A Precious Gem
Since 1988, Martin Katz, Ltd has gained international prominence with a clientele that includes Forbes 400 business leaders, US Ambassadors, Heads of State and individuals with a collector’s spirit. In this interview, we spend some time with company Founder Martin Katz to discuss the growth of the business and how he continues to delight and dazzle with one-of-a-kind pieces that are destined for the red carpet.
Martin Katz is an internationally recognised jeweller known for his distinctive work creating inspired pieces of high jewellery for the most discerning buyers. His passion for gems has earned him wide acclaim for designing beautifully-crafted, couture-quality pieces inspired from his love of Art Deco and vintage jewellery.
In Martin Katz’s world, each gemstone is a star and every creation becomes a platform upon which Hollywood glamour takes centre stage. A true pioneer, Martin broke through the barriers of the Hollywood Red Carpet and in 1992 became the first independent jeweller to step onto the international stage.
In the years since then, Martin has bejewelled over 500 celebrities and influential global figures, including luminaries like Sharon Stone, Salma Hayek, Sandra Bullock, Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Gigi Hadid, Zoe Kravitz and Nicole Kidman, among many others.
Earlier this year, Martin Katz revealed his latest move – a literal one from his Brighton Way boutique to the landmark yellow Fred Hayman building on Canon Drive. After twenty years in the Brighton Way boutique, Katz was ready to develop a redefined shopping experience and spend more time focusing on designing beautiful jewellery and enjoying one-on-one time with clients in a new private setting.
“I started my career as a private jeweller in a penthouse and now I’ve returned to being a private jeweller, which I believe is important to my clients,” explains Martin Katz, Founder of the business. “Moving away from the street-level retail world and back into a penthouse has already shown significant rewards. My clients love the privacy and comfortable nature of the salon. It has already become a very social setting, which is exactly what I had hoped for.”
The new salon celebrates a return to a more intimate luxury environment and features spectacular, one-of-a-kind pieces. Located on the top floor, the Penthouse Suite offers guests a bespoke luxury client experience. Designed to evoke Katz’s signature style that blends subtle art deco influences and refined simplicity, the boutique features luxurious high-gloss sycamore lacquer finishes and granite, accented by charcoal and grey tones. Elegant glass doors open out onto a private terrace with views of Beverly Hills, perfect for entertaining and capturing the natural light for an outdoor appointment. Outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, the salon also offers clients an opportunity to connect digitally for virtual appointments.
“Our clients love the residential warmth combined with the indoor-outdoor feel of the adjoining terrace,” Katz says. “We have found that the comfortable ambiance of the penthouse and outdoor terrace invites guests to take their time and enjoy the environment and company. It is perfect for entertaining our clients and friends and capturing the natural light for an outdoor appointment,” Katz highlights.
When developing new pieces and collections, Martin draws inspiration from exceptional gemstones that have very distinctive qualities and from there, the inspiration flows organically. Each piece that emerges from his workshop becomes a work of art, infused with a captivating narrative. Through his execution of fit and finish, his creations prioritise the beauty of gemstones and minimises the metal that binds them together, highlighting a delicate balance of colour and the art of micro settings. This unwavering attention to detail sets his pieces apart as a master craftsman of unparalleled distinction.
Aside from focusing on product quality and building quality relationships, Katz aims to distinguish his company by providing exceptional customer service. His story is one of artistic brilliance, unwavering dedication and an enduring commitment to beauty. Every piece bearing Martin Katz’s name is either one-of-a-kind or produced in limited numbers, each meticulously signed and numbered.
The allure of Martin’s designs extends beyond jewellery. “In November, we collaborated with Italian artist and sculptor Andrea Roggi to unveil the Energy of Life sculpture in Florence,” says Katz, who designed the jewelled sphere. Next, the sculpture will travel to Venice for an exhibition from 21 December – 8 January at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
His artistic vision also extends to interior design and he was chosen to design the “MartinKatz Jewel Suite for the New York Palace Hotel which has received the design industry’s Gold Key award for best luxury suite in the world.
“It is part of my ethos to create jewellery that is beautiful, unique and enduring – pieces that live up to my motto of ‘Jewells. Like No Other’. The ethos and spirit of my designs were born from my love of the Art Deco period and vintage jewellery,” Katz concludes.
