Ever find yourself wishing you had a great necklace to complement your favorite new dress? How about the perfect gift for your daughter’s sweet sixteen- one that can’t already be seen adorning the wrists of friends and neighbors?

Enter Designs by Erika, where clients watch and participate as custom jeweler and certified gemologist Erika Katsof designs that one-of-a-kind piece you just can’t live without.

At Designs by Erika, Montreal’s newest trend in jewelry buying, the luxuries of choice and interactivity are part and parcel.

“It’s different in that I work directly with the client,” says Katsof of her unique way of doing business. “I’ll go to them where and when it’s convenient. I’ve even met a client at 10p.m.”

Designs by Erika has no catalogue. Rather, all of the pieces are made to meet the client’s specifications, with Katsof’s help.

“People tend to come to me for more out of the ordinary requests,” says the 25-year-old graduate of the renowned Gemological Institute of America in California. And she doesn’t shy away from clients looking for something unusual. “I simply guide and direct the client to be sure of what they want.”

It was in California that Katsof learned to use Computer Aided Design to create 3D images of a proposed piece. The client can view the piece online or via email and send suggestions or questions about other styles. When the client is happy, she has a jewelry manufacturer create the piece.

By using CAD, Katsof can create the same piece in different metals, with different stones of any shape, size and colour until the client is satisfied with the final product. The software is a growing trend and according to Katsof, it’s quite unique in Montreal, with about a mere 20 jewelers designing with it.

Katsof also offers a personal shopping service. She often stakes out Montreal’s downtown jewelry district, looking for the perfect design.

Necklaces, bracelets and cufflinks are all on the menu, as are the regulars like engagement rings and wedding bands. Clientele is varied, from would-be fiancés to couples celebrating 25th wedding anniversaries, and those simply wanting to do something special for themselves.

When clients meet the jewelry designer Erika Katsof, founding owner of Designs by Erika, they receive her full attention and honds-on expertise without having onlookers buzzing around counters. Katsof then takes charge of the process from design and implementation to gift wrap and delivery.

Katsof designs custom-made jewelry for all occasions and resets and remounts heirloom or family pieces people want remodeled or updated. She also does reproductions. Her clients are men and women of all ages who want high-end jewelry and mezuzot for special occasions at competitive prices.

“I can design something stunning to suit the client’s particular tastes and budget,” says Katsof, a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

A certified gemologist, she received comprehensive training at GIA’s main campus in Carlsbad, Calif., and in New York City. She took courses, applied the theory in lab work and fulfilled challenging commissions on location in Carlsbad as well as on Diamond Lane in New York. She returned to Montreal in March 2004 and worked for seven months at a jewelry manufacturer before branching off on her own. She also keeps au courant by attending trade shows, taking workshops and reading journals.

Katsof has studied every aspect of jewelry manufacturing and spent many hours working at the bench. As part of the process, she learnt about wax carving and was graded on her creations that included rings, bracelet links, earrings, pendants and clasps.

“We learned to keep up at a certain speed. This is important once in the profession because a designer has to respect deadlines.”

But she doesn’t hurry when working with her clients. “unlike jewellers who tell clients that it’s not worth their time, I take the time. I’ll work with clients to get what they want. I insist on giving high quality products and I want my clients to walk away with confidence. I grew up surrounded by fine family ethics and I believe in being honest with clients. I’ll educate them in the four C’s of diamond care (carat, clarity, colour, cut) and I’ll stand by my product.”

Certified in working with metals and gems, Katsof specializes in designing original jewelry, creating necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, and other items with gemstones and beads.

When a couple becomes engaged, it is customary to present the bride with a ring. While this may be the initial piece of jewelry, there are many more to come. The groom’s family often gives the bride earrings and/or a neckpiece or bracelet. Furthermore, the bride and groom will select their wedding bands. The bride and groom invariably show their appreciation with gifts for the bridal attendants. Whether it’s the best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids or groomsmen, these individuals cherish unique mementoes of the occasion.

Katsof’s eyes sparkle as she offers suggestions for all of these wedding party needs: cufflinks, tie tacks, brooches, button covers, bracelets, earrings, neckpieces. Prices vary depending on the intricacy of the design and types of metals or gems used in the piece. For example, if a client prefers platinum, it costs more than gold. Designs by Erika specializes in high-end stones or metals.

The 25-year-old jewelry maven became enamored with beads in her early teens. She landed a part-time job in a bead store and her passion for the profession intensified over the years.

“My employer introduced me to a metalsmith. I took private lessons and began working on different pieces, for example, a breast plate for a synagogue.”

In addition to the creativity, Katsof enjoys interacting with the customers. “It’s gratifying to see them walk out elated,” she says. “Since I specialize in made-to-order designs, my work is never boring.”

Katsof recently pleased a social worker by designing a two-sided ring. “My client want her ring to be dressy for evening wear, yet low-key for her daytime duties.”

In another instance, a woman celebrating her 25th anniversary wanted Katsof to update her diamond ring. Designs by Erika replaced the classic ballerina style with an elegant new look.

“Today, it’s not uncommon for couples celebrating their 10th anniversary to redo their rings. Sometimes, the brides want more stones or different settings.”

Katsof also responded to a former employer’s request to look after one of his clients in New York. The customer wanted a pearl and diamond necklace that could be worn during the day for a meeting as well as for evening wear.

Last April, Katsof took pride in outfitting an entire bridal party. Besides designing the couple’s wedding bands, she also provided matching pearl necklaces and earrings for the bride, crystal earrings to complement an existing necklace for the mother of the bride, sterling silver necklaces for the bridesmaids and a pendant on a chain for the maid of honour.

After her private personal consultations, Katsof often communicates through e-mail. “After we come up with a design, I’ll e-mail it for review, quotes and permission to proceed.”

A perfectionist, Katsof ensures the work is executed according to specification and everything links, looks fits, sparkles and clasps perfectly.

In addition to providing jewelry for various occasions, Katsof contributes her talents to the community. She designed pins for Jewish Employment Montreal as part of a FEDERATION CJA project. “They were selling pins to raise money for the employment program,” she says.

She also fashioned pieces for cancer research fundraisers. Her sterling silver and silver-plus gemstone mezuzot grace the doors of synagogues, organizations, and private homes.

For more information, potential clients can phone 514-484-7452 to arrange prive consultations or consult Katsof’s website, www.designsbyerika.com.

There’s a lot more to learn about jewels than just the 4 Cs. For example, did you know that some gems are too soft for certain settings? Neither did we.

With an investment this size, ignorance is definitely not bliss.

If you have any questions about buying jewelry, or you’re interested in having a little somethin’ somethin’ custom made, Erika Katsof of Designs by Erika is your go-to-expert.

A former Bead Emporium employee turned certified gemologist, Erika’s design and consultation business uses state of the art technology (the same kind of program that engineers use to build airplanes) that allows clients to see 3D computer images of their customized piece before it’s made.

She can design something totally original for your wedding or special occasion, re-do your old engagement ring, or make a copy of the picture you ripped out of a Modern Bride magazine. Either way, she works closely with clients to understand their needs to create the perfect piece. Prices range from a few hundred up to whatever a client wants to spend.

If you just want to learn about certain stones or settings, or have any questions at all about the wide world of gemology, Erika also offers consultations starting at $75.

Consultation… now that’s a great way to lead into “Guess what ring you’re buying me…”

Designs by Erika
Erika Katsof