ZADEH: THE WOMAN BEHIND A STRIKING MEN’S JEWELRY COLLECTION
Catherine Zadeh, the visionary founder behind ZADEH jewelry, foresaw today’s lucrative men’s jewelry market early on. As the brand’s founder and designer, she was ahead of her time, setting out to design jewelry for “men who don’t wear jewelry.”
Today, ZADEH is a luxury jewelry brand based in NYC, specializing in artisanal, gender-neutral designs. Twenty-five years ago, unable to find jewelry that fit her taste, Zadeh’s husband suggested she design her own. The business has evolved from specializing in cufflinks during the height of French cuff shirts to men’s bracelets and neck pieces today. From the brand’s beginning, the jewelry caught the eye of buyers from Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s and was later showcased at the Hampton Classic. This year, Zadeh’s jewelry has nestled into its new home in the heart of Carnegie Hill, where she once took jewelry classes and raised her three daughters. The shop/showroom mirrors an art gallery, the abstract paintings and fixtures aligning beautifully with her artistic jewelry.
She describes herself as a jewelry designer, mother, entrepreneur, and “global citizen of the world.” Drawing inspiration from her global experiences, (she was born in Iran and lived in cosmopolitan cities like Paris and New York,) Zadeh reflects, “Living different lives has given me differing perspectives. I’ve combined what I’ve learned from each culture, infusing that sensibility into my designs.”
Zadeh designs with intention, introducing pieces that seamlessly complement her existing creations. “Stacking,” she explains, is the secret behind her signature look, as her pieces are designed to be worn in multiples. Crafted from distinctive materials such as ethically sourced Asian water buffalo horn, handcrafted parachute cord, premium leather cord, and precious metals—the current collection retails from $118 to $67,600. Top-selling styles include the Brant bracelet ($5,800-$11,500 retail) and the Ronan bracelet ($4,700-$5,300 retail), handcrafted by a single artisan from Asian water buffalo horn. The buffalo horn ages gracefully with wear, the color transforming from black to a beautiful grayish patina.
Embodying the essence of “quiet luxury,” the ZADEH consumer is discerning and style-conscious, valuing strong, striking designs and hand craftsmanship. “The men’s market has changed,” the designer observes. “Even my husband, who swore he’d never wear a bracelet, is now stacking four of them… But it’s got to be the right design, the right materials.”
Asked about the future, Zadeh shares her vision of continued expansion and a lasting legacy. To this talented designer, jewelry is more than an accessory. It’s an everyday luxury meant to be lived in and cherished.
For more information, go to Zadehny.com.
