Feature Friday Q&A with Catherine Ulanovski from CJbijoux

I love my diamonds one of two ways - either flawless or rustic.  But, when it comes to my colored gemstones...I prefer them only one way.  BIG and BOLD!  The bigger, the better.  When it comes to color, I feel like you should either go big and bright or not at all.  I'm not suggesting that you should look like a bad psychedelic trip.  Just that the color should get the focus.  Personally, I love huge colored gemstones with neutrals like navy blue, shades of beige, black or gray.  Then, the gemstones get all the play!

So, when I was internet surfing one day and stumbled upon CJbijoux by Catherine Ulanovski; I knew I was in love!  I had found my gemstone soul mate!  Her big gemstones and simple but bold designs are the perfect fit!  Not to mention, all of them are perfect for layering.  I just know you are going to L-O-V-E, love her pieces!




1.  What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?
It all started when I was always looking for specific designs and models that I could never find but I kept drawing and dreaming about them.  So, I decided to go and learn the profession to be able to design my own jewellery, and then my passion for creating was so strong that I started creating for others too.


Ok, I have to say it...This Tanzanite Ring in 18k yellow gold is my absolute favorite!  I am so dying to have
it on my fingers!  The centerpiece is an approximately 9 carat tanzanite set off-center in 18k recycled gold, $310.
And..it's already my size!

2.  What is your favorite piece or collection?
My favourite pieces are my pendants that I create with rose cut diamonds.  I will choose very specific shapes and colours of stones.  I will use around six or seven stones and will assemble them in harmony [based on the] shape to create a beautiful piece.


One of CJbijoux's Rose Cut Diamond Pendants, $950.  I love how this pendant almost
has an arrow or spike look to it.  The arrangement of tones & color in the pendant are very
feminine but the roughness of the stones gives it a little bit of edge.  Perfect!

3.  What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?
My perfect jewellery day is to open my gemstones' boxes; observe all of them and start planning my next piece - then creating it.


Sapphire & Diamond Earrings in 18k yellow gold, 380.  What I love the most about Catherine's work
is how she is not afraid to pick bold colors & big gemstones.  I am all about simple designs with big impact
& these earrings hit the nail straight on the head for me!  Great for casual or date night with the rose cut sapphires &
strong, deep color.

4.  Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?
My proudest jewellery moment is when I give life to the exact piece of jewellery I was dreaming of and realizing that I did it all by myself from beginning to end.


The centerpiece of this Emerald Ring is a whopping 10.5 carats & set in 22k yellow gold, $750.
I adore how Catherine has set the ring with the stone inverted giving it an almost Romanesque feel.

5.  Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the gemstones.  I will spend a great [deal of] time admiring them and then I will start drawing the models that I want to make with them.  It all starts from the gem itself.  That is my greatest inspiration.  When I look at a gem and I see the exact piece of jewellery I want to make.


Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant in 18k yellow gold, $320.  There are SO many things that I love about this pendant!
Can't you just picture this amazing color as just the pop you need during these gray winter months?!?!  The color is so
stunning that I just feel like I could fall into it.  Oooh...paired with the amazing tanzanite ring above....Perfection!

6.  In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?
Rings are my ultimate jewellery.  I will stack so many of them; changing the way I stack them many times a day.  I can change rings all day long!  All my rings are stackable so that is the [most] fun part.  I am also in a necklace period at the moment, but it really depends on what I create at that time.


When Catherine says her pieces are stackable, she is NOT kidding!  Look at this stunning stack!
From top to bottom: Tanzanite Ring, $310; Black Diamond Infinity Band, $280; Organic Gold Band, $260 & Ruby Ring, $520.
Seriously, what's not to love about these stunners?!?!  Is it wrong that I am already thinking of Valentine's Day?!?!

7.  When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?
I love combining metals.  This is my favourite part.  I love mixing colours and style.  But keeping in mind a similar continuation in the mixing.

Rose Cut Diamond Cuff in 18k yellow gold with a .70 carat marquise shaped diamond, $670.
This is another one of Catherine's designs that is perfect for layering!

8.  Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look?  How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings? 
I love layering.  I love stacking, but everything with touch and elegance, nothing too heavy.

Rose Cut Diamond Pendant in 18k yellow gold, $416.  Another necklace that will become an
everyday staple in any wardrobe.  The matte yellow gold is the perfect compliment for the rustic-looking
diamond.  Picture this necklace layered with the gold spike necklace picture below.

Flash Question - Dream trip destination?
Thailand


Gold Spike Necklace in 14k yellow gold, $350.  This necklace is a #FutureHeirloom for sure!
It is absolutely perfect for everyday wear & would be ideal as a staple piece in any layered look!


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Comments

  1. I LOVE Catherine's etsy store! She is a true sculptor!

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