From ear pins to edgy engagement rings and back again, KATKIM does it all. The Los Angeles-based fine jewelry designer doesn’t recreate trends; she sets them. Her statement pieces have a cult-like celebrity following, and her engagement rings break with convention. Her designs bring clean curves and linear pave detailing to pieces suited for everyday wear—and the more exceptional moments of our lives. So, as we kick off bridal market season, we’re tapping her for her insights on the diamonds that will define the future.
According to founder Katherine Kim, this year’s engagement ring trend forecast includes platinum settings and fancy cuts. Some consumers are forgoing the engagement ring altogether, opting for unique wedding bands like KATKIM’s Diamond Oasis band that features subtle but exquisite stones on the sides rather than the top. Above all, Kim notes that fine jewelry is inherently personal and attests that “the real magic lies in capturing the spirit of the couple and reflecting their unique story.”
Katherine Kim, Founder of KatKim
Courtesy of KATKIM
Courtesy of KATKIM
Coveteur: All of your designs are exceptional—do you have a favorite?
Katherine Kim: “Thank you for your kind words. Picking a favorite is never easy, as each piece carries its own distinct story and significance. However, if I had to choose, I would say that the Ear Pins hold a very special place in my heart. They are one of our signature pieces; seeing them coveted by celebrities on and off the red carpet has been so amazing. I’m incredibly proud of them and how they’ve been received.”
Is there a stone or setting of the moment?
KK: “There have been a lot of recent requests for elongated shaped diamonds like ovals, cushions, and emerald cuts. It seems like a majority of our clients are into these nontraditional shapes compared to the usual round diamonds. Plus, they look beautiful on the finger.”
Is there a classic engagement ring setting that would really stand the test of time? Or are the trends and styles always evolving?
KK: “Classic engagement ring styles may eventually lose their appeal as time goes on, leading some to consider resetting them. We frequently have clients bringing in engagement rings they've had for seven to 30 years to be transformed into something new. I think the ring you pick says a lot about who you were at that moment, and although your preferences may have evolved, there's something special about preserving that reminder of your past self. And the best part is that you will always have the ability to reset your ring, so you're not limited to it.”
What do you think the next big trend or iconic ‘look’ will be?
KK: “White gold/platinum is having a moment, and I think it will continue to gain momentum.”
Most are looking for a ring that feels personal in some way. In your opinion, what makes an engagement ring truly unique?
KK: “Making every detail intentional and purposeful. Whether it's incorporating heirloom diamonds that have been passed down or adding a personalized engraving, I think the real magic lies in capturing the spirit of the couple and reflecting their unique story.”
Courtesy of KATKIM
Courtesy of KATKIM
Do you think it’s important to plan ahead for a wedding band stack or pairing? Or should your engagement ring stand apart and not necessarily influence the other?
KK: “I don’t think there's a right or wrong way when it comes to planning for a wedding band stack or pairing. Planning ahead can be an opportunity to create a cohesive and meaningful set by considering metal type, design elements, and overall aesthetic. On the other hand, I think there's something inherently special about allowing each ring to stand alone and represent different chapters of their story.”
I love how the Diamond Oasis ring features details that are mostly visible to the wearer. The piece brings an element of intimacy and beauty to the daily wear of the beholder, unlike most wedding bands or engagement rings on the market. Tell me more about that piece and what inspired you to create it.
KK: “Since I don’t wear my engagement ring every day, I wanted to create something versatile that can serve as both an engagement ring and a wedding band. Interestingly, many of our clients have been choosing to forgo an engagement ring altogether and opt for a distinctive wedding band instead. Designing this piece posed some challenges, but without them, it wouldn’t feel special, right?
I envisioned hidden diamond halos on both sides, requiring a much wider band width which was not ideal for everyday wear. However, after multiple prototypes, we finally achieved the perfect balance by tapering the diamond sizes, resulting in our beautiful Diamond Oasis Ring.”
You’ve been making waves in bridal jewelry for over a decade. Do you have a career highlight or pivotal moment that stands out to you?
KK: “For me, the highlights of my career are the countless interactions I've had with all of our amazing clients and the opportunity to play a small role in their stories. Each of these experiences has not only validated what I do but has fueled me to be where I am today. The heartfelt stories, meaningful relationships, and the trust given to me define the essence of my career.”
What’s next for KATKIM?
KK: “I am excited to share that our new flagship store in Manhattan Beach is officially open! It has been an inspiring chapter for us, and my incredible team's passion and hard work brought our vision to life with this opening. We are more inspired than ever and want to focus more on offering a truly memorable experience for our clients, collaborating closely with each of them to create their forever pieces. We have many exciting new collections debuting and are thrilled to showcase them in our new space.”
KATKIM Showroom
Courtesy of KATKIM
KATKIM Showroom
Courtesy of KATKIM
