With over thirty years experience in custom jewelry design and creation, Catherine will work with you to create the bespoke piece of your dreams. CG Designs, Inc., has been creating her distinctive award-winning jewelry for over thirty years, producing by hand all of her own pieces.
Before opening her own shop in Lafayette (formerly Taylor & Jacobson), she displayed her designs at high-end craft and art shows and sold to galleries and stores around the country.Catherine taught goldsmithing and diamond setting at The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts for many years. She recently taught Classical Stone Setting for Art Jewelers at the Mendocino Art Center.
Before opening her own shop in Lafayette (formerly Taylor & Jacobson), she displayed her designs at high-end craft and art shows and sold to galleries and stores around the country.Catherine taught goldsmithing and diamond setting at The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts for many years. She recently taught Classical Stone Setting for Art Jewelers at the Mendocino Art Center.
Services
Catherine Dining has years of experience designing original custom jewelry for all types of clients. If you know what you want, she can help you to turn it into a functional piece of jewelry, and if you have no idea what you want, she can help you to decide. If you have your own gemstones, she can design a beautiful piece around them, or she can provide stones to inspire you.
And now for the Rings. I can provide trusted advice on choosing the right diamonds, gemstones, cuts and settings, whether the ring is to be a surprise for your beloved or if you want to collaborate with your intended on a design. The first step is whether you have a center stone in mind, or if you need help finding the perfect gem.
Shiny, sparkling, and inspiring, a ring can be sentimental or traditional, evoking memories and connections to previous generations and family history. One family's tradition is to give every member a "power ring". Many of the rings I create are for women who want to repurpose one or several jewels into a newly designed ring that will inspire them daily.
Popular gift items, earrings may be as simple as studs or as stunning as elaborate chandeliers. Fashionable earrings are the ultimate dress-up accessory. Plus you don't need to know a ring size! Earrings are for fun-express yourself! Design a pair to go with your favorite everyday look, or an eye-catching design to complement an outfit, hair color or style.
Bracelets, like rings, are for you to enjoy and admire. As a designer, they are a lot of fun to make, presenting a big canvas to explore and go wild with designs. Clasped, hinged, or woven, inlaid with gemstones, metallic layers, carved, matte or polished, the possibilities are endless and as unique as the owner.
Reviews (20)
Katie G.
Feb 03, 2022
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Jenny M.
Oct 11, 2021
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Jessica S.
Sep 16, 2021
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Diane R.
Sep 15, 2021
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I had a very special pendant made by Catherine.
It was a cooperative effort.
It reflected the love of 2 wonderful men in my life.
My husbands wedding ring was elongated and circled the pendant. Catherine created a north star design in the middle.In the center of the north star is an Australian black opal from my Bill. It has so much beauty and speaks to my heart. Thank you Catherine for capturing the love I shared.
It was a cooperative effort.
It reflected the love of 2 wonderful men in my life.
My husbands wedding ring was elongated and circled the pendant. Catherine created a north star design in the middle.In the center of the north star is an Australian black opal from my Bill. It has so much beauty and speaks to my heart. Thank you Catherine for capturing the love I shared.
Ilana F.
Sep 14, 2021
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Catherine designed a ring for me using my grandmothers earring and a great grandmothers wedding band. She took 2 pieces and created a gorgeous ring.
I also used Catherine to size a few rings, make some diamond studs from old rings I had laying around. This was a great experience and would recommend CG Designs.
I also used Catherine to size a few rings, make some diamond studs from old rings I had laying around. This was a great experience and would recommend CG Designs.
Samantha W.
Sep 14, 2021
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I recently got engaged with the perfect ring thanks to CG designs! I personally didn't work with the designer but I know how indecisive and picky my man is, she has to have the patience of a angel and her skills speak for them self. I know they worked on the piece for quite awhile and he was happy with the process and outcome.
I'm a little rough on things and needed a repair and cleaning which she did the same day when he reached out to her last month.
Thank you for a beautiful lifetime piece, I'd chose the exact ring if I designed it myself.
I'm a little rough on things and needed a repair and cleaning which she did the same day when he reached out to her last month.
Thank you for a beautiful lifetime piece, I'd chose the exact ring if I designed it myself.
Kristina L.
Sep 13, 2021
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Never again.. I feel taken advantage of and scammed by this business owner. .
she messed up and didn't take any responsibility..
My mom passed away a month ago and I wanted to surprise my dad with a cross made out of moms gold wedding band and a bracelet.
although the piece was imperfectly nice, 1/3 of gold was missing. I know because the jeweler weighed the original gold before and I weighed it when I got the final product gone.
she charged me more for the piece than agreed and than was rude after I shared my experience with she.. she took ZERO responsibility for her lack of communication
she messed up and didn't take any responsibility..
My mom passed away a month ago and I wanted to surprise my dad with a cross made out of moms gold wedding band and a bracelet.
although the piece was imperfectly nice, 1/3 of gold was missing. I know because the jeweler weighed the original gold before and I weighed it when I got the final product gone.
she charged me more for the piece than agreed and than was rude after I shared my experience with she.. she took ZERO responsibility for her lack of communication
Caryl B.
