You can therefore imagine my excitement when an invitation arrived inviting me to the premier of the short film, Made By Hand, Shaped By History, a movie that takes us behind the scenes and opens our eyes to the true meaning of “made by hand”.

Despite all I had read about Harry Kotlar, nothing could prepare me for the film. Understanding how each piece is handmade, from design to finish, opened my eyes to the incredible artisan craftsmanship that lies behind every Harry Kotlar piece. The finest artisans, Italian artisans for whom the art of jewelry craftsmanship runs in their veins, are an integral part of the Harry Kotlar team. The artisans, the best at their craft, carefully and painstakingly complete every part of the process – by hand.

The film can be viewed here “Made By Hand, Shaped By History”  . Press the link and enjoy!

Harry Kotlar, a Polish immigrant who began his legacy by selling loose stones in Los Angeles, has a presence that is felt in every frame of the movie. His legacy is clearly alive and well, and thriving under the direction of his grandson, a third generation Kotlar jeweler, David Weiner.  “I think the world has become too mechanized,” says Czarah Cabrera, brand director for Harry Kotlar and the films creative director. “People have forgotten to stop, breathe and take in life’s essential experiences. This film reveals the four pillars that our founder instilled in us, namely love, passion, tenacity, and hard work.”

Chatting to the films Cinematographer, Austrian Tobias Deml,  it was particularly interesting for me to discover that one of his greatest challenges in making the film was getting the light right. As he explained, it had to be sufficiently well lit to show case the diamond correctly but no so bright that you could see every detail of the hand holding the stone, a challenge I can really relate to!

The evening was one of the most memorable and enjoyable I have had in a long time, it even included a surprise proposal! Kotlar had arranged for one of their designers to be at the event, and he was available to hand sketch designs upon request.  After having a ring sketched for them, Skyler Wilson, dropped to one knee and proposed to girlfriend, Alex Smith. Skyler showed me the signed sketch by Kotlar’s master designer, and told me they would be framing it and keeping it for life!

So far so good, but I can’t post this article without mentioning the incredible Kotlar pieces that were on display. Several historic pieces were beautifully displayed, along with the background to the piece (who wore it, where and when it was worn) as well as new pieces that are available for purchase. It’s impossible not to stare at these incredible creations, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be a ring with a Kotlar Cushion. This patented cut has a unique 61 facet arrangement, and is cut to maximize the stones fire and brilliance, earning it the title “the most brilliant cushion-cut diamond.”

Martin Katz

• Martin, tell us how does your wife’s style inspire you to create everlasting pieces of jewelry?

My wife, Kelly, has always been my muse. I often look to her to offer her perspective on my designs, as she herself has the same discerning taste as most of the Martin Katz clientele. Her style is tasteful and definitive. I really value her input when I am designing as she gives me great feedback on what women like and want to wear.

• What was the inspiration behind creating microbands and redefining such delicate micro-pave artistry in your pieces?

I remember seeing an antique flower/rose pin which was probably created in the 18^th Century and I recall admiring the extremely small diamond pave work done on it. I was fascinated by how smooth it was- it was the best work I had seen up to that point.  That piece stuck with me, and I decided to try my hand at that exceptionally small diamond pave work, with the hopes that I could do it even better, and perfect it even more.  I started with a simple eternity band ring (what has become my famed micro diamond band ring). I wanted to make it with the least amount of metal as possible so it felt completely flat and you could barely make out where the metal prongs were. My production team thought I was crazy- each time telling them to take away even more metal and to make the prongs even thinner yet. It was a lot of back and forth.  Them saying, “We can’t take away any more metal, the diamonds will fall out!”, and me sending it back saying, “Let them fall out then…just try!”.  Eventually we got there, and I pride myself on the fact that Martin Katz micro pave is like no other micro pave setting– and to this day my microband is the most imitated and copied item I have ever created.

•  In an instantly evolving bridal world, how would you describe your bridal collection? Classic, modern or best of the both worlds?

I am always focused on creating designs that combine classic engagement ring details with contemporary design elements to make them unique.  I get inspired by ways to make my designs special and perhaps with a dash of deco design elements to them.  For example, many of my settings include micro diamonds that are hidden underneath the setting. I like to do this as an added detail that acts as a fun secret that only the wearer knows about. In some, I employ the use of carre cut diamonds or old French cut diamonds as accents on the bands ushering in the influence of old world jewelry in a contemporary setting.

•   What is your favorite diamond shape for engagement rings?

It’s hard to pick one favorite, so I’ll choose three. Asscher, cushion and oval cuts top my list.

• Would you recommend gemstones for engagement rings?

I think colored gemstones are great options for the less traditional bride.  I have been seeing more of that lately, women opting for sapphires and emeralds.  It really all depends on the bride’s personality and what she wants but I prefer a classic diamond for the engagement ring.

• What is your favourite stone to work?

Colored gemstones are the most fun to work with because of the colorful variations and different shapes I like to employ in my designs. Currently, Paraiba Tourmaline tops my list, as well as Australian Black Opals—of course I always love a great emerald and sapphire to work with too.

• Tell us about the most unforgettable piece you have sold!

It is difficult for me to choose my favorite child. One of them most certainly is my berry pin. I made 4 of them in the limited series. Ultimately, they found their way into the collections of two US Ambassador’s wives and the others went to prominent San Francisco and Florida families.  Unforgettable are also the very important Blue and Pink diamonds I have sold over the years, many of which were sold well into the high 7 figures.