Katherine Paul, ustanoviteljica blagovne znamke Mera Jewelry, ustvarja nakit, ki presega zgolj estetsko vrednost. Njeni kosi so prežeti z emocijami, osebnimi zgodbami in globoko povezanostjo z naravo ter njenimi kolumbijskimi koreninami. V ospredju njenega ustvarjanja so barve, gibanje in brezčasna eleganca, ki se odražajo v unikatnih dizajnih. V pogovoru razkriva svoj ustvarjalni proces, pomen dragih kamnov ter pogled na sodobno žensko in luksuz danes.
Katherine, vaš nakit je poln čustev. Ko ustvarjate nov kos, začnete z občutkom, zgodbo ali kamnom?
Navdih pogosto najdem v oceanu, sončnih zahodih, njihovih barvah in gibanju – v tej tihi eleganci, ki deluje brezčasno, tako kot nakit. Navdihujejo me tudi živali, kot so konji in metulji. Obožujem njihovo gibanje, hitrost in lepoto, ki jo nato poskušam preoblikovati v kos nakita. Zame ima nakit posebno moč – lahko preobrazi, okrepi samozavest in ustvari skoraj čaroben občutek. Zelo mi je všeč kontrast med zlatom in živahnimi dragimi kamni, saj na koži zares zaživijo.
Kakšna je zgodba za imenom Mera Jewelry – ima osebni pomen?
Da, zelo oseben. Ime »Mera« izhaja iz smaragdov, ki so že od nekdaj del moje zgodbe. Prihajam iz okolja, kjer najdemo nekatere najlepše smaragde na svetu, zato sem odraščala obdana z njihovo lepoto in energijo. Smaragdi so bili skozi zgodovino povezani s kraljevskim – nosile so jih kraljice, kot je Kleopatra, kot simbol moči, lepote in prisotnosti. Ta povezava je ostala z menoj. »Mera« zame pomeni nekaj zelo osebnega – več kot le dragulj, je občutek moči. Nošenje dragih kamnov ni le modni dodatek, temveč del naše zgodbe.
Vaše kolumbijske korenine igrajo pomembno vlogo pri vašem ustvarjanju. Kako oblikujejo vaš pogled na lepoto danes?
Moje kolumbijske korenine so moj pogled na lepoto oblikovale na zelo naraven in čustven način. Odraščala sem obdana s smaragdi in to pristno, surovo lepoto, ki prihaja neposredno iz narave. Naučila sem se ceniti barve, globino in stvari, ki delujejo živo, ne popolno. Ta perspektiva ostaja prisotna v vsem, kar ustvarjam danes.
Kakšno podobo ali značaj imate v mislih, ko ustvarjate novo kolekcijo?
Vsaka kolekcija odraža drugačno razpoloženje in slog, da se lahko vsak poveže s tem, kar mu je najbližje. Kolekcija Mera je osredotočena na smaragde in je zelo povezana z mojimi koreninami. Kolekcija Luxe je bolj sodobna in elegantna, z dovršenimi linijami. Kolekcija Gold vključuje brezčasne kose iz 18-karatnega rumenega zlata, kolekcija Love pa je bolj čustvena – vsebuje obeske v obliki srca in kose, ki nosijo podobo ljubljene osebe. Kolekcije razumem kot različne izraze nakita, ustvarjene zato, da vsak najde nekaj, kar ustreza njegovemu značaju.
Kako v času hitre mode definirate pravi luksuz v nakitu?
V svetu hitre mode pravi luksuz pomeni kakovost in vrhunske materiale. Ne gre le za videz, temveč za pomen. Ko je kos ustvarjen, da traja, preneha biti del hitre mode in postane nekaj brezčasnega – nekaj, kar nosimo leta in prenašamo iz generacije v generacijo. Zame je pravi luksuz v vrednosti, pomenu in trajnosti – v pristnih materialih, vrhunski izdelavi in globlji zgodbi. To je kos, ki ga ne nosimo le enkrat, ampak ga ohranimo in cenimo.
Kakšen občutek želite, da ženska doživi, ko nosi Mera Jewelry?
