How it all started...

I never stop designing in my head and I only believe in designs I would wear myself.
So when my husband David gave up on gifting me jewelry I did not wear, he invited me instead to design my own.

Men in general would be insulted if their wives would make a fuss over the jewelry gifts they receive. David, the gentleman that he is, tolerated it with humility and instead of being offended, found the perfect solution: Why don't you design your own pieces? I will supply you the diamonds, will introduce you to a jeweler and you take it from there..."
What a novel idea it was, albeit a challenging one. How could I design jewelry with no formal training?
If you know me, you know that I am very resourceful, never shy of asking questions and bold enough to believe I can do it. 

My children at the time were attending the 92nd street Y and I decided to take a wax carving class to acquaint myself with the steps and secrets of jewelry making.
 
It was a foundational class for "mature" (as in older women..I was 28 then) socializing over a hobby they found mutually appealing. The teaching was light and fun and it seemed that everyone knew each other. But I wasn't there to socialize: I was focused and wanted to learn as much as I could so I peppered the teacher with questions which soon enough started to annoy her. When she couldn't take my incessant questions anymore, she got frustrated and said: "Catherine, this is a beginner's class, a place to have fun and to socialize...learning the intricacies and art of jewelry making takes time. Be patient and don't give up. With practice, you will be able to design and create what you want." (I wish she could see me now...unfortunately she passed away and I never got to share my success with her.)

After two terms, I realized that indeed I did not have the talent to learn the trade. Being a jeweler is an art in itself, and requires patience, precision and craftsmanship. What I had instead was passion, determination and a distinct point of view. Having the basic understanding of jewelry making, I was able to visualize my designs in my head and use words and simple drawings to convey my vision to a model maker. 

The first set of rings I designed for myself was the Bella, which ultimately jumpstarted my career. 
I was in the elevator picking up my daughter from nursery school, when I ran into a male friend: " I love those rings you're wearing....where did you get them? I need to get my wife a present..."
" I designed them" I casually responded.
" Are you a designer?"
I hesitated for a second and said: " Yes, I am!"
And the rest is history. 

Bella rings

I believe that designs in an artist's life is representative of her/his state of mind and her values. The Bella was who I was 25 years ago and to be honest they are still perfectly relevant as I am still wearing them on my right hand, but today I gravitate more toward the deceptively simple. That's why I designed the Celine collection of rings, inspired by the architecture of Ricardo Bofill whose essence is captured above by award winning photographer, Sebastian Weiss.

CELINE RING 18Y 

CELINE 18Y HALF DIAMONDS

CELINE INFINITY RING 18Y

Marrying extreme architecture with extreme materiality, we offer different versions in varied metals that  communicates with the person within.  
We can also do bespoke pieces, for the exceptional in you...

Thinking of a commission? Just call us :)