As a self-proclaimed jewelry junkie, I‘ve tested my fair share of baubles from big name luxury houses. But in recent years I‘ve directed the bulk of my spending towards modern upstart GLD. Built on the hustle and culture of founder Christian Johnston‘s hometown Pittsburgh streets, the GLD origin story resonates as an underdog on the rise. With billions in valuation and celebrity endorsements from Cardi B to Kevin Durant, GLD paves its own path mixing streetwise edge with aspirational opulence.
After investing in dozens of GLD chains, bracelets, pendants and watches over the past 3 years, I consider myself a devoted fan eager to spread the word. In this shopper‘s guide to all things GLD, I‘ll be sharing need-to-know intel – from styling tips to insider secrets – to help you flex your fiercest GLD pieces.
GLD Bestsellers: Critiquing the MVPs
With over 2000 jewelry and watch offerings on GLD‘s site, choice paralysis kicks in fast. After testing a vast assortment firsthand, I call out can‘t miss bestsellers across top categories. Consider this your starting lineup of GLD all-stars.
Chains
The Miami Cuban
- My #1 chain for the optimal blend of curb flair and versatile wearability
- Gleaming finish stands up well to daily use – minimal tarnishing
- Grabs attention solo or makes an impact layered
Figaro Chain
- Classic style reinvented with flat and curb links
- Budget-friendly entry point to test GLD
- Delicate enough for everyday layering
Box Chain
- Beefy links emit straight baller status
- Has heft without being uncomfortably heavy
- Finish doesn‘t show smudges
Tennis Bracelets
Diamond Tennis Bracelet
- Brilliant shine that holds up amazingly
- Effortlessly dresses up any outfit
- Excellent gifting move – who doesn‘t love diamonds?!
White Gold Tennis Bracelet
- Icy color pops against warm skin tones
- Substantial presence without overpowering
- Fit doesn‘t pinch, catch arm hairs
Hoop Earrings
Medium Pave Hoops
- Ideal midsize hoop with grippy closure
- Blingy without skewing costume-y
- Pairs well with other earrings
Smart Hoops
- Game changing snap on, snap off ease
- Minimizes painful piercings
- Convert to studs by removing hoop
Watches
Baguette Watch
- Eye-catching showstopper
- Surprisingly comfy for oversized style
- Reliable movement, keeps time accurately
Pearl Watch
- Understated elegance
- Pearl face glams up neutral outfits
- Effortless size for small wrists
From the sculptural lines of the Figaro chain to the fingertip-grazing fluidity of the pearl watch, GLD consistently impresses with designs marrying innovation and timelessness. While domed tennis bracelets and engravable initial pendants retain staple status in the catalog, GLD also fearlessly experiments (peep their free-moving invisible settings and detachable hoops with snap clasps). This balance of honoring jewelry traditions while advancing technological form and function explains the magnetism of GLD.
By the Numbers: Quantifying GLD‘s Meteoric Rise
Let‘s crunch some numbers highlighting GLD‘s remarkable growth.
30x increase in annual revenue from 2015-2022, from $3 million to over $100 million
1 billion+ Total valuation in 2022 after Series A funding round
1.2 million Instagram followers with 4x audience size growth YoY
30+ celebrity and influencer partners across sports, music and entertainment
12,000 sq ft new global headquarters and design studio in Miami
15,000+ 5-star customer reviews across Trustpilot, Google and Facebook
20% Average savings for first time shoppers via email discounts
42 hours Power reserve on GLD‘s category-leading timepieces
2,500+ Handset cz baguettes adorning GLD‘s signature iced-out watches
Juxtaposed with humble basement beginnings just 7 years ago, the stats foreground GLD‘s relentless momentum. Yet through it all, GLD retains loyalty to core devotees, offering newcomers special savings and nods to longtime supporters with early access drops. Sign up for their emails and keep an eye out for one of their famed BOGO (buy one get one) events – I‘m still reveling in scoring two Alpha Era watches for the price of one!
Key Product Innovations: Where GLD Leads the Pack
Beyond harnessing viral star power and accelerating e-commerce sales, GLD sets itself apart through sheer product excellence. They push boundaries on materials and mechanics across jewelry, watches and accessories. Here I spotlight need-to-know innovations.
Lordz Aviation CZ
Proprietary cuts maximize light refraction, enhancing the brilliance of GLD‘s cz stones to mimic diamonds.
Snap Hoops & Huggies
Revolutionary snap-on, snap-off hoop design quickly converts between hoops, huggies and studs sans piercer trips.
Miami Cuban Links
GLD‘s reinvention of the iconic curb chain infuses modern, flat and round styles for bolder presence.
Baguette Watch
With over 2500 baguette stones, GLD‘s iced-out timepiece sets records for most diamonds on a watch dial.
Japanese Miyota Movement
GLD watches feature precision components for optimal accuracy, power reserves up to 42 hours.
By consistently raising benchmarks, GLD keeps competitive pressure at bay. When rivals play catchup on one feature, GLD barrels ahead towards the next design game changer. This underdog hustle and spirit traces back to the brand‘s early days, memorialized in their breakout Miami Cuban link chain.
How Celebs & Influencers Rep GLD
GLD boasts one of the most impressive celebrity rolodexes in jewelry, collaborating with over 30 cultural tastemakers. Cardi B, Post Malone, Lil Baby and the NBA cement GLD‘s stranglehold on hip hop and athletic aesthetics. But even old school icons (hey Janet Jackson and Snoop Dogg!) gravitate to the high wattage sparkle.
