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Our Approach to Gemstone Authenticity
Gemstones have been part of my life long before Cattoria came to be. I’m a collector as much as I am an artisan, and my connection with stones goes far beyond creating jewelry. It’s a personal passion. The way I choose gemstones reflects that connection. I believe that every stone has its own character, and finding the ones that feel right is what matters most.
A Collector’s Eye, An Artisan’s Touch
When I go out hunting for gemstones, I’m also looking for stones to add to my own collection. I love spending time among them, looking closely, picking them up, feeling their weight and texture, and noticing the ones that draw me in. For me, being an artisan isn’t simply about making something by hand.
Some stones simply catch my attention. Others seem to call for it. I follow that feeling, allowing myself the time to connect with each one before deciding to bring it home. Alongside what I’ve learned about gemstones over the years, I trust my own sense of connection with the stones I choose. Then I bring them together, imagining the pieces they could become.
Why Gemstone Authenticity Matters to Me
Along the way, I encountered artificial, synthetic, and imitation stones being presented as natural gemstones. The disappointment was difficult to put into words. It’s not simply about receiving something different from what you expected. It’s about the connection you thought you were making and the feeling of discovering that the stone wasn’t what you believed it to be.
Nature already offers us an extraordinary world of colors, textures, patterns, and formations. Why should we settle for an imitation of something the earth has already given us?
Those experiences changed the way I approach gemstones and the people I choose to work with. Today, I source my stones from people I know and trust.
You Should Know What You’re Buying
I also believe that honesty about materials is just as important as choosing them carefully. Natural gemstones can have inclusions, irregular patterns, color variations, and individual characteristics. These are part of their natural beauty. And whenever a material is reconstituted, treated, dyed, coated, or otherwise altered, I believe that information should be clearly communicated.
That’s why I aim to provide accurate descriptions of the stones and materials used in every design. I want you to know what you’re bringing into your life, just as much as I want you to appreciate how beautiful it is.