Meet Marli’s Maral Artinian: Crafting Elegance With An Edge
Inspired by New York’s clean geometry and bold engineering, Marli’s founder shares the design DNA and savoir faire secrets that underpin the brand
From the outset, Marli New York has resisted the pull of instant recognition, choosing instead to build its own vocabulary — visual, material, and emotional. Its founder, Maral Artinian, comes from a family with a long-standing jewelry-making tradition, yet her approach to design is anything but inherited convention. Rather, it is shaped by a studied understanding of the contemporary world, a background in communications, and a nuanced grasp of how modern women relate to luxury. In the conversation that follows, Maral Artinian speaks with intention about the role of emotion in design, the discipline of form, the weight of craftsmanship, and the way personal stories shared by clients become quietly embedded in the objects she creates.
Here, we meet the CEO and Creative Director with the world’s finest diamonds at her fingertips.
How have you cultivated a global community while remaining true to the essence of your brand?
Maral Artinian: The appreciation for striking design and pure craftsmanship transcends borders, reflecting a shared respect for artistry and intention. These qualities invite each individual to engage with creations that feel both personal and meaningful. It is this thoughtful connection that quietly fuels the steady growth of Marli’s global community.
In your creative process, do you view yourself more as a storyteller, an architect, or an alchemist? How does that shape the way your collections come to life?
Maral Artinian: I like to think of myself as a storyteller, gently weaving emotions and meaning into every design. At the same time, there’s a careful, almost architectural attention to how each element comes together, creating harmony and balance. And then there’s a little magic, something alchemical, that transforms ideas and materials into something truly special. It’s this blend that brings Marli’s collections to life and allows each person to find their own story within them.
What has been your most unexpected source of inspiration in these 10+ years, something that shaped your brand in a way you never planned?
Maral Artinian: One of the most unexpected sources of inspiration over the past decade has been the personal stories our clients have shared with me—their milestones, memories, and the meaningful roles our creations play in their lives. These heartfelt connections revealed Marli is indeed far more than adornment; it becomes a keeper of personal stories and meaningful moments. This insight has shaped the brand’s purpose, grounding it in authentic human stories and deepening its emotional resonance with every wearer.
How do you create designs that are both meaningful for everyday wear and cherished across a lifetime?
Maral Artinian: We design with clear intent, ensuring each creation is versatile for daily wear and crafted to endure through time. By applying rigorous standards of craftsmanship, we create lasting symbols that carry personal meaning across a lifetime.
Architecture and jewellery both celebrate form and structure. Which architectural elements inspire your designs, and how do they shape the way you create?
Maral Artinian: Design code is a language beyond words; it’s a way to express emotion through form and structure. Inspired by New York’s clean geometry and bold engineering, my process at Marli balances strength with simplicity, creating designs defined by clarity and timeless craftsmanship.
Photographer: Alikhan @alikhan_photography. Art Director: Radik Ayzharikov @radik_aijarikov. Stylist: Julia Golden @juliaisgolden. Make Up: Vincent Oquendo @vincentoquendo. Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair. Producer: Zahra Osman. Producer Assistant: Rafe Masters. Stylist’s Assistant: Dakota Walters. Production Assistant: Michael Tzelios.
Lead Image Credit:
Top and skirt, Khaite. Hat, Yestadt Millinery courtesy of Albright Fashion Library. Earrings, Bracelet, Ring all Marli New York