Želim si, da se počuti samozavestno, ženstveno in močno – na naraven način. Ne gre za nekaj glasnega, temveč za občutek, ki prihaja od znotraj. Prisoten je tudi rahel občutek čarobnosti, kot da nakit poudari to, kar že je. Ko nosi Mera, želim, da se počuti elegantno, sijoče in globoko povezano sama s seboj.
Kako se je trg nakita spremenil v zadnjih letih in kaj ženske iščejo danes?
Trg nakita se je močno spremenil. Danes gre manj za sledenje trendom in bolj za osebni izraz. Ženske iščejo kose, ki imajo pomen, ki odražajo, kdo so. Opazen je premik k individualnosti, pripovedovanju zgodb in čustveni vrednosti nakita. Hkrati se povečuje zavedanje o kakovosti in izvoru – stranke želijo vedeti, od kod prihajajo materiali, kako so kosi izdelani, in iščejo nekaj pristnega ter trajnega.
Kaj vas navdihuje zunaj sveta nakita?
Zelo me navdihujejo živali, predvsem njihovo gibanje. V tem je nekaj popolnoma naravnega in lahkotnega. To še posebej občutim, ko jezdim svojega belega konja Kady. Ta povezanost, ritem in zaupanje ustvarjajo izjemno izkušnjo – hkrati mirno in močno. Ta občutek tekočnosti, moči in tihe elegance vedno poskušam prenesti v svoje oblikovanje.
Študirali ste gemologijo na GIA, kar je zelo tehnično področje. Kako najdete ravnotežje med disciplino in ustvarjalnostjo?
Študij gemologije mi je dal močno tehnično osnovo, disciplino in natančnost ter razumevanje kamnov. Ustvarjalnost pa pride takrat, ko se od te strukture nekoliko oddaljim. Tehnični vidik vidim kot vodilo, ne kot omejitev. Daje mi samozavest, da si lahko v oblikovanju dovolim več svobode. Ravnotežje je v tem, da poznaš pravila, a si hkrati zaupaš in slediš intuiciji – tam nastajajo najbolj zanimivi kosi.
Kaj za vas pomeni biti sodobna ženska leta 2026?
Zame pomeni biti povezana sama s seboj – vedeti, kdo si, kaj ceniš, in ne čutiti potrebe, da se prilagajaš določenim vzorcem. Današnje ženske združujejo moč in nežnost, ambicioznost in čustvenost – prav ta kontrast jih dela močne. Gre tudi za svobodo – svobodo izbire svoje poti, sloga in glasu. Ta tiha samozavest pa je po mojem mnenju najbolj sodobna in najlepša lastnost.
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Katherine Paul, founder of Mera Jewelry, creates pieces that go beyond pure aesthetics. Her designs are infused with emotion, personal storytelling, and a deep connection to nature and her Colombian roots. Color, movement, and timeless elegance are at the heart of her work, reflected in each unique creation. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, the meaning behind gemstones, and her perspective on modern femininity and luxury today.
Katherine, your jewelry is full of emotion. When you create a new piece, do you start with a feeling, a story, or the stone itself?
I do find a lot of inspiration in the ocean and in sunsets and their colors, their movement, that kind of quiet elegance that feels timeless, just like jewelry. I also find inspirations in animals like horses or butterflies I love how they move how fast they are and how beautiful they look I usually try to transform that into a beautiful piece of jewelry. To me, jewelry has this power to transform, to make someone feel confident, almost enchanted. I love the contrast of gold with vibrant stones, and how that combination really comes alive on the skin.
What is the story behind the name Mera Jewelry – does it have a personal meaning?
Yes, it’s very personal “Mera” is inspired by emeralds, which have always been part of my story. I come from a place where some of the most beautiful emeralds in the world are found, so I grew up surrounded by their beauty and energy. Emeralds have long been associated with royalty especially queens like Cleopatra, who wore them as symbols of power, beauty, and presence, that connection always stayed with me. To me, “Mera” represents something deeply personal more than a jewel is a feeling of empowerment reason why wearing gemstones is more than an accessory its actually part of our story.
