Carol Kauffmann: Lifelong Art Education Translates Into Fine Jewellery

September 21, 2018

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

Carol Kauffmann has developed her bold, pret-a-porter style jewellery through a lifetime of varied experiences; from working in the fashion industry, to her sculptural experience, and even her parents’ passions for art.

I met the Brazilian designer to view her pieces, and to learn more about her fascinating journey into fine jewellery – which has spawned an unwaveringly successful decade long career thus far… 

Carol Kauffmann

Carol Kauffmann

Katerina Perez: How did your love of jewellery begin?

Carol Kauffmann: My father worked with diamonds, and my parents came to Brazil in the 1950s. By the time I was born in the 1970s, both of my parents were connoisseurs of gemstones and diamonds, and my father would always tell me about their qualities; what to look for, which were the most enticing and why. My mother was a big collector of antique furniture, and was well educated in art history – my passion came from this familial education.

Carol Kauffmann 'Petit Pois' rings, with grey tourmaline, yellow beryl and amethyst respectively, all in diamonds and 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Petit Pois' rings, with grey tourmaline, yellow beryl and amethyst respectively, all in diamonds and 18k yellow gold

KP: It’s an interesting trajectory that your career has taken – you started in fashion, and later moved into jewellery…

CK: I worked in fashion for 13 years – my family owned a large textile company in Brazil. I studied fashion and then I went to work for them. We sell bathing suits in Brazil all year around, in amazing prints, patterns and colours, therefore colour was so important in the beginning of my career. When we sold the family textile business in 2004, I decided to take goldsmith classes. Before working in fashion, I was a sculptor working in bronze, so I had the ability to manipulate the metal with my hands. It was instinctual for me, and quickly I put together my first collection of 30 pieces. An editor of Brazilian Vogue took an interest in my jewellery, and from that, I met with Bergdorf Goodman, who viewed these initial creations and wanted to keep all of the pieces right away!

Jewellery from Carol Kauffmann's 'Trapeze' collection, and its inspirations

Jewellery from Carol Kauffmann's 'Trapeze' collection, and its inspirations

KP: Is there particular artist that influences your work?

CK: The whole spectrum of 20th century arts excite me. I travel the world to attend art exhibits – art is my hobby. For example, last year I went to the Metropolitan museum, and an exhibition on Japanese baskets made with raffia and natural materials eventually went on to influence my whole ‘Trapeze’ collection. You never know where it will come from.

A selection of Carol Kauffmann jewellery

A selection of Carol Kauffmann jewellery

KP: What would you say are the key design elements and design motifs of your jewellery?

CK: Certainly art deco – but I don’t want to have an art deco look directly, I try to re-edit art deco principles in a contemporary way. I want someone to wear them at any time and not be able to identify the age it was created in, or the specific style. My clients who bought jewellery 10 years ago tell me that they still feel like my designs are as current as if they had bought them today.

Carol Kauffmann ‘Magic Clip’ earrings from the ‘Magic’ collection with coral, emeralds, tanzanites, and diamonds with 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann ‘Magic Clip’ earrings from the ‘Magic’ collection with coral, emeralds, tanzanites, and diamonds with 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Music' earrings with pink tourmaline and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Music' earrings with pink tourmaline and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Trapeze Modern' necklace with emeralds, beryls and 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Trapeze Modern' necklace with emeralds, beryls and 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann ‘Branch’ earrings with pink tourmaline, enamel and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann ‘Branch’ earrings with pink tourmaline, enamel and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Colours Double Leaf' bangle with diamonds, enamel and 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Colours Double Leaf' bangle with diamonds, enamel and 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Colours Hoops' earrings with enamel and 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Colours Hoops' earrings with enamel and 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Class' earrings with tanzanite, blue topaz, green tourmaline, diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Class' earrings with tanzanite, blue topaz, green tourmaline, diamonds in 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Trapeze' pendant necklace with white topaz and rubies in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Trapeze' pendant necklace with white topaz and rubies in 18k yellow gold

 Carol Kauffmann 'Class' earrings with emerald cut topaz, pink tourmaline and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann 'Class' earrings with emerald cut topaz, pink tourmaline and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

KP: What are some of the biggest challenges to you as a designer?

CK: One of my most significant challenges is to create jewellery which is always wearable, contemporary, new and fresh. Another challenge is to offer impactful jewellery at an affordable price. I want the Carol Kauffmann jewellery fan to be able to wear the same jewellery to a casual lunch and to a wedding, I don’t want her to keep it in the safe box, my jewellery is made to be worn.

