In this episode of Pass The Torch: Legacies in Jewelry, I sit down with Katerina Perez—one of the most influential voices in the global jewelry industry.

Known for her sharp eye, fearless opinions, and deep love for craftsmanship, Katerina has built a platform that bridges heritage maisons and emerging designers alike. But behind the polished world of high jewelry is a story of risk, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

We talk about what it really takes to build a respected voice in an industry rooted in tradition, how storytelling shapes the value of jewelry, and why standing firm in your perspective matters.

This conversation is about more than jewelry. It’s about legacy, taste, courage, and the responsibility that comes with influence.

In this episode of Pass The Torch, Nadja moderates a Lincoln–Douglas style debate between two voices in the jewelry world, Jean Paul (JP) and Michael Robinson, centered on a timely question:Does the integration of AI in jewelry design undermine the integrity of creativity?Taking the affirmative position, JP argues that AI functions as a tool that expands creative possibilities, allowing designers to explore ideas faster while keeping vision, intention, and artistic judgment at the center of the process.Taking the opposing position, Michael defends traditional craftsmanship, emphasizing the importance of hand fabrication, learned technique, and the lineage of artisanal skill that has defined jewelry making for generations.Structured with opening statements, rebuttals, and a live crossfire discussion, the debate moves beyond theory into a passionate exchange about authorship, authenticity, and the future of the craft.As the conversation unfolds, both perspectives challenge each other—and the listener—to consider a larger question: As technology enters the studio, what truly defines creativity in jewelry design?
This Podcast is sponsored by Pepe Tools: https://pepetools.com/

What happened in Arizona? Not much after I got sick.

However, there is a lot to look forward to! These are some of the goodies I returned with as well as a personal update and a vision for the content to come.