Martin Katz

BACKGROUND

Martin Katz started selling jewellery as a student while attending Indiana University in the US. After he graduated, he moved to Los Angeles to work for an upscale jewellery salon in Beverly Hills. During his stint there, he developed his knowledge and love for vintage jewellery and rare gemstones. He founded his eponymous label in 1988.

DESIGN SIGNATURE

Katz’s passion for vintage pieces earned him a reputation for creating modern, couture-quality jewellery pieces that have an “old soul.” Each piece, made with meticulous attention to detail, is one of a kind or limited in production, and is signed and numbered. Through the years, Katz has become a redcarpet favourite, worn by A-list celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Barbra Streisand, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. Jessica Biel wore a pair of Martin Katz earrings at her wedding to Justin Timberlake. Today, Martin Katz pieces are sold at his Beverly Hills boutique and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS

The designer’s body of work is not limited to jewellery. He created a US$5 million diamond bra for Victoria’s Secret in 2009, jewelled sunglasses for RayBan, jewelled mobile phone cases for Motorola, a US$1 million perfume bottle for Donna Karan, and, most recently, a Us$25,000-a-night” suite at the New York Palace hotel.

OLD-WORLD CHARM

From top: Pink spinel, pearl and diamond pin in antiqued titanium; 8-carat opal ring with diamonds, tsavorites and amethysts; Paraiba tourmaline disco ball earrings in platinum, all by Martin Katz