Although educated in gemology and manufacturing Christopher has always been a designer at heart. After studying with Robert Ahrens, the former head designer for the famed French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, he began traveling and designing across Europe before settling on a studio in Nice, France. His design style is characterized by clean, flowing lines and by a personal interpretation of classic motifs. Christopher is a nationally reconized designer winning the prestigious Jewelers of America “People’s Choice” design award.
Coeur de Paris© engagement ring
Designing in Europe has a profound influence on my style. The art, architecture and culture is continually expanding and drawing my work in unforeseen directions. The diversity of people, how they love and express themselves throughout the centuries, creates a facinating tapestry of inspiration from which to draw.
.
When I am designing for a client, I focus on conveying his or her unique design style. I want capture their personality and story in the design… I love this collaboration! It has produced some of my finest work.
Naturally, one person can’t do it all. I rely on my Design Team immensely. They are a talented group of artists, gemologists and design consultants united in their passion to help clients create and experience the art of fine jewelry design.
Traveling and exploring the great cities of the world has a profound influence on my design style. Experiencing the art, architecture, and culture of these unique places continues to shape and influence how I express myself artistically.
But mostly I find the inspiration for a piece in the people I’m designing it for. Their personal stories, their unique design profiles … these influences are filtered through what I have learned designing around the world and have a fundamental impact on the look of any given project.
A Team Effort
Taking a Christian Caine project from conception to completion is a team effort. Whether it’s the latest travel-inspired design or a collaboration with a client, many people each have a part to play in it’s creation. What I do wouldn’t be possible without my team.
Kim has a passion for art and fashion. She has a classic design style and a love of vintage motifs which are evident in her creation of Vintage Lace©. “Collaborating with clients and helping them discover their personal design styles is very rewarding to me … I treasure the relationships I’ve made over the years.” Mary has always loved jewelry. She has over twenty-five years of experience in all facets of the business from gemology to restoration to custom design. “I find jewelry intriguing … the detail and intricacy combined with the history and art fascinates me. I really enjoy sharing this with all of the special people I have come to know.” Nina has been with Christian Caine for over eighteen years and is well versed in all aspects of the jewelry business. In addition to her role as a Design Consultant, Nina serves as our community relations liaison, managing our charitable endeavors. “I love representing Christian Caine at benefits and philanthropic events in our community.” Peggy has an eye for detail. With over thirteen years of experience, she is committed to ensuring that every client’s experience is memorable. “I love connecting with people and hearing their stories … very special.” Kim is passionate about helping people with their special design projects. “The love that is being expressed in this creative process is a truly wonderful thing. Seeing the smiles and sheer joy on their faces ... it is so rewarding to me.” Ashlee enjoys design and sharing the art of fine jewelry design. “I love working with clients and helping them through the design process. Their stories and the reasons why they are creating special pieces are always interesting and heartfelt.” Brooklyn loves the creativity of jewelry design and being a part of very special moments in people’s lives. “I am genuinely moved by how special jewelry can be to someone … it captures memories that they can carry forever.” Mark is a very talented goldsmith and enjoys creating custom and original works. A graduate of the New Approach School, he has over fourteen years of experience with precious metals. “I love being a part of creating a special piece for someone.” Chris loves creating jewelry with technology. “The preciseness we can achieve using state-of-the-art technology married to old-world craftsmanship are a collaboration I find fascinating.”
Kim Miles—Designer & CAD Modeler
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Mary Lowe—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA, Diamond Grading GIA
Nina Arnett—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Peggy Noll—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Kim Lanham—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Ashlee Hennelly—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Brooklyn Crouse—Design Consultant
Applied Jewelry Professional GIA
Mark Ways—Jeweler
Chris Rankin—CAD/CAM Technician
Award-Winning Results
This designer-led, team-oriented approach paid off in the form of a recent award for the design of Milano©. With details inspired by the Duomo of Milan, Italy’s largest church, Christopher and his staff created this unique, beautiful pendant.
Design Notes
Here are the three most recent blog entries from travels. To see older articles, click here. >
More Thoughts on Travel
Finding inspiration is rarely a problem for me. It’s in everything. The cathedrals of Tuscany, the canals in Venice, the Côte d’Azur, the fountains of Paris … it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the shapes and forms and the ideas they create. My struggle comes when I must choose what to put in and what to leave out of a design. As I have grown, I have learned what’s not there can often say more than what is.
I went to Europe with the idea that changing my surroundings would change my approach to jewelry design. I discovered it was the changes those journeys made in me that made the difference. Originally, I traveled to be inspired as a designer. Today, I travel to be inspired as a person.
Here are a few photos of some of my favorite destinations from the past twenty years.
