IN CONVERSATION WITH CÉLINE WITZKE
Words by Francesca Kleinstück
What is the story behind your brand name Cee Double-u?
Cee Double-u comes from my initials, CW for Céline Witzke. It felt important to keep it connected to me since I’m behind every piece. The initials create the right balance—personal, but still leaving space for the brand to stand on its own.
CW started as something very close to you. How has that evolved?
Yes, I started CW for myself—making pieces I couldn’t find anywhere else. It wasn’t meant to be anything more at first. But then people started responding to the pieces, telling me how much they loved them, and that feedback motivated me to keep going. It’s been a very organic process of growth, and I think that’s why it still feels so special and authentic to me.
Tell me about your first CW piece.
The first official CW piece I made was a ring with my initial—‘C.’ From there, I went on to create larger pieces like my signature chunky flower chain. It's playful and organic, and it embodies the aesthetic I love—bold yet timeless.
Timelessness and craftsmanship seem to play a big role in your work. Why is that important to you?
Jewelry is such a personal thing. For me, it’s more than just a fashion accessory—it’s something that holds emotions and memories. That’s why I work exclusively with materials like sterling silver and gold, metals that can last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. Jewelry is special in that way—it has a story to tell, and that story lasts.
What does your creative process look like?
I rarely plan a design down to the last detail. I might have an idea in my mind, but when I start working with the material, it changes. The process becomes a conversation between me and the material. I let it guide me.
There’s a real honesty in that approach.
Yes. It’s about letting the material and form speak for themselves, without distractions. Each piece I create is one of a kind, handmade by me. From sculpting and handcarving to melting the material. I think that’s what gives it a unique touch. Whether it's a piece I wear or something I’ve created for someone else, it always feels meaningful.
Do you have a favorite piece that holds a deep meaning for you?
There's a silver pendant in the shape of the number one that I made for my whole family. It honors my late grandparents and seeing everyone in my family wear it, even my dad is special to me. Pieces like that have a deep emotional connection. And wearing them brings you back to those moments.
Has your way of designing changed as your work evolves?
In the beginning, I didn’t think in terms of collections. I was more focused on exploring different forms and shapes, just letting the process guide me. However, as I developed my style, certain themes began to emerge naturally. For example, I created a series of pieces inspired by flowers, and that grew into a small collection. Now, I’m more intentional about building collections—small groups of pieces that feel connected but can live independently. It brings a sense of unity to my work while still allowing for individual expression.
You seem to find inspiration all around you, even in more unexpected places.
Inspiration finds me in small moments. It can come from a texture I notice in nature, like stones smoothed by water, from an architectural detail in a building, or a curve in a door handle. There isn’t one specific person or thing that inspires me. I often find it in everyday life, in the people around me—my family, friends, or other artists and creators I admire.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your jewelry?
Empowered and confident. Jewelry can enhance that feeling—it can make you feel complete, like you’re fully expressing yourself. For me, when I’m not wearing my jewelry, I feel almost naked. It’s the final touch that pulls everything together.
Looking ahead, how do you see CW evolving?
I have a lot of ideas. I’d love to create a space where people can experience the jewelry in person. Jewelry is something you have to touch, try on, feel. I’d love to have a studio where people can come in and connect with the pieces, and understand the craftsmanship behind them. There’s so much I want to explore — I’m even thinking about objects that go beyond jewelry. But I’m in no rush. I like to let each idea unfold naturally and in its own time.
2025
Zurich, Switzerland
