Caroline C
Transcending art

December 2013


By Diana S. Zimmerman

Great art elicits an invisible world—a world that transcends mere beauty.

Caroline C Transcending art

Is it possible for a piece of jewelry to transcend art? One glimpse at Caroline Chartouni’s exquisite designs and you’ll know it is.

This award-winning designer, whose background embraces art forms as diverse as fashion, interior design, and painting, doesn’t just create spectacular jewelry. Her highly original pieces create emotional focal points that are not just loved, but cherished by those who are fortunate enough to own them—and desired by those who admire from afar.

AGTA Spectrum Gem Diva Award 2013.
AGTA Spectrum Gem Diva Award 2013.

“Every piece I create must pass a ‘love test,’” she explains, “or I won’t let it go.” It’s not enough for Caroline that the fortunate new owner merely “likes” her meticulously crafted jewel. He or she must feel an emotional attachment to it.

Before she begins a design, Caroline spends time with her clients, not only discussing what they like, but learning about them as individuals—their lifestyles, their tastes, their personalities, and why they want the piece.

Is it to say “I love you,” or to enhance their individual style, or dazzle on an evening out? “Only then can I start to design,” she says.

Caroline C Transcending art

Passionate about every single detail, Caroline personally oversees the production of each of her pieces, which are made in New York, and only uses 18K Fair-Trade gold for the settings. She frequently travels the world searching for the perfect gems for her clients. “Finding matched 10 or 15-carat stones isn’t always easy,” she admits, having gone half way around the globe on numerous occasions to locate them. Among the many precious stones she seeks are the highest quality tourmalines, including Paraiba and rubellite, tanzanites, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and others. And, with many of her remarkable pieces, the stones often dictate the setting. “The design must enhance, not upstage their unique qualities,” she adds.

Caroline C Transcending art

Indeed, the fascination of her designs lies in the subtlety of their beauty.

“A strong design should never scream, ‘Look at me,’” insists this uniquely individual designer. “It should beckon you to explore every nuance. And as you do, to feel a sense of magic and joy that captures the moment.”

Having grown up and studied in Paris, she credits the abundant art and beauty of the city for influencing her passion for design. “As a child,” she explains, “my mother gave me the creative freedom and support to view the world and nature through an open window, without limitations. I’ve been an artist and designer all my life.”

And this creative freedom led to two AGTA Spectrum Awards: in 2013 for a pair of delicately facetted rose quartz, pink gold, and diamond earrings; and in 2014 for an elegant pair of earrings crafted of diamonds, emeralds, tanzanites, and Paraiba tourmalines.

Caroline began by designing clothing, and then creating the jewelry to go with her stylish fashions. People would inquire where she bought the piece she was wearing—a piece that she designed.

AGTA Spectrum Award 2014.
AGTA Spectrum Award 2014.

“They’d ask if they could buy it,” she reminisces. “And that’s how I got into the jewelry business. Today, each time I create a new piece for a client, I feel the same way I did when designing for myself. I feel the joy of having created something beautiful, and that it will make someone happy.”

Caroline C Transcending art

Making others happy is probably an understatement for Caroline’s loyal clientele—many of whom return time after time for another chance to fall in love with their next Caroline C piece of jewelry—jewelry that indeed transcends art.

www.ccmdesign.com