Katharina Kraus
Germany
Katharina Kraus is a fine jewellery designer and maker, offering a unique perspective on contemporary craftsmanship by combining traditional techniques with innovative design and gemstone carving. She holds a master craftsman certificate in Jewellery & Silversmithing and recently graduated with distinction from the Central St. Martins University in London.
-What is the name of your brand and what's the meaning behind it?
I design and make my jewels under my brand named ‘Kathy Kraus’. It is a shortened version of my name. My close friends have been calling me Kathy for many years and it simply became part of who I am.
- Where do you take inspiration from when you start creating a new collection?
My main inspiration for creating new jewels comes from the architecture of cityscapes, the patterns skyscrapers form against the ever-changing sky, the contrast between endless sky and stone, glass and concrete.
-What kind of work or material or technique do you prefer to use?
I usually work in Sterling Silver and 14ct or 18ct gold. Carved gemstones are central to my designs because my jewellery explores natural light reflexion in gemstones. I prefer using traditional tools and techniques to create jewellery, which reveals each stone’s original beauty. All my pieces are one of a kind and all materials are sourced sustainably and ethically from trusted suppliers in Germany and each gemstone is hand-picked.
- Three words with which you would describe the Artistar Jewels project.
If I had to choose three words to describe the project Artistar Jewels project I would use innovative, vibrant and international!
-Have you been fascinated by any particular creation you saw in the Artistar jewels 2019 edition?
It’s difficult to pick my specific jewels because there were so many fantastic pieces on display! I loved the breath of materials and designs that were part of the exhibition. Anna Maccieri Ross and Nayibe Warchausky jewels were among my favourites.
- What were the opportunities that most pushed you to participate in the event?
I loved meeting the other participants because it is such a rare opportunity that we get to talk with fellow artists. Getting to know some of the incredibly talented people was a wonderful experience and Artistar Team was fantastic. I was also incredibly lucky to have my work selected and exhibited by international galleries.
- What do you think about the upcoming Milano Jewelry Week? Do you think Milano needed it?
Milan has a lot of history with weeks dedicated to specific areas of design, art and fashion with Design Week and Fashion Week, therefor I think it is a good idea to establish Milan Jewellery Week. Milan seems to have the audience for it, but establishing new events always takes time. I am from Munich were Munich Jewellery Week is held annually and were multiple venues pop up across the city. I feel that this event makes for an incredibly vibrant atmosphere throughout the city and it is a fantastic platform for the artists participating because a large international audience frequents this event. I wish the Artistar Team all the very best for this adventure to put Milan on the map as a jewellery hotspot!
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