About Us
The idea of KRO-GU was conceived through a perfect synthesis of craft, texture and rarity. The word krogu is derived from Old Slavic with multiple meanings… circle, binding, and band around a finger.
Mladen Maricic
Founder & Creative Director of KRO-GU
A Serbian-born artist, and jewelry maker, Mladen came to the USA with a thirst for knowledge and a dream. He settled in nowhere other than New York City, studying at CUNY’s – Hunter college where he received a BA in psychology.
“I think my sense for jewelry started when I received my first hearing aids. Discovering new sounds has moved and inspired me in many ways. One certainly being expressed through jewelry. Creating jewelry that is worn and adored by many is an immense privilege.”
Mladen did not let his hearing disability be a barrier, instead letting it lead his journey to discovery. After noticing the wrongs of the commercialized jewelry industry he took a trip to Sierra Madre, Mexico – a place with centuries of rich jewelry-making tradition, where he began to formulate his brand.
“After seeing the expressions of pleasure and happiness in the wearers of the jewelry, I began to think about the bond that this jewelry creates with its wearer, and from that concept KRO-GU was born.”
– Mladen Maricic
“I think my sense for jewelry started when I received my first hearing aids. Discovering new sounds has moved and inspired me in many ways. One certainly being expressed through jewelry. Creating jewelry that is worn and adored by many is an immense privilege.”
– Mladen Maricic
Deep in the mystical mountains of Sierra Madre, Mladen met a great friend, and business partner, Miguel Ruiz Aviles. Together Mladen and Miguel formed a union of determination and struggle that translated into an unparalleled jewelry line, KRO-GU.
As an artist, Mladen has always strayed away from the mass produced, symmetrical design seen too often in the jewelry market, where the soulless pieces had no true connection to the wearer. Reaching deeper than the aesthetics, KRO-GU creates a bond and connection between the piece and their wearer. As we like to say at KRO-GU… the jewelry chooses YOU.
Miguel Ruiz Aviles
Partner, designer, and jewelry maker
Miguel Ruiz Aviles is a Mexican jewelry designer, born in the city of Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero. At the age of 10, Miguel began an apprenticeship at his uncles acclaimed jewelry and silversmith workshop where he was fortunate enough to work on a multitude of incredible projects. One being the creation of a presidential chair made entirely out of silver. Miguel started his own workshop in 1997, where he experimented with various methods of jewelry making until he developed an innovative technique involving unconventional materials by shape precious metals into a unique organic form. He considered this blessing a gift from God during a very challenging time in his life.
Years later, Miguel met a friend of a lifetime – Mladen, immediately their thoughts aligned. The duo translated their visions into the coveted jewelry line KRO-GU.
“…I developed a technique involving unconventional materials to create an organic style that made the pieces so unique. This new technique came to me as a blessing during a very crucial moment in my life.”
-Miguel Ruiz Aviles
Peter Luterek
1969-2016, Owner of KRO-GU, St John, USVI
We will always remember our dear friend Peter who tragically passed away in 2016. Thank you for recognizing the brand and helping shape it into what we know and love today. His energy and goodness will be forever present in our hearts…
“KRO-GU -it’s more than just a word, it is our inspired interpretation in master crafted, one of a kind pieces of jewelry that become a sterling expression of the only person in the world exactly like you.”
-Peter Luterek
Melissa
Krogu sales representative on St. John USVI
Melissa worked with Peter at the KRO-GU jewelry store in St. John, USVI. where she developed a love and a feel for the jewelry business. After Peter’s passing Melissa felt compelled to keep Peter’s enterprise alive. She opened a jewelry store that featured the coveted jewelry brand that her and Peter shared a love for – KRO-GU.
“…KRO-GU is timeless jewelry that becomes your personal signature adorning everything in your wardrobe from black tie to your favorite jeans and tee-shirt.”
-Melissa Luterek