Meet Lili Koós | Jewellery Designer, Jewellery Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lili Koós and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lili, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had the opportunity to gain experience in my field in different countries working for different companies and studying in very well recognised institutions like The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). After a few years I had very clear vision on how I would like to combine these experience to create my own creative ideas and to run my own business. Also I am a very independent person, I like doing things my own way. I mean if I am interested in something new, I find the source or people to learn from, but then I implement it in my own business. I was also given then chance to work in my families business which is also in the jewellery field, but I wanted to create something new, something fresh.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think its always a bit frightening in the beginning to create your own brand as a creative person. Its a long road of constant self evaluation but I try to upgrade my skills and widen my knowledge as much as I can.The question is always there if you just create something from passion only as a hobby ,or you can take it to a professional level to create a successful business out of it. I think I understood very early that I would like to achieve both goals. I can truly say that my work is my passion and also a well running business. I create unique jewellery pieces from valuable fine materials. My biggest challenge and achievement so far in my career was to create a market for my own design ideas. I think its more difficult to invest in these precious materials and take the risk of making your own collection and unique designs , hoping that people will like them. I am very happy that I invested my time and effort because now my customers trust me with creating one of a kind memorable pieces that they tend to wear for a lifetime. Its also great to have a kind of creative freedom, I love meeting new customers and understanding their style and personality to create the perfect piece for them.

As a jewellery designer I have the chance to work on special bigger projects sometimes which are very exciting and I always learn something new from them. For example I designed a collection inspired by Giuseppe Verdi opera heroines. It was very interesting to study the characters and to translate some of their traits into actual jewellery pieces.

I also designed a 15 piece private fine jewellery collection for an opera singer based on a single motif that she saw on a painting. I really enjoyed developing and manufacturing these precious pieces.

Or another project I am proud of was to create unique cufflinks and key holders for a luxury car club, combining fine materials and materials that are also used in the car production, like carbon.

Through my brand LIKO Fine jewellery , I create capsule collections of unique fine jewellery that are super comfortable wearable every day. I would like to promote pieces that are made from fine materials , have a personalised meaning to its wearer and also last a lifetime. I am also a big fan of pearls and I promote it all the time among young people as well. It’s a mistake to think that pearls are only for an older generation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am from Budapest, Hungary. It is a beautiful historic city in the heart of Europe with a bit of an underground twist. I always say its a “walking ” city so its the best to come here in a weather when you can discover most of the city by foot.

1, take a walk in the city crossing at least 2 bridges. The Chain bridge is a must and then from the Margaret bridge you can take a trip to the Margaret Island. The whole island is a park with hundreds of years old sycamore trees, old church ruins.

2, I would definitely try one of the old thermal baths. We have several in the city.

3, I would go to the rooftop bar of the Aria Hotel to look at the beautiful view of the city at nigh

4, I would take a walk and try one of the coffeeshops of Ujlipót város , an area of the city that was bulit in the 30’s full of old Art Deco and Bauhaus buildings

5, I would go to the Palace district or the 7th district to discover ruin bars , weekend flea markets , old bookshops and small art galleries in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) , London Campus – I completed two courses in this institute ( Diamond specialist and Jewellery Design) and also received an award from them and a scholarship.

My family and my partner Peter Graf for the amazing professional photos and videos he is making of me and my jewellery creations

Forbes – For selecting me on their 30 under 30 list in 2017

My friends for believing in me and supporting my ideas and ambitions

Website: www.lilikoos.hu

Instagram: Likojewellery

Image Credits
Peter Graf – Grafpictures