Inside Katerina Perez's Jewelry Box

By Marie de Pimodan & Pauline Estival What is your first jewelry memory? “I’ve loved jewelry for as long as I can remember. My first encounter with all things precious was exploring my grandmother’s jewelry box, taking her necklaces and rings out and trying them on. They weren’t precious pieces, but to me they were treasures!” Do you have any particularly meaningful pieces? One that was gifted to you, perhaps? “One particularly sentimental piece is a bespoke ring by Ornella Iannuzzi, featuring an Ethiopian opal bead that turns in its center. My husband gifted it to me for our third anniversary – now we have celebrated 16 years together.” /public-objects/70acfb9b-2348-4fd1-8947-5ddb1ee2b00d-f3f3a69f-2b66-4278-9062-531c20c4ef2f-Ornella%20Iannuzzi%20opal%20ring.webp Image sélectionnée Which piece from your jewelry box would you absolutely want to pass on to a loved one? “Definitely my pear-shaped diamond solitaire pendant, given to me on my thirtieth birthday. My whole family contributed, and I travelled to Antwerp to select the diamond myself. While the design is simple, the pendant is full of emotion, strength and positive vibes, carrying the love and support of my family within every facet.” /public-objects/2be41e6e-4bad-42d2-8831-e0ac8c6c6e27-6bd5c777-e9c1-4237-a8d7-786613398bf1-Photo%2008-08-2025%2C%2015%2008%2043.webp Image sélectionnée Which piece of jewelry never leaves your side? “I always keep close my Superwoman ring by Sabine Roemer, specially created to symbolize courage and confidence. Minehaus supported the project by sourcing and cutting the vibrant gems that give the piece its soulful energy. This ring is deeply personal and represents the strength I want to carry each day – bold, fearless, and unapologetically strong.” Do you have a favorite gemstone? “I don’t have just one, but Paraiba tourmalines are among my favorites. Their neon glow, rarity and almost otherworldly color have fascinated me for years. When gem specialist Carlos Torres approached me to co-author Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, together with the Paraiba dealer Kevin Ferreira, I immediately said yes. It was the perfect opportunity to share the story of this extraordinary gem and celebrate its unique beauty.” /public-objects/3718f039-40b4-4bdf-897f-96c1d858350c-525d771d-c25e-4e04-995e-8ac122901d42-Constantin%20Wild%2015%20ct%20Paraiba%20Tourmaline.webp Image sélectionnée Which piece has made the biggest impression in the last couple of years? “I would say a necklace by Jochen Leën featuring over 313 carats of pezzottaite, an incredibly rare, raspberry- pink gemstone. It’s accented with white and black diamonds, and a vibrant Paraiba tourmaline. I love how it celebrates nature’s hidden treasures and shows how powerful and striking lesser-known gems can be when treated with imagination and respect.” /public-objects/467ceec2-c8e5-4c9e-a96d-1e8a8419a9a3-dfd7eeb4-7117-43ca-893f-ebaf70a79d32-Jochen%20Leen%20'24_10013.webp Image sélectionnée What comes first when getting ready in the morning, the jewelry or the outfit? “I’m one of the few women who choose their jewelry first! In fact, most of the clothes in my wardrobe are intentionally chosen to complement my jewelry – simple, versatile garments that let the jewels shine. Whether it’s a bold ring or a pair of statement earrings, I never leave the house without at least one piece. For me, jewelry isn’t an afterthought – it’s the starting point of every look.” What do you most pay attention to in a jewel? “The first thing I notice in a jewel is its overall beauty – specifically the harmony and balance in the design, the attention to detail, and the play of colors and textures. A piece should captivate at first glance, but also reveal more, the longer you look. Then I consider the quality of craftsmanship. And finally, comfort matters too: a jewel should feel as good to wear as it looks to behold.” What would your top three investment pieces be? “First, a bold statement necklace set with colorful gemstones like Paraibas, rubellites or mandarin garnets – stones that spark joy and conversation; second, a dramatic brooch, because few things make as powerful a style statement; and third, a pair of matching cuffs, because nothing makes me feel more empowered than wearing them like a modern-day Wonder Woman. They all speak to strength, individuality and enduring beauty.” /public-objects/61313478-9b87-4dfb-9233-bb152e0de6a1-4908b7f6-10c8-4054-a0f1-2e04edbfd1c5-Katerina-Perez-2025.webp Image sélectionnée