Lux Forge: Where Sustainable Craftsmanship Meets Inclusive Design in RiNo
Handcrafted fine jewelry. Sustainable practices. Genderless designs. This LGBTQ+-owned atelier creates custom creations that celebrate every individual's unique story.
Walking through Denver's vibrant RiNo Art District, we discovered something special tucked away among the galleries and studios - LUX FORGE, a jewelry atelier that's redefining what fine jewelry can be.
LUX FORGE is a LGBTQ+ owned business creating genderless jewelry designs that celebrate authentic self-expression. Founded by goldsmith Jiovanni Mancarella, every piece is crafted to empower individuals to tell their unique story through sustainable, ethically-sourced jewelry. We were lucky enough to visit and sit down with Jiovanni, to understand why and how LUX FORGE was formed!
The founder’s story
During our visit, we had the chance to chat with Jiovanni Mancarella, the talented goldsmith behind LUX FORGE. Jiovanni has been passionate about gemstones since childhood and graduated in 2017 from Colorado State University with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry. After working at various Colorado jewelry stores, he founded his practice with a vision focused on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Jiovanni shared how he creates genderless pieces that empower authentic self-expression, believing jewelry can transform confidence and identity. He uses recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones in all his custom designs.
When he's not crafting in his workshop, Jiovanni enjoys hiking Colorado trails, cooking, gardening, visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens, and spending time with family, partners, and his cat Wyatt. Through his work, he blends artistry, ethics, and inclusivity to create jewelry that empowers.
What Makes This Small-Business Special?
LUX FORGE isn’t your typical jewelry store, from the commitment to sustainability to their inclusive design philosophy.
Here’s what sets them apart:
100% ethical and sustainable practices
The studio has a commitment to 100% ethical practices. LUX FORGE uses exclusively recycled precious metals and transparently sources gemstones, offering both natural and lab-grown diamonds so clients can align purchases with their values.
Genderless design philosophy
What really caught our attention was their inclusive approach to jewelry design - creating genderless pieces that empower authentic self-expression while breaking down traditional industry barriers. We watched as Jiovanni explained how the creative process often begins with the gemstone itself, allowing its natural beauty to inspire custom designs for life's most meaningful moments.
Personalized, in-house experience
This hands-on experience distinguishes LUX FORGE from other jewelers. Customers work directly with Jiovanni, who handles every step in-house - ensuring no details are lost in translation and eliminating excessive upcharges that plague the industry. Beyond custom creations, they offer repair services providing comprehensive ethical jewelry solutions.
Accessible fine jewelry
The studio prioritizes approachability through fair pricing, making high-quality custom jewelry more accessible. Their work features compelling contrasts in materials, textures, and finishes, primarily using gold, platinum, sterling silver, diamonds, and gemstones.
Deep RiNo community roots
Jiovanni has deep family roots in RiNo - his dad is also an artist and was one of the first people to have an art studious in the neighborhood. This is incredible considering RiNo is now one of the most famous art neighborhoods in the country now!
The RiNo Art District, a grassroots nonprofit of passionate people who believe in art's power to connect people and create thriving communities. Beyond custom creations, LUX FORGE offer comprehensive repair services in Denver's vibrant arts district.
Ask The Founder
We sat down with Jiovanni to discuss the vision behind LUX FORGE, memorable moments, and what the future holds for this unique Denver business.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their own local business?
"There is never a 'perfect' time. But things will fall into place if they are meant to be. Doing what you can on a daily basis to prepare yourself to take the next step is super important, even if you have another job or other obligations.
Taking care of yourself is also super important - no one can do this for you! Get your rest, eat healthy food, go outside feel the sun on your face, and do something nice for yourself."
How do you want people to feel when they walk into LUX FORGE?
"I want them to feel welcome, relaxed and calm. Throughout my career in the jewelry industry, I've worked in a variety of retail jewelry stores that made me feel uncomfortable and I worked there.
When I began crafting the vision I had for my store, I wanted to make it a place that is down to earth, but still able to deliver the high quality fine jewelry that I love making every day."
What's your relationship like with Denver and its small business ecosystem here?
"I was born and raised in Denver actually! I love this city to my core, it's a huge part of my identity. I feel like the small business ecosystem is always in flux here. The pandemic was a huge hit to the community unfortunately, and so many of our local treasures were lost, while large corporations thrived.
Optimistically, I do feel like it is slowly recovering though, which gives me hope. I do find that consumers in Denver are fiercely loyal to small business. Folks would much rather support a small, independent and locally owned company rather than a chain."
Are you planning anything special for Pride this year?
"Yes! We are hosting our inaugural pride market: Forging Love 2025! We will have a whole bunch of local LGBTQ+ vendors; artists, creatives and small businesses showing their work from 12-6 on Saturday June 14th."
What are some memorable moments that have stuck with you?
"One of the first that comes to mind is that a client got her ears pierced just so she could wear a pair of my earrings! That might have been one of the biggest compliments I have ever received.
Our grand opening party was also incredible. We had an absolutely packed grand opening last December and a subsequently successful holiday season. The amount of encouragement and continued support that I have received from my friends, family and community is absolutely amazing."
What's your vision for the future of LUX FORGE?
"I want to have a team of folks that take care of sales, accounting, inventory and everything else so I can focus on being at the jeweler's bench! I would also love to have an apprentice at some point as well, so I can pass down my craft to someone who wants to have a career in this amazing industry."
What are some of your favorite local businesses in Denver that you'd like to shout out?
"I absolutely love my building neighbors at Backyard on Blake: FTF Goods, Blue Sparrow Coffee, Snow Leopard Barbershop, Judith and Joe, The Spicy Librarian, Blind Tiger Lounge and Stem Ciders - they are all absolutely amazing.
We all work together to support one another and it makes life and work so much more pleasant knowing that I am surrounded by people who have my back."
Plan Your visit
LUX FORGE is a must-visit spot in RiNo. Whether you're looking for a custom engagement ring, a meaningful piece to mark a milestone, or simply want to browse ethically-made jewelry in a welcoming space, LUX FORGE delivers an experience that's both personal and professional.
Follow them on Instagram or visit their website! Also, make sure to check out their upcoming Pride market on June 14th - it will be an amazing celebration of local LGBTQ+ artists and businesses!
You can find more incredible gems like LUX FORGE by downloading the Pao App! Check it out here.
