Club
Full Circle: From Passion to Profession
Even after so many years in the jewellery industry, there are moments when I find myself pausing to reflect on my own journey, how it all began, how it evolved, and what continues to drive me forward. Recording a recent episode of Pass the Torch: Legacies in Jewelry with Nadja Dasa Vandeist became one of those moments, unexpectedly thoughtful and deeply personal.
Whenever I am asked how my journey began, I return to a very clear memory where I am three years old, sitting on the floor, completely absorbed in my grandmother’s jewellery box. To anyone else, these were modest pieces, silver, crystals, amethysts, but to me, they were treasures, full of magic and possibility. That feeling of wonder has stayed with me, and in many ways, it still defines how I experience jewellery today. The only difference is that now, I share that feeling with a much wider audience.
As I grew older, jewellery was never a dramatic career decision, it was always quietly present in the background. Even while exploring different paths, I found myself drawn back to it, eventually working in retail, closely interacting with both clients and collections. It was during this time that something quite unexpected began to take shape. In trying to present jewellery to clients in a more engaging way, I started writing to them, describing new pieces, explaining their beauty, their craftsmanship, and what made them stand out.
What started as a practical exercise quickly became something more meaningful. Clients began responding not just to the jewellery, but to the way it was described. They enjoyed the storytelling, the emotion behind the words. It made me realise that jewellery is not only seen, it is also felt and understood through storytelling. That realisation stayed with me and slowly evolved into a desire to explore writing more seriously.
Katerina Perez as a small child playing dress-up with the pieces in her grandmother's jewellery box
Looking back, I realise I was never trying to become an “influencer” or build a following. I simply wanted to share something I loved deeply, to communicate the beauty of jewellery in a way that felt honest and personal. Everything that followed grew organically from that intention.
This way of seeing and expressing jewellery, however, was shaped much earlier in my life. Growing up in a family of artists gave me a certain sensitivity to visual harmony. My mother, a restorer of paintings, worked with masterpieces, and through her I developed an understanding of balance, composition, and colour without even realising it at the time. It was not something taught formally, but something absorbed.
A treasured family photograph with Katerina Perez wearing jewellery from her grandmother's collection
This foundation naturally influenced how I perceive jewellery today. For me, it is never just adornment. At its best, jewellery is a form of art. It must be considered from every angle, not only the front, but also the back, the structure, the way elements come together. The design, the craftsmanship, the colour combinations all need to exist in harmony. When they do, a piece becomes complete, almost like a painting brought to life in three dimensions.
As my journey evolved, travel became an essential part of deepening this understanding. Experiencing jewellery across different cultures revealed how closely it is tied to identity and expression. In the United States, I see boldness and a sense of playfulness, in the Middle East a refined appreciation for colour and presence, in Asia a remarkable focus on precision and exceptional gemstone quality. Each region approaches jewellery differently, and these nuances continue to shape my perspective.
Katerina Perez developed her own unique way of communicating about jewellery thanks to the medium of social media, especially Instagram
Through travel and exploration, Katerina Perez has learned to hone her jewellery instincts and bring jewellery artistry and craftsmanship to people all over the world
At the same time, the industry itself has undergone a significant transformation. Jewellery is no longer reserved for rare occasions or formal settings. It has become part of everyday life, a tool for self expression, a way to bring joy into the ordinary. I have always believed that we should not wait for a special moment to feel special. Jewellery has the power to change how we feel instantly, and that is something to be embraced daily.
This idea of connection, between people, pieces, and stories, has always been central to what I do. I often think of my role as that of a guide, or even a matchmaker, bringing together a jewel and the person who will connect with it. There is something incredibly fulfilling in knowing that a piece discovered through my platform becomes part of someone’s life and personal story.
Jewellery is no longer confined to safety deposit boxes, and Katerina Perez believes it deserves the opportunity to be worn and enjoyed in everyday life
Over time, this desire to connect and share knowledge more meaningfully led to the creation of the Katerina Perez Club. After years of writing and curating, I realised how fragmented information in the jewellery world can be. There is so much to see, to learn, and to follow, yet it is often scattered. The Club became my way of bringing everything together, offering a curated space where people can access insights, industry news, and events in a way that feels both accessible and considered. More importantly, it is about building a community of like minded individuals who share a genuine passion for jewellery.
Despite everything I have experienced so far, one thing has remained constant, a sense of curiosity. I still feel there is so much to learn, so many stories to discover, so many designers to meet. That feeling has never diminished, and I believe it is what keeps the journey exciting.
Katerina Perez explores faceted gemstones and beads offered by Minehaus in Jaipur, India
Perhaps the most emotional part of the conversation was returning, once again, to my grandmother’s jewellery box. I still have it, and every time I open it, it feels like a quiet moment of time travel. It connects me to where it all began, to a person who unknowingly shaped my path, and to a feeling that has never left me. It reminds me that jewellery is never only about materials or value. It is about emotion, memory, and meaning.
And if there is one thought I would leave you with, it is this. Never stop dreaming. Stay true to your voice, continue learning, and do not be discouraged by the challenges at the beginning. They are often part of building something truly meaningful.
Katerina Perez wears a selection of jewellery by Marina B
Because sometimes, what begins as a simple childhood fascination can quietly grow into a life’s work.
WORDS
Katerina Perez is a jewellery insider, journalist and brand consultant with more than 15 years’ experience in the jewellery sector. Paris-based, Katerina has worked as a freelance journalist and content editor since 2011, writing articles for international publications. To share her jewellery knowledge and expertise, Katerina founded this website and launched her @katerina_perez Instagram in 2013.
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