Jewellery Mavericks: An interview with Gem Breakfast

The next guest in our Jewellery Mavericks series is the enthusiastic gem lover and vibrant entrepreneur Catherine Cason, founder of the blog Gem Hunt and the online jewellery store Gem Breakfast. In fact Catherine is so devoted to her passion that she has set herself on a mission to educate and inspire similarly minded individuals so that they become more vocal about the jewellery they own and like. This is what she calls the #DiamondTribe – a virtual haven for gem addicts.

Read what Catherine Cason thinks about custom design in part two of our Mavericks interviews.

It really started when I got engaged. I received an Asscher cut engagement ring – I fell in love! From there I spent hours upon hours learning about the cut, and different ways to set it. It really ignited my interest in fine jewellery. In doing my research I discovered so many cool indie jewellers on Instagram and I think I was hooked for life!

I think openness to different materials is the biggest trend. I am seeing a lot more acceptance and success of designers using moissanite. Also the alternative bridal movement and use of brown, champagne, montana sapphires or salt and pepper diamonds. It seems people are just more open to unique and different material when it comes to their rings.

I think custom-designed jewellery is here to stay. With something that is so important, so special, and plays often a ceremonial role in our lives people will always be looking for ways to make that feel personal. I love custom jewellery because it really gives the designer the ability to be creative and showcase their work and the client the ability to truly get a piece with a rich importance to them.

I don’t really like rules, so no one should follow the rules! Follow your heart! Although I do believe in a few subtle jeweller tricks, like if you have warm coloured diamond, set it in rose gold or yellow gold. Super clean white stones I think look best in white gold or platinum.

I also don’t think people pay enough attention to the prongs! They can make or break a piece for me, and I would definitely get specific with your jeweller on them when designing your ring!

I think first- time buyers are naturally suspicious of jewellers. But I would say, you educate yourself, ask questions and go with someone with a good reputation that you get a good feeling from. Most of us are the good guys and just want to make beautiful jewellery and make you happy and the most important thing is you have a transparent relationship with your jeweller!

Visit the possibilities of custom to see how ring designs can be personalised and to learn more on the Asscher cut, like Catherine’s, visit our Asscher cut guidance page.