Carats of Confidence: Female Designers On How Jewels Empower Women

March 8, 2024

By Livia Primo Lack

8 min read

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, the team at KaterinaPerez.com speaks to a talented group of international jewellery stars to hear their thoughts on how jewellery empowers women. From the power of authentic design to the strength of colour and craftsmanship, we hope these insights from global entrepreneurial women inspire your approach to adornment on this special day for women everywhere.

The art of wearing jewellery is the oldest form of self-adornment known to man, dating back to prehistoric times, with the earliest known piece of jewellery traceable to over 100,000 years ago. Whether it was to identify oneself, to barter for goods or to transport wealth, wearing jewellery has been a part of the history of mankind since its onset. Today, although we might wear it for different reasons, owning a piece of jewellery instils a sense of confidence in those who wear it. For this year’s International Women’s Day we’ve handed the microphone to some women on our radar to hear what jewellery means to them.

Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, pearl, pink sapphire, green amethyst and diamond

Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, pearl, pink sapphire, green amethyst and diamond

Inés Nieto, Founder, Inés Nieto Jewellery

Inés Nieto

Inés Nieto

Truly authentic design is powerful. It takes a long time to unlock. When combined with the beauty of natural materials it is irresistible. When worn, we feel irresistible, precious and powerful.

Inés Nieto Taura ring in rose gold, white cacholong, featuring a 5.82-ct Paraiba tourmaline and champagne diamonds

Inés Nieto Taura ring in rose gold, white cacholong, featuring a 5.82-ct Paraiba tourmaline and champagne diamonds

 Inés Nieto Heptagon and Taura rings in oxidised copper, rose gold, white cacholong, turquoise and diamond

Inés Nieto Heptagon and Taura rings in oxidised copper, rose gold, white cacholong, turquoise and diamond

Charlotte Reedtz Grierson, Founder and Creative Director, Charlotte Reedtz Jewellery

Charlotte Reedtz Grierson

Charlotte Reedtz Grierson

Whether you wear a piece of jewellery as a statement or as a subtle reminder of self-empowerment, it will make an impact on how you feel and how you live your life. My goal when designing is to help you tap into your inner strength and to inspire you to welcome joy and positive change. If that’s not empowerment – I’m not sure what is!

Charlotte Reedtz Magic Wish ring in gold, cabochon tourmaline and diamond

Charlotte Reedtz Magic Wish ring in gold, cabochon tourmaline and diamond

 Underside of the Charlotte Reedtz Magic Wish ring in gold, cabochon tourmaline and diamond

Underside of the Charlotte Reedtz Magic Wish ring in gold, cabochon tourmaline and diamond

Anne Marie Le Flanchec, Founder and Designer, AWKN1

Anne Marie Le Flanchec

Anne Marie Le Flanchec

There are so many ways jewellery empowers women – in beauty, socially and in their own convictions. I find that it is a way to affirm yourself first to yourself, to your community and then to the world you live in. It is a social statement of belonging.

AWKN1 gold and diamond necklaces displaying empowering messages

AWKN1 gold and diamond necklaces displaying empowering messages

 AWKN1 Maia rings in gold, white gold, rose gold and diamond

AWKN1 Maia rings in gold, white gold, rose gold and diamond

 AWKN1 Akasha bracelet in gold, rose gold and diamond

AWKN1 Akasha bracelet in gold, rose gold and diamond

Danielle Gregory, Founder, D. Gregory

Danielle Gregory

Danielle Gregory

The way a woman presents herself to the world tells a story of who she is – what sets her apart. Jewellery transcends the societal expectations of other adornments, like clothing or makeup. It is inherently personal, unbound to notions of what ‘fits in’. This freedom empowers women to choose pieces that speak to them, enhancing their individual beauty. I always say that my jewellery is my armour—it gives me the confidence to take on whatever comes my way, reminding me of who I am and what I’m worth.

D. Gregory ring in platinum and diamond

D. Gregory ring in platinum and diamond

Cindy Xu, Founder and Designer, Cindy Xu Eternal Jewelry

Cindy Xu

Cindy Xu

Jewellery and women are a natural fit; they complement each other and empower each other. If there is a piece of jewellery that resonates with your soul, you will be able to confidently display your charm, and continuously discover and create a better version of yourself.

Cindy Xu Sun & Moon pendant in gold, opal, mother-of-pearl, onyx and diamond

Cindy Xu Sun & Moon pendant in gold, opal, mother-of-pearl, onyx and diamond

Ana Márcia de Albuquerque, Creative Director, Goldesign Bossa Group

Ana Márcia de Albuquerque

Ana Márcia de Albuquerque

A woman’s highest desire is to feel precious and unique, and there is no better way to do so than by wearing magnificent jewellery. It is more than just adornment; it’s a means of self-expression, confidence-building, and elegance, all of which contribute to empowering women in various aspects of their lives.

Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and diamond, alonside a necklace in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline

Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and diamond, alonside a necklace in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline

 Goldesign Bossa necklace in gold, blue topaz, peridot and diamond

Goldesign Bossa necklace in gold, blue topaz, peridot and diamond

 Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline

Goldesign Bossa earrings in gold, amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline

Ileana Makri – Jewellery Designer and Founder of Ileana Makri

Ileana Makri

Ileana Makri

Jewellery helps as a powerful communication tool for self-expression, allowing women to communicate their unique personalities, beliefs and even emotions through their pieces. A single piece has the power to make her feel special, successful, nostalgic, beautiful, powerful, and unique. I protect myself from negative forces by wearing an evil eye.

Ileana Makri Dawn Candy ring in gold, tsavorite, sapphire, emerald, champagne and white diamonds

Ileana Makri Dawn Candy ring in gold, tsavorite, sapphire, emerald, champagne and white diamonds

As you can see, how jewellery empowers women depends greatly on the woman wearing it, however, one thing that all these global entrepreneurial women agree on is that wearing a beloved piece of jewellery will bring out the best in you, whether that’s self-confidence, elegance or creative inspiration. Let us know if you like wearing a piece of jewellery that makes you feel empowered!

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