Our Story
The Bangle That Started Everything
On my wedding day, my mother-in-law placed a gold bangle on my wrist. It was heavy — not just in weight, but in meaning. The bangle had been in Joe's family for generations, passed from mother to daughter on the most important day of her life. In Mediterranean culture, gold isn't decoration. It's how a family says: we believe in your future.
I'd never experienced anything like that. Growing up in North America, jewelry was something you bought for yourself or received in a small box on a birthday. It wasn't woven into the fabric of family life the way it is across the Mediterranean. That bangle changed how I understood what gold jewelry could mean.
Seeing Gold Differently
A few years later, Joe and I finally made it overseas to visit his (our) family. Being immersed in Mediterranean culture, I saw how gold was part of everything — births, weddings, milestones, everyday life. It wasn't reserved for special occasions or locked away in a safe. It was worn, touched, and passed down. Every piece told a story about the person who gave it and the moment it was given.
That trip also opened my eyes to how different the gold jewelry landscape looked back home. In North America, most "gold jewelry" being marketed to everyday shoppers wasn't even solid gold. It was plated, filled, or vermeil — a thin layer of gold over base metal that tarnishes, fades, and holds no real value. And the brands that did sell solid gold? They charged enormous markups — not because the gold was better, but because of the name on the box.
I knew there had to be a better way.
Building Olivier
I started Olivier to bridge that gap. I partnered directly with professional goldsmiths in Italy — established workshops where every piece is expertly crafted using time-tested techniques.
The name Olivier comes from the olive tree — some of the oldest living trees on earth, many of them over a thousand years old and still bearing fruit across the Mediterranean. It felt like the right name for jewelry designed to be passed down. It also happens to sound French, which is my first language — a small nod to where I come from inside a brand inspired by where Joe's family comes from.
Olivier was born to bring you beautiful 18K solid gold jewelry that becomes part of your family's story — expertly crafted in Italy, priced honestly, and designed to be passed down.
Every piece in our collection uses the same 18K gold standard as Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels. We don't use plating, vermeil, gold-fill, or nickel. We don't inflate prices to fund a storefront on Fifth Avenue. We sell directly to you from San Francisco.
What we do invest in is the gold itself — and the people who shape it. Our Italian goldsmiths are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, and our gold is recycled. The craftsmanship is the real thing, and so is the price.
Why It Matters
When Joe's mother gave me that bangle, she wasn't giving me a bracelet. She was giving me a piece of her family's history and telling me I was part of it now. That's what gold means in Mediterranean culture — it carries love, it marks milestones, and it gets passed down.
I want Olivier to be part of those moments for our customers. Whether it's a mother buying her daughter's first gold piece, a husband choosing a push present, or someone treating themselves to something that will genuinely last — I want every piece to carry that same weight of meaning.
Thank you for being here.
— Alex, Founder of Olivier
San Francisco, California
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free shipping? Yes, we provide free shipping for all orders within the United States.
Do you offer gift wrapping? Every Olivier order arrives in our signature packaging, ready to gift.
How long does shipping take? You're excited to see your piece, and we're working to get it to you as soon as we can! Please note that delivery times may vary depending on your location.
Can I cancel my order or edit my order? Yes, of course, as long as we haven't shipped it yet. Please email us at info@oliviersf.com ASAP if you change your mind!
What's your return policy? We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you're not, you can return your unworn item within 30 days of receiving it. Please refer to our Return Policy page for detailed instructions on how to initiate a return.
Our returns are processed within 7 days from receipt back to our warehouse.
What materials are your pieces made from? Our jewelry is crafted from 18k solid gold, sourced and skillfully crafted in Italy. This ensures the highest level of quality and durability. Our diamonds are all natural and ethical diamonds of quality G-H, VS-SI1.
What's the difference between 18K and 14K gold? 18K gold contains 75% pure gold (750 hallmark), while 14K contains 58.3% (585 hallmark). The difference is visible — 18K has a deeper, warmer gold color. It's also more hypoallergenic due to its higher gold content. Most jewelry sold in North America is 14K, while 18K is the standard across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Is 18K gold a good investment? 18K solid gold holds real, intrinsic value based on its gold weight. Unlike plated or vermeil jewelry, which has no resale value, solid gold can always be appraised and sold based on the current gold market price. It's jewelry you wear every day that also happens to be worth something. Read more here.
Are your pieces suitable for sensitive skin Yes, they are! 18k solid gold is hypoallergenic and ideal for even the most sensitive skin types. Read more here.
Do you offer authenticity certificate? We do! All our pieces come with a certificate authenticating 18k solid gold.
How do I best care for my Olivier pieces? 18k solid gold will last forever. If your jewelry gets dirty, we recommend gently cleaning your piece with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and excessive moisture. Store them in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratching and tangling.
Can I wear my Olivier jewelry every day? Ab-so-lute-ly! Our pieces are designed to withstand daily wear. However, to preserve the beauty of your jewelry, we recommend removing it before engaging in activities that may expose it to excessive stress or chemicals.
Is 18K gold waterproof? Yes. 18K solid gold is naturally resistant to water, tarnish, and corrosion. You can shower, swim, and exercise in it without any effect on the metal. This is not true of gold-plated, vermeil, or gold-filled jewelry, which will degrade with water exposure.
Will my 18K gold jewelry tarnish? No. 18K solid gold does not tarnish. The 75% gold content makes it naturally resistant to oxidation and discoloration. Your pieces will look the same in 10 years as they do today.
How can I contact your customer service?
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, you can reach our dedicated customer service team through info@oliviersf.com, or our Contact Us page. We're here to help you every step of the way!