CatLevy Diamond Co. is a multinational jeweler based in Los Angeles, California. Established in the summer of 2010 by fashion accessories entrepreneur Catherine Levy, the combination of the founders’ beauty, disarming charm, astute business acumen and keen knowledge of current fashion trends proved pivotal to the early success of the brand.
In 2017, Cathy merged her thriving venture with that of her husband, renowned wholesale jeweler manufacturer and exporter, and proprietor of Legend Diamonds, Moshe Levy. The strategic union of both lauded enterprises created what Catlevy Diamond Co. is today- a vertically integrated company with over a quarter century experience between the co-founders, and operations that encompass the design, manufacture, and retail distribution of timeless and bespoke jewelry pieces to a fast-growing international clientele.
CatLevy Diamond Co. prides itself on highly personalized, unsurpassed customer care, a tenet carved on the hearts of the company’s co-founders. Cathy and Moshe offer every client the same level of care, compassion, knowledgeable and honest guidance- regardless of whether the object of interest is a jeweled charm priced at a few hundred, or an elaborate set of diamonds and sapphires valued at a few hundred thousand dollars. This stellar, impenetrable company polict, coupled with the quality of the jewelry and discerning craftsmanship, is what the founding duo attribute for the company’s exponential growth and popularity.
Tell us a little about your company Catlevy Diamond Company.
Catlevy Diamond Company in nearly a decade old- founded in 2010 and based in the downtown Los Angeles area. We have a growing client base from different countries across the world, and we have forged many wonderful relationships with our domestic clients on the west and east coast. My husband, Moshe Levy, is the proprietor of Legend Diamonds, and comes from a family of jewelers. He has been in the diamond wholesale business for over two decades, and he grew up in the industry from childhood. Because of his background and partnership with my business, Catlevy Diamond Co. is a vertically-integrated company, and there is a very symbiotic dance between Legend Diamonds and Catlevy Diamond Company. The combination of the jewelry businesses is a representation of our actual marriage and union- very complimentary and supportive of one another in all areas and departments.
As for what we have to offer in terms of our jewelry pieces and service- our in-house and bespoke pieces are created by artisans here in the Los Angeles area. These are men and women whom we have worked with for many years, and they are the best at creating what either I, or my clients see in our minds’ eye.
The experience we offer is truly unlike any other in town. It’s extremely personal and enjoyable. Our clients come in and sit with us to discuss what they would like to have made. Or perhaps to update an existing piece with a larger stone, or maybe add peripheral stones to a solitaire. We also have many male clients who design bracelets and rings for themselves or choose from our selection. All this over wine, champagne, coffee and great conversation. We treat our clients like family, and I would like to mention that almost all of our new clientele are referrals from our existing clients. In this business, especially in this town, that says a lot. I believe it’s a testament to the quality of merchandise and the customer care we offer.
How did you get in the industry?
Around a decade ago, I realized that I had a rather sizable collection of designer items- bags and other popular accessories. Being an entrepreneur at heart, I opted to sell some of the items I had. A lot of them were barely used, and some of my first buyers were actually close friends. This was around the time that online selling of items for things like what I had to offer was reaching new popularity. It was a very successful endeavor.
The next chapter to this was a natural assimilation into the jewelry business, which my husband, and his family beforehand, have been a formidable part of for over two decades. Through the clients I generated with my bags and accessories business, I offered a line of jewelry, plus the trust of offering the beautiful diamonds from my husband’s wholesale line, and the local, LA-based artisans who put it all together, it was truly a winning combination.
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
I am a people-pleaser across the board, in all areas of my life. This is a wonderful trait, of course! I want everyone to be happy and completely satisfied. This can be a little challenging, as you can imagine- going over and beyond. But at the end of the day, this is also the reason why we are rated so highly for our customer service. It truly is non-stop until our clients are beyond satisfied. This is now and has always been our tenet that we live by. And I believe this is part of the secret to our success!
How do you bring new products into your collection? When it comes to jewelry design, what is the secret talent?
I would like to think that I have my fingers on the pulse of what women want in terms of fine jewelry and accessories. I keep my eyes and ears open, and I am hyper aware of what I myself gravitate towards and find beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. I would like to offer what I myself would not mind wearing and showcasing on myself. With all these points rolled into one, designs come about and a new popular item is created for our clients.
Is there an era that influences your work?
I show fidelity to classic designs that are timeless and aesthetically beautiful. These designs have been around for several generations; dating back centuries. There is a reason why they keep coming back. They are not overbearing; they are elegant and new at the same time, and can be mixed and matched with different outfits for different events.
Do you have a muse or type of woman that you design for?
I think this is like asking to differentiate all the stars and galaxies in the sky, and which one is best. You simply cannot. I design for every woman who has an inherent knowing of what she wants, and what she chooses to express in her clothing and accessories. My clients come from all walks of life, differing socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, etc. I would never only have ‘one’ type of woman whom I design for; this is a heterogenous community and society we live in, after all. I also find beauty in every woman. My line simply accessorizes the beauty they already have. Every woman, every experience they have in life, everything that exemplifies their character and strength, and their ability to overcome. I do not have ONE woman. But the essence of a woman is my muse.
What is your favorite accessories trend of the moment?
I love stacking different bands- rings, bangles, necklaces. It’s an amazing look! And it is such a profound way to showcase your individuality. Each piece can mean something to you; and that meaning can present a story that you can share with others. Additionally, it’s a wonderful way to slowly build your collection with different styles that you can wear together or alone.
Are there busy and quiet periods during the year?
Every single period is busy! And that’s just how we like it. I’m actually doing ten other things while writing this! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Name some of famous models or celebrity clients that use your collections?
We have something for everyone, of course! We don’t play favorites. In fact, all our customers and clients are treated like they are celebrities! Whether they are famous or not, we give everyone the same velvet-glove treatment. And when we see our items on anyone, it makes everyone at my company very happy. It makes the long hours and dedication so worthwhile.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I really never thought about it, and to be honest, I cannot think of anyone. I will add though that often, we want to meet the people whose traits and qualities we admire and wish to emulate within our own daily life. I guess through that lens I have many whom I admire and whose visions I recognize to be beneficial in my own life, and with my own contribution to society. But there is not one singular person.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
I would have to say my husband, Moshe. The very term ‘impact’ signifies something breaking through. And he certainly has done that. There is a ‘before’ and ‘after’ with something impactful. And I certainly remain grateful every day for the aftermath of meeting him. My life has never been the same. It has been a journey of growth, love, experience, and pushing to the limits in the most positive, joyous way. Not only together as a couple, but with myself. He impacted me in ways that allowed me to look in the mirror and love the reflection looking back at me; to embrace the woman I have grown into since meeting him. He truly has been the wind beneath my wings. So not only did he impact my life, he helped me spread my wings and fly higher than I ever thought possible.
Name one your strengths?
My work ethic, hands-down. I can go nonstop until the job is done, and everyone is happy. Seven days a week, all hours of the day. This is the cornerstone to my character and to the success of my business.
Where [can] our readers can see more of the collections?
They can view our collections online at catlevydiamond.com. The website has links to our Social Media- Instagram in particular, that is updated daily with new posts and fun live stories. The best way of course is to gather a few friends and come visit our showroom in downtown LA. We are By-Appointment-Only, and it’s a lot of fun to come in and share a fun afternoon with friends over beautiful jewelry and wine.
