IJL 2018 saw the launch of the first ever Jewellery Blog Awards, designed to celebrate social media influencers and their important contribution to the jewellery industry. We caught up recently with the winner of the ‘UK Social Influencer’ award, the brilliant Katerina Perez founder of Jewellery Insights by Katerina Perez.
Proclaimed as the ‘Jewellery Insider’, Katerina Perez is a specialist with professional knowledge and insight of the jewellery industry. Katerina discovered jewellery at the age of three and has always been inspired by craftsmanship and creativity. She has travelled the world championing the work of talented jewellers, established brands and new designers. Her love and knowledge of the industry is evident as you scroll through the pages of her website full of stunning imagery and inspiring content.
Our judges were wowed by Katerina’s wonderful passion for all kinds of jewellery – make sure to check her incredible work out.
How did you get started in the jewellery industry?
I started working in luxury and jewellery retail over 10 years ago, in such brands as Tiffany and Co, Asprey and Chaumet. Then slowly but surely I got into writing and 5 years ago I founded my website.
What made you want to write about jewellery?
There is such an abundance of jewellery that in my mind represents art rather than just self-adornments. I felt like I wanted to share my precious discoveries with people who may not usually be introduced to the world of haute joaillerie. I wanted to help contextualise jewellery I see, and convey both its beauty, but also its significance as a creative medium.
Who is your favourite designer/brand?
I cannot choose one, as there is so much beauty out there! However, the ones which I have a particular affection for may pop up on my Instagram feed slightly more often than others, so feel free to have a look and guess from there!
What are your trend predictions for 2019?
Mixed cuts, bright and often contrasting colours in both diamonds and gemstones being utilised, hard minerals being fore fronted, and mixed precious metal colours. Basically, an aversion and reaction to a lot of the more formal preconceived ‘rules’ of fine jewellery. Democratic creative processes and showcasing all of the individuals behind the work is something which is suddenly becoming a lot more important to many brands as well, and it’s a fantastic thing.
What is on your Christmas list?
I recently fell in love with a set of fancy coloured sapphires from a gemstone dealer that were laid out as dangling ear climbers with the colours gently gradating. I’m hoping that they are waiting for me under the Christmas tree! Aside from jewellery, I adore designer bags. They are the one indulgence I allow myself!
Which celebrity would you like to style?
I really don’t follow celebrities much, but I think it would be really interesting to style a male actor or musician in fine jewellery for the red carpet at a lavish event like the MET gala. This would provide an opportunity for very creative jewellery styling and thinking outside of the box.
Which is your most treasured piece of jewellery in your jewellery box?
Obviously, my engagement ring and wedding ring are both sentimental, but I love my large purple spinel ring. The design is very simple, but the depth of colour in the large stone makes me feel enchanted by it. I call it my ‘power ring’!
Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
I know this is a common answer, but my mother has been my greatest inspiration. She has always had a strong work ethic alongside being creative working as a restaurant of paintings. Another person that I look up to is the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo for her ability to live her life to the full regardless all the hardships she had been through.
What is your favourite memory during your time as a jewellery blogger/social media influencer?
Attending the 2018 BAFTAs with Atelier Swarovski and walking the red carpet was a very special moment for me – not just because it was glamorous – but more because of the significance it had: being an online journalist who has been able to translate my writing and jewellery coverage into something which resonates with a much broader audience. Another unforgettable moment was receiving IJL UK Influencer Award this year which was a fantastic recognition of my work.
When did your love of jewellery begin?
The earliest moment that I can pinpoint is a photograph of me covered in the spoils of my grandmother’s jewellery box aged three years old.
What is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?
Winning the first IJL UK social influencer award made me incredibly proud because it represents recognition from the industry and also from my adoptive home of the UK.
The IJL Blog Awards 2019 will be opening early 2019. Keep an eye on the IJL blog and social media for all announcements!