Jewelry designer Catherine Sarr tells intentional stories through her pieces – Essence

Catherine Sarr began her profession in marketing, a chapter that saw the Chicago native spend greater than a decade working in communications roles within the diamond industry for esteemed firms including De Beers Group. That path and a series of experiences gave her the boldness to launch the black-owned jewelry brand ALMASIKA a decade ago. She explains that the industry and her unusual path to launching an accessories brand took her from Paris to London to pursue her passion.

Sarr combined the Swahili word “Almasi,” meaning diamond, and “Sika,” meaning gold in several other languages. Her debut collection, titled “Le Cauri Endiamanté,” was a tribute to the cauri shell, which she reimagined in gold and diamonds. The now-defunct Parisian concept store Colette was the primary retailer to amass the brand, a remarkable milestone for a launch. According to Sarr, ALMASIKA’s organic growth lies in an ethos that’s deeply rooted in creating jewelry that celebrates universal symbols.

As a designer, she is fascinated by the human experience and different cultures we’re born into. The self-taught designer bridges cultures through her sculptural works to make sure they resonate on a private level, no matter someone’s cultural or ethnic background.

“I design for people who are naturally passionate about the world around them. They are independent thinkers, curious, cultured and dynamic,” she explained. “My work appeals to those who are looking for work that is not only beautiful, but also meaningful and that resonates with their own stories and experiences,” Sarr added. Her goal is to construct a community of supporters who value the richness of shared human experiences that deepen this concept.

Her craftsmanship comes alive through universal symbols and cultural stories. She often draws from her own experiences living on three continents and in 4 countries, as she is at all times searching for connections between different countries. Other constant muses come from books, art and private research. For example, ALMASIKI’s “Harmony Collection” is inspired by the abstract concept of sound. The pieces embody sound waves in abstract shapes and the shape of the ebb and flow. Sound manifests in form through these pieces crafted from 18-karat gold and marquise diamonds.

Sarr’s favorite pieces thus far have come from her debut collection, “Le Cauri Endiamanté,” since it holds a special place in her heart. It’s the gathering that began every part on her decade-long journey. The “Harmony” collection is available in an in depth second due to its abstract nature and approach to design, in addition to the way in which it connects human experiences.

As her brand grows, she’s enthusiastic about collaborating with other creatives. From partnerships with Paris Basketball, De Beers Group, and Sotheby’s, she’s intrigued by the opportunities—each has allowed her to precise herself in a singular way. She’s been capable of add one other layer of achievement to her work by having her jewelry be a part of the costume design for series like , , and . “These moments remind me of the impact that thoughtful design can have on both the lives of individuals and the larger cultural landscape,” she enthused.

As for the longer term, her dream is for ALMASIKA to proceed to grow and grow to be a worldwide symbol of cultural connection through jewelry. The designer also hopes to be recognized for her commitment to creating pieces that transcend time and place, while resonating with people across cultures and generations. “Ultimately, I hope ALMASIKA inspires others to see the beauty in our shared human experiences and to celebrate the bonds that unite us all,” Sarr added.

The brand is accessible on almasika.com in addition to Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi and Bergdorf Goodman.