Your Colombian roots play an important role in your creative work. How do they shape your understanding of beauty today?
My Colombian roots shaped my understanding of beauty in a very natural and emotional way. Growing up around emeralds, I was surrounded by this kind of raw, effortless beauty that comes straight from the earth. I think it made me fall in love with color, with depth, with things that feel alive rather than perfect, that perspective still stays with me in everything I create today.
What image or character do you have in mind when you are creating a new collection?
Each of my collections reflects a different mood and style, so people can connect with what feels most like them. The Mera collection is centered around emeralds, it’s very close to my roots and admires the beauty and depth of that stone. The Luxe collection is more modern and elegant, with clean, refined designs.
I also have a Gold collection, focused on timeless pieces crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, and a Love collection, which is more sentimental featuring heart pendants and pieces designed to hold the image of someone you love. I like to think of my collections as different expressions of jewelry, they are created so each person can find something that truly goes with their character.
In the era of fast fashion, how do you define true luxury in jewelry?
In a world of fast fashion, true luxury in jewelry is about quality and fine materials. It’s not just about how a piece looks, but what it represents. When something is made to last, it stops being fast fashion and becomes something timeless, something you keep, wear for years, and eventually pass down through generations. To me, that’s what real luxury is: pieces that hold value, meaning, and a sense of permanence with real materials, real craftsmanship, and a deeper meaning behind it. It’s a piece you don’t just wear once, but one you keep, cherish, and you pass down your next generations.
What feeling do you want a woman to experience when she wears a piece of Mera Jewelry?
I want her to feel confident, feminine, and powerful in a very natural way. Not something loud, but something that comes from within. There’s also a sense of magic I hope she feels almost like the piece enhances who she already is. When she wears Mera, I want her to feel elegant, a little more radiant, and deeply connected to herself like she’s wearing something that truly belongs to her.
How has the jewelry market changed in recent years, what are women looking for today?
The jewelry market has changed a lot in recent years. It’s become less about following trends and more about personal expression. Women today are looking for pieces that feel meaningful, something that reflects who they are, not just something that looks beautiful. There’s a strong shift toward individuality, storytelling, and jewelry that feels personal and emotional. At the same time, there’s a growing awareness around quality and origin. Clients are paying more attention to materials, craftsmanship, and where pieces come from they want something real, something that lasts.
What inspires you outside of the world of jewelry?
I’m very inspired by animals, especially their movement. There’s something so natural and effortless in the way they move it’s not forced, it just flows. I feel that even more when I ride my white horse, Kady. There’s something really special about that connection the rhythm, the trust, the way everything feels It’s such a peaceful but powerful experience, and it inspires me in a very emotional way. That sense of fluidity, strength, and quiet elegance is something I always try to capture in my designs.
You studied gemology at GIA – a very precise and technical field. How do you find the balance between discipline and creativity?
Studying gemology at GIA gave me a very strong technical foundation, it taught me discipline, precision, and how to truly understand a stone. But for me, creativity comes in when I let go of that structure a little. I see the technical side as a guide, not a limitation. It gives me confidence in what I’m working with, so I can be more free in the design process. I think the balance comes from respecting both knowing the rules, but not being afraid to follow your instinct. That’s where the most interesting pieces happen.
What does it mean to you to be a modern woman in 2026?
To me, being a modern woman today is about being connected to yourself. It’s knowing who you are, what you value, and not feeling the need to fit into a specific mold. I think there’s a balance between strength and softness that defines women now. You can be ambitious, independent, and strong, while still being feminine and emotional that contrast is what makes it powerful. It’s also about freedom, the freedom to choose your path, your style, your voice. And I think that confidence, that quiet self-assurance, is the most modern and beautiful thing.
Model: Kathe Paul @kathe.twin Fotografije: Diego Farelo @diegofarelo Ličenje: JGlow @jglowdept Nakit: Mera Jewelry @merajewelry_ Pričeska: Jglow @jglowdept Produkcija: Olga Ivanova @olgaivvanovva Lokacija: Nellie Gail Ranch Retuša: Retoucher ES @retoucher_es