Sep 13, 2021
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Catherine has an exquisite eye for design and pays close attention to the details. She created a beautiful dragonfly pendant which fits me perfectly and I wear always! It is the single most complimented item of jewelry I own. Complete strangers will go out of their way to rave about the piece and inquire about the artist.
Dawn Patton
Sep 12, 2021
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Daniel L.
Aug 04, 2021
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J. J.
Jun 10, 2021
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I was quite happy with Catherine, who assessed several pieces of my old jewelry, scrutinizing a men's diamond placer gold ring, a women's garnet bauble ring, and an old 10 kt fraternity pin and chain. She has some very interesting jewelry designs, lots of colored stones, and anyone looking for a custom piece ought to chat her up to see what she can do. A lot of her custom jewelry business is word of mouth so stop by and get in her queue.
Care H.
Apr 23, 2021
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I am so happy I found Catherine. She did a beautiful job resizing my engagement ring and quick! I was having a hard time finding a jeweler that could get it done in less than week and Catherine came through like angel! I will definitely be going back for jewelry and jewelry repairs that come up. THANK YOU Catherine!
Paul T.
Jan 23, 2021
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Short Version:
Catherine Dining at CG Designs is our go-to custom jeweler because she is, hands down, the absolute best. She doesn't just listen to what we want. She asks, prods, samples, looks. It's not just about the finished jewelry; it's about matching the jewelry to the personality. She shelves her own preferences while keeping in mind best professional practices. Truly a joy to work with.
Longer Version:
We started coming to Taylor & Jacobsen 30 years ago because it was the folks' custom jeweler shop. We had wedding sets designed & customized, and we were thrilled
Catherine Dining at CG Designs is our go-to custom jeweler because she is, hands down, the absolute best. She doesn't just listen to what we want. She asks, prods, samples, looks. It's not just about the finished jewelry; it's about matching the jewelry to the personality. She shelves her own preferences while keeping in mind best professional practices. Truly a joy to work with.
Longer Version:
We started coming to Taylor & Jacobsen 30 years ago because it was the folks' custom jeweler shop. We had wedding sets designed & customized, and we were thrilled
Nick Harrington
Dec 28, 2020
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Anuta Portillo-Starkey
Dec 13, 2020
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Dustin & Savannah R.
Oct 11, 2020
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*WARNING* Catherine Dining is a fraud and thief. She is under investigation for multiple fraud / theft cases regarding stolen jewelry, and poor craftsmanship. She took my items for repair, ignored every contact attempt, refused to return my personal-sentimental property, and money. Unfortunately, I'm not the first customer to be taken advantage of. I have since pursued legal action and filed charges against her. I hope this review can save others from the cruelness and hurt that Catherine Dining has caused my family.
Terri S.
Aug 01, 2020
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If I could give Catherine no stars that would be my review. Catherine has my ring. It has been three weeks and I was told it would be a one week. I went to her shop multiple times, to find a locked business, with a note on her door saying she would be back soon and to be patient. She rarely returns my texts or emails and when she does, it is about her personal issues without regard to my feelings or concerns about my deceased mother's ring. I have reported her actions to the police and suggest that you do not fall into her web of deceit.
Joanna M.
Jun 07, 2015
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I'm getting married next month, and besides first meeting and falling in love, the whole process all began with Taylor & Jacobson. My fiancé commissioned Catherine Galloway to design and make my engagement ring last year, and she made a beautiful ring which he helped give some basic design direction, knowing that I love sapphires. When I was a little girl, I saw a movie on A&E with Liz Taylor wearing an opulent opera necklace with sapphires and diamonds, and the image stuck with me. When my fiancé opened the ring box and surprised me, I was stunned by the gorgeous and elegant ring
Randi K.
Dec 11, 2014
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Something must have gone wrong.
I have dealt with these people for over 30 years and have always been delighted, from custom designs to repairs. For a full week, I have given them the benefit of the doubt. But it's my jewelry they have and beneficial thoughts are only carrying me so far.
I am only writing this review to hopefully spur Taylor and Jacobson to better their communication. I have left messages every day for a week trying to track down my overdue repairs/jewelry. I'm stressed and upset because all four pieces they have are extremely sentimental. My grandmother&apos
I have dealt with these people for over 30 years and have always been delighted, from custom designs to repairs. For a full week, I have given them the benefit of the doubt. But it's my jewelry they have and beneficial thoughts are only carrying me so far.
I am only writing this review to hopefully spur Taylor and Jacobson to better their communication. I have left messages every day for a week trying to track down my overdue repairs/jewelry. I'm stressed and upset because all four pieces they have are extremely sentimental. My grandmother&apos
Marisa B.
Jan 09, 2014
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First of all, I would like to preface this review by saying that it hurts me to write this review because Kent Jacobson is a wonderful person. He designed my wedding band and has worked with my family for many years. He now takes clients by appointment only. Our first experience with him was wonderful. Our past experience was horrible and is sure to be our last.
Recently, my husband and I welcomed our first baby boy. For a Christmas gift, I wanted to have a simple band ring made with his name engraved onto the inside. With each child we have, I want to add their name to it. Easy enough, right
Recently, my husband and I welcomed our first baby boy. For a Christmas gift, I wanted to have a simple band ring made with his name engraved onto the inside. With each child we have, I want to add their name to it. Easy enough, right
