I may have stumbled upon one of the most unique jewelry designers around.  The work of the team behind Catherinette Rings is visually compelling due to it's intricacy and unusual combination of components. 

Constructed with tiny cogs, screws, wire and earth toned cabachons, their designs have a distinctly industrial feel.  

The attention to detail is immaculate, and there must be some steady hands behind these designs to place each of the tiny elements so precisely!  I speak to the owner of one of those pairs of hands, Daniel, about his jewelry style.

Your use of wire and watch parts is ingenious.  How did you develop your style?
Originally when I started to make jewelry it was just for fun. I always tried to improvise something modern and more complicated every time. I had an image in my mind; I didn't know how I would make it, but I kept on trying until i was satisfied.  My designs had something very mechanical about them and one of my friends noticed that what I was doing could fit into the steampunk genre.

After researching about the steampunk style on the web I had an idea of exactly which materials would be a great match.  I bought a lot of material and started to experiment with new designs. The first ring I ever made in that style sold just a few hours after I listed it on Etsy.

Now with more experience and skills I develop specific models that I'm able to recreate with accuracy in different sizes. I always imagine my steampunk jewelry as being small inventions created in a mad scientist lab from ancient technology and with mysterious functionality.

Where do you find inspiration?
For me, the key to inspiration is to let my imagination flow. I can be inspired by every thing. Most of my recent inspiration comes from the basic ideas of symmetrical, balanced asymmetrical and fluid shapes. I have so many inspirations. I just need more time to realize all of them.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?
My favorite designs are often my newest. I spend a lot of time on making these 2 Epic steampunk bracelets which were some of the most complex to make. I wanted to make something from a legend that I could imagine a person of importance would wear in a fictional fantasy world. They are one of a kind. I don't know if they will be best sellers yet, but they are definitely greatconversation starters and eye catching pieces.

What keeps you motivated?
It is very encouraging to see the evolution from when I started up to now. I enjoy inventing new steampunk designs and seeing all the positive feedback I get from my customers.  I also enjoy being an independent artist and working from my studio everyday.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?
I recently discovered a jewelry artist called Eric Freitas who specialize in custom steampunk Clocks.
He creates marvelous aesthetic masterpieces.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?
Experimentation is fun and a great way to put my inspirations to work. Many of my pieces started as an improvised experiment .

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?
I would like to freeze time so that i can realize all my project !

You can find Catherinette Rings on Etsy or read their blog here.