Meet Caitlin Cimino: Metalsmith and Owner of PRINI Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Cimino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The jewelry industry (like many others) is directly connected to unethical and environmentally harmful practices. Things like toxic waste, unsustainable usage of water, slave labor, deforestation, ecosystem devastation and corruption can all play a part in the sourcing of metals and gemstones. The good news is that options such as recycled gold and silver and ethically sourced gemstones exist. So, when purchasing jewelry, it’s incredibly important to find a jeweler who practices awareness and mindfulness around their sourcing. 

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m passionate about exploring practices like mantras, meditation, energy work and tea ceremony. These are sacred learnings that help bring stillness and a returning back “home” to our true self and connection to source. Overtime I began incorporating these rituals or practices into my jewelry making process. For example, if a customer selects a mantra, I will repeat it to myself or play a version of it aloud while creating the piece of jewelry and before shipping I will sit in meditation with the jewelry while holding the mantra close to heart. I do this to meld intention with metal and to create a vibrational frequency of love and healing. Throughout my jewelry journey, I’ve stayed true to myself and my vision of sustainability and mindfulness, and I know this has helped me get to where I am today professionally. There were definitely times that challenged this but each challenge was a lesson that strengthened self and as a result the foundation of my brand.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I learned the foundations of metalsmithing in Florence, Italy. I apprenticed under master jeweler, Kenneth Peter Scott. His teachings combined with the dreaminess of Italy was life changing and I feel so grateful to have experienced it. Since then, other jewelers have shared tips and tricks along the way. Scott Lunsford was one of them. He showed me how to carve wax (this is part of a jewelry process called “lost wax casting”), which was the seed for how “The Duomo Ring” was created. Thank you, Scott! The Metalsmith Society on Instagram has also been an amazing resource where jewelers can share their tips and tricks.

Website: www.caitlincimino.com
Instagram: caitlin_cimino
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caitlin.cimino

Image Credits
Daniel N. Johnson