Inspired by the architecture of cityscapes, Kathy Kraus Fine Jewellery limited edition pieces are each handcrafted with great attention to detail and made with sustainable and ethical materials.
Since graduating in 2018 fine jewellery designer, Katharina Kraus, has gone from strength to strength and her work has been exhibited at Milan Fashion Week, the Goldsmiths’ Hall and also as part of our Bright Young Gem initative in September 2018.
We caught up with the fresh, exciting new designer, Katharina Kraus, herself, and spoke about inspiration, trends and how becoming a Bright Young Gem helped to launch her jewellery career.
How did you find out about Bright Young Gems and what made you want to apply?
I found out via the IJL Instagram Account. By the time Bright Young Gems happened I had just graduated from Central Saint Martins and it was the perfect platform to showcase my jewels to a broader, professional audience, potential stockists and buyers. I also loved exhibiting amongst such a talented group of jewellers.
What would be your advice to other recent graduates or final year students who are thinking of entering Bright Young Gems?
My advice would be to really think about what you would want from the event and how to best achieve it. Be strategic about the steps you need to take to accomplish your set goal. Beautiful jewels are important but there are so many organizational things, which go into making exhibiting at a tradeshow successful. Luckily we had a fantastic day to prepare with the team from IJL.
How do you think Bright Young Gems helped with where you are now? Did it help you on your journey to success?
Yes, taking part in Bright Young Gems did help move my career forward. It was great to meet potential stockists, buyers and press in such a well-organized show. I’d say that the connections I made with my fellow Bright Young Gems and Kickstarters are the most valuable. It is such a fantastic event to learn and to learn from each other because we are all at different stages in our career.
What are your top jewellery trend tips for the approaching spring season?
Long drop earrings with sleek silhouettes and playful colours in gemstone and material combinations. Hoops are one jewellery trend that will never go out of style and rosegold also looks like its here to stay.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My main inspiration for creating new work comes from the architecture of cityscapes, the patterns skyscrapers form against the ever-changing sky, the contrast between endless sky and stone, glass and concrete.
Finally, how is your jewellery industry career or brand progressing and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
My jewellery career has been going very well and 2019 is already off to an incredibly busy start. This year alone I have exhibited at Milan Fashion Week, curated an exhibition for Munich Jewellery Week and my jewels will soon be on exhibition in Brazil and Hong Kong. This autumn I will also launch my new fine jewellery collection.
View Katharina’s beautiful work herehttps://www.kathykraus.com/
Inspired to enter Bright Young Gems 2019? Applications for this year are now open until 24th May 2019. Click here to enter now.