your first retail store! What have been the biggest lessons learned from running a physical space compared to e-commerce or selling through third-party retailers?

Thank you! Opening the store was a huge leap, but also a deeply rewarding one. Having a physical presence allows people to experience the brand in a more immersive way—they can try on pieces, hear the stories, feel the energy. The biggest lesson has been how valuable that human connection is. It’s also taught me how to balance the creative with the operational—there’s nothing like running a store to keep you humble and nimble!

Your pieces were featured across this year’s Met Gala carpet, worn by talent like Audra McDonald, Baz Luhrmann, Andrew Scott and more. What kind of impact does a moment like that have on a brand like yours?

The Met Gala is such a powerful platform, and to see my pieces worn by artists I admire on one of fashion’s biggest stages—it’s both surreal and deeply validating. This year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, was especially meaningful to me as a Black designer. It celebrated the artistry, elegance, and rebellion embedded in Black fashion history—values that are at the core of my work. Having Harwell Godfrey represented on the carpet during such a culturally resonant moment wasn’t just an honor—it was a full-circle affirmation of the stories I’ve been telling through jewelry since the beginning.

You’re launching a new collection—what’s inspiring you right now, and how do you approach storytelling through your designs? 

I’m always inspired by symbolism, geometry, and color—but right now, I’m really leaning into themes of transformation and legacy. I want the new collection to reflect where I am in my own journey: rooted but evolving. Every piece I design begins with intention. I think of jewelry as modern-day talismans—each one telling a story, marking a moment, or carrying a message.

Your Charity Heart series has raised over $315,000 for various causes. How do you see social impact playing a role in the future of luxury brands?

Social impact isn’t just an add-on for me—it’s built into the DNA of the brand. I believe luxury and purpose can coexist. The Charity Heart series began as a response to crisis, but it’s become a throughline in how I approach business. Customers today want to know the story behind what they buy. They want meaning. And I think the future of luxury lies in that alignment of beauty, quality, and values.

You’ve been part of the Brilliant & Black exhibition at Sotheby’s and serve on the GEM Awards board. What changes do you hope to see in the fine jewelry industry when it comes to representation and inclusion?

The Brilliant & Black exhibition was a turning point—it created space for Black designers in an industry where we’ve long been underrepresented. I hope we continue to expand that visibility—not just in exhibitions, but in leadership, education, and opportunity. True inclusion means access at every level. It’s not just about celebration—it’s about sustained investment.

Speaking of Sotheby’s, you just had the most exquisite collaboration with Sotheby’s to create a one-of-a-kind brooch featuring a rare 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond dubbed “The Mediterranean Blue” that sold for $21.5 million during Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction last week. How does it feel to have created a piece around what the auction house dubbed “the most valuable diamond or jewel sold this year?”

Honestly, it still gives me chills. Collaborating with Sotheby’s and working with such an extraordinary stone was the honor of a lifetime, and I’m forever grateful to Frank Everett for the opportunity. I was asked to design a piece in tribute to this year’s Met Gala theme—a menswear-inspired celebration of Black dandyism—and created a brooch modeled after royal medals, reimagined through the lens of the African diaspora. To then see that incredible diamond make history on the auction block was thrilling. Being associated with a stone of that caliber is a major milestone for me as both a designer and a brand.

Social media has played a big role in your brand’s visibility. How do you think about platforms like Instagram and TikTok when it comes to showcasing fine jewelry?

Social media has been such a powerful tool for storytelling. I use it as a window into the world of Harwell Godfrey—from the design process to personal moments, to celebrations with our community. Jewelry is intimate, and platforms like Instagram allow people to connect with the brand in a real, emotional way. I think that transparency and accessibility is part of what draws people in. 

What’s next for Harwell Godfrey—any new projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

There’s always something brewing! I’m launching a big, new collection, "1975," that I’m incredibly excited about, and we have some exciting collaborations on the horizon—each one rooted in intention and storytelling. I’m also continuing to expand the presence of the Marin store, deepening the experience for clients who visit in person. And of course, I’m dreaming big. Always.

Photo credit: Shayan Asgharnia