Meet Szilvia Gogh: Designer, Dreamer, Diver

Hi, I'm Szilvia Gogh, founder of Gogh Jewelry Design. I'm a SCUBA diver, stuntwoman, yogi, breast cancer survivor, and mom. But more than any title, I'm a believer that the most extraordinary life is the one you create by saying yes to the unknown and never letting fear keep you from your dreams.

From Ocean Depths to Jewelry Design

My journey began with a simple love for the water and an intense curiosity about the world beyond my doorstep. What started as childhood dreams of escaping communist, landlocked Hungary evolved into a life that has taken me to the ocean's depths, across 54 countries, and onto Hollywood's biggest stages.

The ocean called to me early, and I answered with everything I had. Becoming the youngest female PADI Course Director in history wasn't just a personal milestone – it was proof that age and gender are no match for passion and determination. My induction into the Women Divers Hall of Fame represents not just my own achievements, but the countless women who dare to dive deeper and push the boundaries of what's possible.

When I teach someone to breathe underwater and they experience the state of weightlessness, I open a door in their mind. After you scuba dive, you will never think the same way about Mother Nature and the possibilities in your life than before you swam underwater. That transformation – that empowerment – is what I bring to everything I create.

Why I Design Jewelry

Twenty years ago, I started Gogh Jewelry Design because I love beautiful things, but as an active woman, I couldn't find any silver jewelry that was both meaningful and functional. I wanted to wear jewelry that reflects my passion for the ocean, my love for travel, and pieces that inspire and keep my positive outlook on life.

My friends and family were always skeptical when I shared my visions and dreams about traveling the world and making a living from my passions. I didn't want to end up like most people around me – they also had amazing dreams and visions, but ended up living in "reality." I did not want my potentials and opportunities to pass me by.

Every piece I create is inspired by the depths I've explored and the dreams I've chased, designed to empower women to embrace their own extraordinary journeys. Beauty and functionality matter, especially when I'm diving, doing yoga, or playing with my son Enzo. Having my jewelry keep up with me and stay in one piece is important, and I've learned that it's important to so many others too.

My individually crafted pieces are meant to reflect your journey through life and help you gain the confidence you deserve. Many of my jewelry designs feature mantras and words that have helped me focus my intentions during meditation and yoga practice. Setting intentions helps us achieve our goals by focusing our energy on our innermost self.

From Hollywood to Healing

Hollywood came calling, and I brought my fearless spirit from the ocean floor to the silver screen. Working as a stunt performer and water safety diver alongside incredible talents like Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, and Sigourney Weaver, serving as Drew Barrymore's stunt double, and working on James Cameron's Avatar taught me that courage translates across all mediums. Over 27 films later, I've learned that whether you're 60 feet underwater or 60 feet in the air, success comes from preparation, precision, and an unwavering belief in yourself.

Life tested my strength when I became a breast cancer survivor – at the same age my father died from Chernobyl radiation. This journey taught me that true courage isn't the absence of fear – it's moving forward despite it. What began as my darkest chapter transformed into profound wisdom about flowing with life's currents and discovering that our greatest challenges often reveal our truest calling.

Now, as a motivational speaker and advocate for holistic women's healthcare, I use my voice to empower others facing their own battles, proving that our scars can become our greatest sources of strength.

Living with Purpose

My greatest adventure is the one I share with my best friend and husband, as we raise our son to be a confident, open-minded, and open-hearted world traveler. Together, we're proving that family adventures create the strongest bonds and the most beautiful memories.

For over 20 years, I've volunteered with A Chance for Children Foundation, working with at-risk youth in Los Angeles. My philanthropy isn't just about giving back – it's about paying forward the belief that every person deserves to discover their own extraordinary potential, just as the ocean taught me to discover mine.

Diving Into Dreams

My book, Diving into Dreams, transforms my journey from escaping communist Hungary to working on James Cameron's Avatar into a roadmap for your own transformation. Written in the spirit of Eat Pray Love, it's a self-help adventure narrative that shows how to turn life's deepest setbacks into launching pads for extraordinary comebacks.

My Source Desire

My source desire is to be happy in my own skin and help others find long-lasting happiness too. I believe that living out our dreams is the key to lasting happiness. It's all about being confident in your own skin and not yearning to be someone else, live somewhere else, or look like somebody famous.

The ocean taught me that the most beautiful discoveries happen when we're brave enough to dive into the depths of our dreams. Whether you're standing at the edge of your own great adventure or already deep in the journey, remember that home isn't a place – it's the confidence to embrace wherever your dreams lead you.

Find out more about me at www.SzilviaGogh.com
E-mail me: Szilvia@GoghJewelryDesign.com