Catherine Preston
Catherine Preston is former community member of HJI and founder of Cat Preston Jewellery. Catherine creates pieces that speak out to clients with creative flair and individuality who wear jewellery not simply as an accessory but as a personal statement of style and expression. Catherine shares with us a glimpse of her designs and inspirations.
“My collections are designed according to my belief that the jewellery you choose to wear tells your story and is a reflection of who you are as a person” - Cat Preston
Tell us about your design style. What makes your design unique in the industry?
For me the jewellery is about connection - we all have pieces that have a story behind them and I trade in those stories. My aesthetic is simple, wearable pieces often designed around a remarkable stone that speaks for itself.
What kind of person wears your jewellery? How do you want them to feel?
The thread that all my clients have in common is the value they place on great design and skilled craftsmanship. I aim to create pieces that will be treasured because they are so personal and reflect the individuality of the wearer.
As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from?
I’m inspired by anything in nature I can steal from. The glistening sparkle of sun on white snow, the hidden rainbow in a water droplet, the iridescent flash of colour in bird feathers - if I’m feeling uninspired I only have to take myself off for a walk.
What is your favourite jewellery tool? What’s your favourite technique?
The best bit about my job is hearing the personal stories and using them to help me design pieces that will be cherished now and treasured by future generations because of the stories they hold.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love the work of Jeanette Walker as she lives on the coast in Canada and her work is so obviously influenced by the ocean.
How do you decide what you want to create?
It’s usually not me who decides. I take the lead from my clients and after a few conversations the answer to what they are looking for emerges.
When is enough enough?
Less is always more!
Three words that sum up your brand identity.
Cherished every day.
What is the favourite piece you have ever created – and what made it so special?
I have an incredibly brave friend who lost her husband to a brain tumour. He loved collecting stones and after he died she found a small pouch with a two aquamarines and three beautiful pink morganites. She asked me to design a ring for her mother and another for and sister who had been so strong for her during his illness. With the remaining stones we made a pendant and a pair of earrings. Her daughter who was only six when her father died kisses the pendant goodnight and says she knows he can hear her.
It’s a piece that I know is cherished.
When not working, what takes up your time… any hobbies?
I have always loved travelling and nothing excites me more than the prospect of visiting somewhere new. Otherwise anything that involves being outside - hiking, biking oh and bee-keeping!
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