Cathy Waterman

For collectors who want handcrafted, one-of-a-feeling fine jewellery rather than mass-produced sparkle, it tends to earn its keep. Cathy Waterman's work is described as ethereal, feminine and lyrical, made in 22k gold and platinum, and her pieces have a devoted following among brides and collectors. You are paying for artistry and precious metal, so the value lives in the craft and the materials.

It comes down to materials and hand-work. Waterman builds her pieces from 22k gold and platinum using recycled metals and fair-trade stones, and each design is finished by hand rather than mass-produced. High-karat gold, ethically sourced stones and intricate handcraft are inherently costly, which is why even a small piece carries a fine-jewellery price.

An ethereal, nature-touched look rendered in high-karat gold. Her work is characterised by its use of 22k gold and platinum and an aesthetic often called feminine and lyrical. The combination of soft, organic forms and rich, warm gold is her signature, which is why pieces read as romantic rather than flashy.

Yes, that is part of the brand's identity. Waterman designs her jewellery using recycled metals and fair-trade stones, pairing ethical sourcing with traditional craft. For buyers who care where their gold and gems come from, that responsible approach is a genuine selling point alongside the design itself.

If you want a ring that feels artisanal and personal rather than a standard solitaire, it is a strong option. Waterman's romantic, hand-finished sensibility has made her a favourite for engagements; notably, Matthew McConaughey proposed to Camila Alves with a Cathy Waterman engagement ring, and Stephen Moyer used a Cathy Waterman ring to propose to Anna Paquin. The appeal is a piece that feels heirloom and one-of-a-kind.

She is a California-based designer who launched her brand in 1990. Waterman spent her childhood in California and started out sketching jewellery designs for herself before turning them into a label, so the brand carries a distinctly personal, West Coast origin story.

Yes. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the industry body that recognises leading American designers. That membership places her within the established fine-jewellery and fashion establishment rather than the independent fringe.

A long list of red-carpet names. Michelle Obama wore Cathy Waterman earrings and a necklace to events including the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, pieces now held by the Smithsonian, while Gwyneth Paltrow wore a Cathy Waterman bracelet when she accepted her 1999 Best Actress Oscar. Others who have worn her work include Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lawrence.

She did. Waterman designed the jewellery featured in the film Snow White and the Huntsman, including recycled-gold vine earrings with black sapphires and diamonds worn by Charlize Theron and a gold ring worn by Kristen Stewart. Her jewellery has also appeared on screen on the TV show VEEP, worn by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

It is a long-running partnership. Since 1997, Waterman has worked with the retailer Ylang 23, which has debuted many of her collections, including the "Love of My Life" Album of Rings in 2009 and the "Wild Love" collection in 2010. So Ylang 23 is one of the established homes for discovering her releases.

Yes. In 2021 Waterman designed Taylor Swift's merch ring for the re-release of Red (Taylor's Version), and the ring appears on the album's artwork. Swift had earlier performed at the 2014 Grammy Awards wearing Cathy Waterman earrings, so the two have a recurring connection.

Treat it gently, because 22k gold is purer and therefore softer than the 14k or 18k many people are used to. Store pieces separately so harder stones and clasps do not scratch the warm gold, remove rings before heavy hand-work, and clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Given the hand-finished detailing, occasional professional checks of any set stones are worthwhile.