About us
Cafe Gitane, our story
Cafe Gitane was founded by Catherine D., inspired by architecture, art, photography and advertising. Catherine started her first jewellery collection with one hallmark: designing tailor-made, one-of-a-kind pieces for casual and special moments alike.
Cafe Gitane is proud to count amongst its first clients outstanding women such as Bloomberg journalists, Japanese TV hosts and Miss Universe Japan. Each piece is carefully handmade in Paris and London, and Catherine continues to experiment with different materials, stones and designs.
Her collection draws inspiration from her personal and professional journey. Catherine was born in Japan and grew up in Paris, where she studied architecture at ENSAPB in the artsy Parisian neighbourhood, before graduating in jewellery design at the Lasalle College of Arts. Prior to establishing her London jewellery studio, she spent a decade as an event managing director in Hong Kong and Paris.
Our secrets
Materials, meticulously chosen
9-carat gold
In response to recurring demands, Cafe Gitane offers a range of 9K gold jewellery. The beauty of 9K is that it takes longer to wear out due to its greater hardness, so your jewellery can be passed from one generation to the next.
18-carat gold plated
Our jewellery is immersed several times in an 18-carat gold bath. Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is bonded onto brass, first developed by Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli in 1805.
Vermeil
Vermeil (or silver-gilt) is sterling silver covered three times in an 18-carat gold bath, 1.5 microns thick. It can be polished for a glossy look or left to tarnish for a hint of vintage style.
Care instructions
We don't want your special moment to fade
Chemicals
Avoid any contact with perfumes or other chemicals.
Humidity
Remove your jewellery before sleeping, swimming or visiting the spa.
Sunlight
Prolonged direct sunlight can affect colour and finish over time.