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She’s A Gem Jewellery designer creates one-of-a-kind pieces that dazzle so differently , By Nancy SnippeErika

Katsof lives in NDG, but she has traveled from Tucson to Thailand in search of vibrant gems- precious and semi-precious stones that will find their rightful place in one of her classically modern designs. Her creations are wildly exciting, thoroughly modern, yet exquisitely detailed in execution.

“I conceive my designs like many artists do_ at anytime in any and all situations_ both mundane and really exciting. Objects, individuals and artwork inspire me. But ultimately, it is the stone, metal and design that speak to me,” said Erika who holds three distinct jewellery degrees.

This artist never does things halfway. Like her jewellery, Erika has left no stone unturned, having received her prestigious training in New York and in California. Two years of gemology, jewellery and design certainly have set her on her way, but it is her remarkable talent combined with superb craftsmanship that makes her creations eye-popping in their uniqueness.

Although she creates her own designs using a 3-D program, she collaborates in person with special jewelers to bring them to life. Each mesmerizing piece is conceived from that inexplicable place where talent and skill combine.

From diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies to amethyst, citrine and peridot, her colours definitely are the striking assets in her pieces.

“For me, the colour makes the piece. It comes alive when the right person meets his or her match in a stone. Like many people, I believe there is a connection between a person and a stone. There are spiritual and healing properties in each one.”

This is another of Erika’s gifts; she is able to match the perfect stone to the personality of each individual seeking that special jeweled item. Surprise, all her pieces are custom-designed, but certain stones can be replaced and modified as one wants.

Erika started playing with beads from the time she was five years old. She made all kinds of creations with bought beads, building up quite a business at the ripe age of 12. She also started working at a bead store in Westmount, packing beads before she hit her teens. Her boss, recognizing her love for beads and her ability to put the right ones together, introduced her to a metalsmith who in turn started giving her lessons in jewellery making.

“My love of beads progressed to metalsmithing and gemstones. It quickly became my passion. Unfortunately, it moved from an inexpensive hobby to a rather expensive one,” laughed Erika.

Nowadays, she cleverly seeks out the right jeweler for the right designs building up a rostrum of select jewelers who meticulously execute her vision. Each design is brought to the jeweler either in wax form or on paper.

She uses 18-karat gold or platinum in her work. They are high-end, one-of-a-kind pieces to treasure.

She just finished two successful bridal shows this year_ not bad for this 26-year-old whose designs are utterly unusual, so beautiful, magnificent, in fact.

It’s the drive of the design that has led Erika to say this: “I choose not to actually make the pieces; I want a master to do my designs. There are only so many hours in a day, and so I have made this choice. I keep on educating myself, go to gem shows, research new stones and allow the muse, as well, to direct me. It’s not that I am unable to make my own pieces, but time prevents me from doing it all, and thankfully there are some superb jewelers out there.”

It’s not only the gems that are bright. This highly creative artist has started her own business, proving that which glitters never loses its allure.