A selection of Carol Kauffmann jewellery

A selection of Carol Kauffmann jewellery

KP: After 10 years, what are the factors which contributed to your success?

CK: I feel that I am consistent. I keep the pret-a-porter concept which I learned in the fashion industry in mind when I am drawing jewellery, when I am looking for stones, and when I am developing my creations. Also, I believe that people giving value to all bright gems regardless of their type is fantastic to a Brazilian designer who loves gemstones, such as myself!

Carol Kauffmann ‘Magic Scales’ rings with (left) topaz, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, and (right) citrine, sapphires, apatite and diamonds, both in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann ‘Magic Scales’ rings with (left) topaz, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, and (right) citrine, sapphires, apatite and diamonds, both in 18k yellow gold

Carol Kauffmann is undoubtedly a jeweller with a truly unique perspective which is conveyed through her designs. Her pragmatic creative process and artistic understanding contribute to a jewellery style which is imitable, exciting, and relevant to the way which fine jewellery consumers want to wear their favourite accessories right now.

Book Review: ‘Secrets of the Gem Trade’ by Richard W. Wise

continue reading

Haute Couture 2025: Boucheron Explores Shades of Grey with the Impermanence High Jewellery Collection 

With its Carte Blanche High Jewellery collections, Boucheron's Creative Director Claire Choisne has the power to explore whatever fantastical avenue she pleases, which in 2025 centres on flowers and the natural world.

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The Unconventional Lines of the Vhernier Ardis High Jewellery Collection 

Let's take a closer look at the pieces that launched at Paris Haute Couture week, including the sculptural necklaces we simply couldn't leave without photographing.

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The 70s Depths of the Piaget Shapes of Extraleganza High Jewellery Collection

Through the Piaget Society, a circle of artists, collectors and freethinkers, the Maison helped shape the cultural zeitgeist of the 1970s.

by Claire Roberts

Haute Couture Week 2025: The Gentle Flutter of Mikimoto Les Pétales High Jewellery

Let’s take a closer look at some of the aristocratic highlights of this latest Mikimoto offering…

by Sarah Jordan

Elevated Expression: Examining The Jade Dynasty Collection by Austy Lee

Austy Lee is someone we return to time and again here at KaterinaPerez.com, largely because the designer's work never fails to impress. Let's hear what he has to say on China's most emblematic mineral…

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The Biggest High Jewellery Trends to Emerge from Paris 

Transformability was a recurring theme, as were bold uses of colour, sculptural silhouettes and rare gemstones with compelling stories. Here are the key trends that defined the 2025 high jewellery season.

by Joshua Hendren

Flower Power: The Uplifting Energy of Jewels in Full Bloom 

Florals have long been a favourite in fine jewellery, and they never lose their charm. This year’s Couture show in Las Vegas proved just how inventive floral jewellery can be, bursting with colour, craftsmanship, and imagination

by Hirshi Sujanti

You’ve Got the Moves: Kinetic Jewellery with Moving Elements

Sometimes, at the Couture Show, you encounter a trend that feels perfectly attuned to the times we’re living in. This year in Las Vegas, that trend was movement. Or, more precisely, moving elements that speak to that very human desire to keep our hands busy, our senses engaged, and our minds soothed.

by Claire Roberts

Verified in Vegas: The Biggest Jewellery Trends of the Couture Show 2025

The Couture Show presents a curated view of the best in craftsmanship, design, fresh ideas and originality, which is why it’s such a vital place to forecast the ‘next big thing’. Here’s what I have gleaned from this year’s State-side events

by Sarah Jordan

Instant Charm: Celebrating New Creations with Karina Choudhrie Jewels

Let's take a closer look at the latest pieces that have emerged from Karina's incredible imagination…

by Katerina Perez

Key Facts About Gold: An Ancient Symbol of Power and Luxury

In an age where digital currencies rise and fall, gold remains a universal symbol of stability, beauty, and lasting worth. It is worn on the skin, locked in vaults, and passed down through generations as a living legacy.

by Hirshi Sujanti

Little Legends: The History and Power of Pinky Rings

Pinky rings have long carried cultural weight - from Ancient Mesopotamian seals to Egyptian signets and Japanese kamon heirlooms. Today, the style is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to contemporary designers and a growing list of high-profile wearers, including Meghan Markle, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski

by Joshua Hendren

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.