"GLD just does all the talking for me. When I put it on, I let the diamonds speak!" – Saweetie
"Iced out like a boss! GLD is part of my pre-game warmup ritual." – Odell Beckham Jr
"With my GLD chain, I feel like a trillion bucks. It just does something to your aura." – Quavo
"GLD captures the vibe of my hometown Pittsburgh. So I had to put the crew on." – Wiz Khalifa
Beyond envy-inducing neck candy in music videos and press appearances, GLD makes special edition pieces for many partners. The Young Thug and Gunna collabs celebrate their shared Atlanta culture. Bad Bunny‘s lightning bolt pendants nod to his electrifying stage presence. And Saweetie even has an ultra exclusivecollection of hoops and tennis bracelets.
For gifting holidays, keep an eye out for musician and athlete ambassador promotions. Last Christmas, orders over $500 came with a free Lil Baby pendant. Draft up your wishlist and cross those fingers!
Expert Tips: Caring for Your GLD Jewelry
I invest a lot in my GLD collection so preservation is a priority. Between proper day-to-day handling and professional maintenance, I implement best practices to keep metals shiny and stones secure. Here‘s the 101 for maximizing lifespan and sparkle.
Store properly: Keep pieces in included pouches or jewelry boxes away from other metals to avoid scratching. Rolled up chains also risk kinking.
Clean routinely: Use a jewelry polishing cloth every few wears to buff away grime, sweat, lint and residue buildup. An ultrasonic cleaner with soap solution works wonders too.
Inspect stones: Occasionally check prong settings and stone edges for looseness. Catch issues early and repair under warranty if needed.
Shower last: Minimize long term exposure to shampoos, conditioners, face washes and body soaps which can erode metals and glue over time.
Travel carefully: Place delicate items in carry-on vs checked bags. TSA scans won‘t harm jewelry but tosses in transit can.
Visit jewelers: Seek professional assessment every 2 years – they‘ll clean thoroughly, identify worn prongs/chains early and remark precious metals as needed.
Follow this regimen and I guarantee your collection retains value and keeps heads turning for decades to come!
Styling GLD: Tips to Make Your Pieces Pop
The thrill of unboxing new arrivals is only rivaled by debuting them on your feed or on the streets. But styling jewelry with showstopping quality demands next level looks. Take it from someone with 200k+ IG followers – I have doing #OOTD right down to a science!
Play with propping: Get some acrylic risers in different heights to showcase rings and chains artfully. Use graphics, pops of color or gold confetti in backgrounds to accentuate metallics.
Layer intentionally: Mixing multiple necklaces? Go for odd numbers – 3, 5, 7 chains together reads more interessant than pairs. And graduate lengths from choker to 30".
Shoot in natural light: Direct sun achieves the most dramatic sparkle. Check lighting at different times of day and notice how prisms dance!
Maximize hands and wrists: Position braceleted wrists prominently, allowing tennis bracelets and diamond bands to glisten. Rings photograph beautifully on pillars, marble, against bold nail polish.
Style as the focal point: With statement earrings, sweats and a tee balance the look perfectly. Hoops and diamonds need minimal distraction.
Play with perspectives: Closeups highlight intricate detailing on faces and band settings. But wider shots better demonstrate layered chain and charm mixes or watches with wrist presence.
Implement these tips next time you unbox your GLD goodies. I promise excellent results destined for the discover page!
Gifting GLD: Ideas for Every Occasion
GLD owners relish opportunities to spread the jewelry love with others. The universal allure crosses demographics, style tribes and interests. Though it never hurts to pick pieces suited to the personal aesthetics of who you‘re gifting. Here I map thoughtful ideas for common gifting occasions through life‘s milestones. You can even customize many pieces by engraving names or special dates for added meaning.
Teens/Graduation
Figaro chains, initial pendants, sleek watches
Anniversary
Tennis bracelets, pearl rings, heart pendants
Birthdays
Zodiac and birthstone pieces, diamond hoops
Bridesmaids
Monogrammed necklace, pearl drop earrings
Groomsmen
Engraved money clip or cuff links
Engagement & Wedding
One of a kind custom ring, band and earring sets
No matter the commemoration, GLD offers specially packaged options like gift boxes and branded pouches for NEXT LEVEL gifting finesse.
Returns, Repairs, Resizing: GLD Comes Through
Over years of collecting GLD, I‘ve had a couple damaged bracelet links, worn ring bands and chain kinks necessitating repair jobs. Though it gives me pause to mail back my precious pieces, GLD thoroughly vets specialists local to their Miami headquarters. I appreciate them leveraging trusted community partners. Plus GLD foots the bill on all return shipping.
I‘m also clumsy about remembering proper ring sizes. But resizing qualifies under their standard 60 day adjustment window where they‘ll resize once for free. Given most competitors only allow 30 days sizing, GLD wins big on service policies.
Between lifetime warranty, 60 day sizing, and certified repair, GLD honors their commitments to safeguard customer happiness. My jewelry means too much sentimentally for me to consider it disposable. It‘s reassuring knowing GLD shares that mindset – where investment symbols relationships over fleeting trend.
Verdict: GLD Delivers Enduring Value and Sparkle
If the dozens of reasons outlined haven‘t convinced you, I‘ll leave you with this. No brand I‘ve encountered in 15 years as a jewelry lover has captured my imagination – while earning my loyalty – more than GLD. Their accessibility strangely coexists with luxury. Designs dazzle with diamonds yet remain surprisingly durable for daily wear. Pieces lend instant edge but mesh into basics.
At my core, I value brands embracing adaptability. GLD shapeshifts from red carpet showstopper to everyday elevator companion. Their jewelry travels with me, amplification when I crave flash or a pick me up pedicure substitute when I‘m feeling low key. Or perhaps most coveted, GLD gives me common ground to connect with fellow female hustlers and dreamers worldwide. Beyond carats, that cultural currency proves priceless.
