Gauhar "Gaga" Murray is the designer behind the eponymous jewelry brand GAUHAR— a line that combines bespoke elegance with Gaga's own cultural history and her incredible eye for shape, color, and proportion. Luckily for us, she recently relocated from Miami to Westport, and her beautiful pieces are now being designed right here. Westport Lifestyle spoke with Gaga about the origins of her line, her move to Westport, and what true style means to her.
Westport Lifestyle: How did you first decide you wanted to design jewelry?
Gaga Murray: Art runs in my blood—my mother always surrounded me with creativity, whether she was sketching or showcasing her own pieces. As a little girl, I longed to wear those gorgeous items but wasn’t allowed because of being too young, so I began dreaming of creating my own. Launching GAUHAR felt like a natural extension of that dream—a way to channel that early inspiration into something uniquely mine.
WL: Where do you get your inspiration for your pieces?
GM: Inspiration is everywhere—travel, art, nature, and especially my Kazakh heritage. Traditional Kazakh jewelry, crafted by anonymous artisans, often features symbolic motifs and celestial symbols, reflecting strength, protection, and a deep connection to the natural world. These elements influence my designs, blending cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
WL: How do you honor your heritage in your work?
GM: Growing up immersed in Eurasian artistry instilled my love for detail and craftsmanship. I blend traditional motifs—florals, architectural lines, talismans— into contemporary designs. These symbols carry stories—strength, love, protection —and by embedding them in wearable art, I create pieces that resonate deeply with the wearer, connecting past and present.
WL: What is your favorite part of the design process?
GM: That initial burst of inspiration when I start sketching— there’s a special thrill in bringing an idea to life on paper. I also love the moment when I find the perfect stone; it's pure joy when the vision and the material align. From there, transforming the sketch into a CAD design, 3D printing it, and watching it evolve into a metal casting is incredibly rewarding. Holding the final piece in my hands is always surreal and fulfilling. [And] it’s deeply rewarding to see someone wear that and feel connected to something meaningful.
WL: I know you do bespoke pieces as well. Can you walk us through that process?
GM: I often source special stones for clients, but sometimes they bring heirloom gems that carry deep memories. Those raw emotions—woven into a stone—spark something real. We begin with a conversation to understand their essence, then I present several design concepts that harmonize with their aesthetic and energy. It’s in the dialogue between collector and intuitive designer that true magic happens.
WL: What inspired your move from Miami to Westport?
GM: I’ve been visiting Westport since college—my husband grew up here, so we would drive down from Boston on weekends while dating. But it wasn’t until our children came along that the appeal became clear. Westport, with its beautiful neighborhoods, excellent schools, and coastal charm, was the perfect place to plant roots when our family grew.
WL: How would you describe your personal style?
GM: My day-to-day look is all about ease and elegance. Think crisp white tee and jeans, paired with either ballerinas or sneakers—my go-to shoe rotation depends on the day’s mood. I layer with a sharp blazer or cozy sweater and finish with a structured bag—it all comes together to feel polished yet authentically me.
WL: What are some of your favorite places to shop here in Westport? I always enjoy shopping at Mitchell’s—it’s a beautifully curated department store with a warm, welcoming feel. For fresh and specialty foods, Double L Market is a go-to. And whenever it's in season, we love stopping by the Westport Farmers’ Market near the green, where the mix of local crafts, fresh produce, and lively community spirit creates the perfect finish to any outing.
WL: Which of your designs do you wear most often? Why? I’m most often spotted in ornate earrings—big, statement-making pieces. They feel like an extension of my personality: bold yet elegant, and deeply expressive without saying a word.
To learn more, visit gauharjewelry.com
"Launching GAUHAR felt like a way to channel that early inspiration into something uniquely mine."