FUTURA
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
That takes me back a long way! While I was a controller for Colgate Palmolive in Italy many years ago, I was contacted by a headhunter for Bulgari in North America and my boss encouraged me to take the interview. At the time, Bulgari only had five stores but they were starting to gear up for expansion and growth. I started off by spending one year in Italy, learning the jewelry business in their workshops, and structuring them for the expansion. I was with Bulgari for 10 years as their CEO and left in 1990.
2. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
When I started with Bulgari, I found out just how beautiful the jewelry industry is - all you do is sell beauty and make people happy. After I left Bulgari, I ran my own consulting company focusing on luxury goods companies most of which were in the jewelry business. While doing some independent research, I found out the truth about gold mining and how devasting it is for the environment and people. I spoke with executives in the industry and many weren’t aware and didn’t know what to do with this information. I was embarrassed, after so many wonderful years in the jewelry industry, to discover the issues with gold mining. Truthfully, the last thing I wanted to do was start a company, but I couldn’t feel comfortable with myself if I didn’t do something. I started Futura Jewelry in 2017 as a sustainable, ethical gold jewelry company.
I knew to be successful, Futura Jewelry had to be a brand that was different. As a first step, I knew I needed credentials, so I petitioned the UN to be a partner, specifically on the Minamata Convention where the intent is to eliminate mercury use across all industries. Of note, 40% of mercury emissions come from the gold mining industry and most of this gold is used in the jewelry industry. For Futura’s designs, I don’t have a creative director. Instead, I work with jewelry historians to bring back to life jewelry from different periods and cultures. All the jewelry is contemporary and timeless, offering consumers diversity of choice. While the UN is doing its best to teach miners mercury free mining methods, change is only going to happen if consumer demand for clean ethical jewelry increases. I see Futura and myself playing the role of the communicator and driving people to make a change through their purchases.
3. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
It’s the best industry to work in – you make people smile. It’s a very emotional and rewarding experience to make someone happy.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
New York.
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I live in New Jersey.
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
It’s forever, it’s eternal.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
The emerald. It’s unlike other stones with its flaws and inner beauty. I had a lot of experience with the Muzo mine in Colombia, and got to really experience the beauty first hand.
8. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
My wife’s engagement ring. I got the ring at a time when I knew nothing about jewelry (pre Bulgari) and I went to a private person and purchased my first piece of jewelry.
9. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
The heron which is what we chose as the logo for Futura. I share a lot of the same characteristics as the heron.
10. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
Bulgari.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
My wedding ring and a watch.
12. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Direct.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
The Futura Jewelry Endure ring for my 50th wedding anniversary. It hails from England and is one of the first forms of rings being used as a symbol of love and attachment as an engagement ring.
14. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
My last grandchild.
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
It’s all about Futura. I am focused on the success and mission of Futura. If this works, I can rest. I’m a firm believer that every solution comes down to communication so I endeavor to spread the word, the facts and the impact that non Fairmined gold has on the people and the planet. I want to lead the industry and consumers down the path to get the support and effort, sustainable and ethical jewelry needs.
16. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pasta.
17. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Liver.
18. WINE OR CHEESE?
Wine.
19. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee.
20. YOGA OR BOXING?
Boxing.
21. FAVORITE SEASON?
Summer, I’m a beach guy.
22. FAVORITE CITY?
New York.
23. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
Being able to see into the future – I’m a planner and like to know what’s going to happen.
24. SECRET SKILL?
I’m good at reading people.
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
At the beach.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
All the time, I’m a believer.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Heights and spiders.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
It’s tough because I don’t have too many of them, I just believe if you keep doing the right thing, things work out. That being said, when I do have a low day, I lift weights.
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
Earrings. They are so close to a woman’s face - when you find the right pair of earrings, it’s a great feeling.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
A strong chain necklace.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Life is too important to chase things.
My younger self was too wrapped up but the Italians taught me to love life and that allowed me to change to Bulgari without worrying about giving up what I had at the time. As a result, my whole life has been built about enjoying today.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
That I care about people.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
Joy is very simple. It’s about being true to yourself and living who you are. Once you find who you are, and your passion, nothing gets in between, and everything is joyful. Futura brings me joy – it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done.