This Miami-based stylist shows off a collection of jewelry that brings the “oh” to faux
When Nicki Galper was gifted a faux-diamond necklace from her grandmother, it sat hidden away in her jewelry box for years. While the sought-after stylist for luxury fashion brand Intermix has always been a jewelry addict — her signature look consisting of rows of bracelets inching up her arms, stacks of rings and layers of necklaces — in her mind, costume jewelry was reserved for black-tie events. One day, Galper pulled out the necklace, and started pairing it with day-to-night outfits. “People thought it was real, and I kept getting so many compliments,” she says. It became crystal clear what Galper should do next; in 2019, she revisited a previous jewelry line that she had designed, and reinvented it into Nicki Roxx, a faux-diamond line offering the look and feel of the real thing.
(DON’T BE) FOOLED BY THE ROXX
With a flair for the whimsical and glamorous, Galper creates a colorful palette of edgy-yet-soft and ethereal necklaces, rings and earrings showcasing simulated diamonds of the highest quality — so authentic looking that we dare you to spot the real from the fake — set in sterling silver and plated with 14-karat gold and rose gold. Most impressive: her now burgeoning business started with one ring in 2018. “I had no capital to start this business, and I came up with a ring that I sold at $50 each. People were buying four or five at a time, which gave me the money to manufacture more jewelry,” she says. “One ring made this entire company. That’s the proudest part of my business.”
The designer’s current collection, The Floating Collection, includes 25-30 pieces which allow you to drape your neck in chokers and lariat necklaces and pile on vibrant rings that dangle with sparkling stars, butterflies and hearts. “My pieces are game changers for any outfit,” she says of the line that can be found at Jessie Boutique, Veronica Beard and stores nationwide including Shop Marcus from Aspen to Montecito.
FAUX-SHION SHOW
The jewelry business is a serious side hustle for Galper, who is one of a few select fashion stylists and brand ambassadors for Intermix. She’s constantly shuttling between the flagship store in swanky Bal Harbour and north to Boca Raton where she pulls, and curates looks for South Florida’s fashionistas and a range of loyal international clients. “I love seeing people walk out the door wearing a hot outfit. I live for what I do,” she says of her day job of 14 years, which always leads to new inspiration for the jewelry line. “I design with my clients in mind, considering what would go with these fabulous pieces they’re wearing.”
With an accessible price range of $130-$400, it’s easier to buy more Nicki Roxx pieces for mixing and mingling. “That’s the point. I don’t want to sell one ring. My clients are buying three or four rings, and two necklaces to wear together,” says Galper, adding that she also promotes layering her pieces with other high-low jewelry lines. And, if you’re a first-time buyer, she has a plan for making the ultimate statement with her jewelry. “Start with the Sasha Floating Stars necklace, then add a Sydney choker, and the Zoe, a single star necklace,” she advises.
By summer, expect another collection, as Galper continues to shoot for the stars with plans to be in every major department store one day. “I have potential designs planned for years, this will never stop.”
Follow Nicki Galper at @nickiroxx.