Duchess Catherine Jewelry is a delicious concoction of colorful gems and nature-inspired designs with a touch of elegance. Each lovingly handcrafted item features genuine gemstones, cultured pearls, cubic zirconia, or Crystallized™ Swarovski Elements, combined with sterling silver, gold filled, or vermeil components. The pieces of Duchess Catherine Jewelry are designed to enhance a lady's sheer beauty, while seamlessly and harmoniously fitting into her existing wardrobe.
Nicole Catherine Smith, the designer and skilled artisan behind Duchess Catherine Jewelry, has been enamored with jewelry her entire life. It all started when she was a little girl, sneaking into Grandma's jewelry box to see what treasures could be discovered. Over the years jewelry became an important part of Nicole's life and she would find any excuse to buy new pieces, even if no special occasions were approaching. Despite this enthrallment she decided to pursue a career in interior design. Over the next few years Nicole surrounded herself with an abundance of art, architecture and design. After a provocative discussion with a former colleague, Nicole realized that despite her efforts to become an interior designer she had to follow her heart and become a jewelry designer. Nicole Catherine Smith is a graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California. In addition to having attended FIDM, she also has an extensive fine arts background.
The name "Duchess Catherine" comes from a childhood nickname. One day when Nicole was enjoying a good laugh with a friend, she turned to Nicole and said,"You know what? You sound so proper when you laugh, almost as if you were a duchess...yeah, that's it, I'll call you 'Duchess' from now on!" Catherine is Nicole's middle name and also the name of her very precious "Nunna".
