At LAGOS mothers inspire us every day. When wearing our jewelry they show us how true style transcends generations. Mother’s day offers us the perfect opportunity to celebrate mothers as our favorite style icons.

Looking forward to Mother’s Day, we sat down with the Executive Fashion Editor of PaperCity Magazine, Kate Stukenberg to discuss style, her mother and of course, jewelry. In addition to her work at PaperCity, Kate is also a writer for cancerforward.org, a freelance stylist, and soon-to-be mother of two.

How has your mother influenced your personal style?

KS: My mother and I have different personal style but she taught me about quality and fabrics and investing in things. I distinctly remembering shopping with her when I was very young and liking something and her feeling the fabric between her fingers and responding with a “we’re not getting that” so I’m sure she saved me from a lot of bad style decisions and to this day how something feels between my fingers has influence on my purchases. 

What makes the gift of jewelry so special?

KS: My father used to buy me, my mom, and my sisters a matching piece of nice jewelry every year for Valentine’s Day. My father passed away six years ago this month (May) and that jewelry is very special to me and every time I wear any of it, I think of him. My husband used to not be a jewelry person but he has become one since I told him this story. Jewelry isn’t like clothes – you can keep jewelry forever and the memory of when and where you received it goes with it. 

 Tell us the story behind the most meaningful piece of jewelry you own.

KS: I would have to say my wedding bands. I’m not a diamond solitaire gal and my husband and I chose the rings together – a mix and match set of 1940’s French Art Deco diamond and sapphire eternity bands… one even has someone else’s initials in them which may seem odd to someone else, but I think it’s interesting and cool.  

What traits do you hope to pass down to her in terms of style?

KS: I hope she finds clothing to be fun but not an end-all-be-all. I love clothes, but my life has never revolved around them. I hope she experiments with all sorts of different styles and trends as she grows up like I did and that she makes some mistakes and figures out a personal style all on her own. I have to admit, I keep a pretty tight leash on what she wears now — she’s three – but when she gets older I’ll certainly loosen the reins. 

While conversing with Kate, she sorted through our diamonds, doublets and Caviar to curate a selection of the perfect Mother’s Day gifts.