At Kitty Ray & Co., jewellery isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. We’re Catherine May (“Kitty”) and Raymond Lees (“Ray”), two long-time friends and colleagues who decided it was finally time to create something of our own together: a place where craftsmanship, creativity, and a love of gemstones all come to life.

Kitty’s story begins in her parents’ jewellery store. She grew up surrounded by shining displays, watchmakers’ benches, and conversations about diamonds and gold. After finishing school, she stepped straight into the family business, Mayfair Jewellers in Belmont, NSW, where she spent more than 30 years behind the counter. Over those years, Kitty became an expert in everything from customer care and design to pre-manufacture planning, restorations, and repairs. She’s helped generations of families choose engagement rings, restore treasured heirlooms, and design pieces that mean the world to them – always with her signature warmth and good humour.

Ray’s journey has been just as jewellery-filled, but with a global twist. After learning the fundamentals of the craft in the Central Coast and Sydney, he took his skills abroad and worked in London , where he honed his expertise in fine jewellery . Ray developed a particular passion for working in platinum – mastering the metal’s demands for precision and patience – while also gaining deep experience with diamonds and coloured gemstones. Over the years, he’s specialised in stone setting, Repairs and Restorations, bespoke design, Wax carving, CAD Design and handmaking pieces from scratch, creating jewellery that’s both technically flawless and full of character. His love for gemstones and attention to detail mean every piece he touches is designed to last a lifetime.

After many years working alongside each other in the industry – swapping stories, trading ideas, and helping each other grow – we realised we wanted to create something new together. That’s how Kitty Ray & Co. was born.

Our vision is simple: to design, restore, and create fabulous jewellery that celebrates the people who wear it. Whether it’s a sparkling custom piece, a reimagined heirloom, or a repair that brings a favourite treasure back to life, we want every experience with us to feel personal, fun, and special.

We’re so excited to be opening our doors in early 2026 in Newcastle, NSW. Our store will be a welcoming space to explore, design, and dream about jewellery – and we can’t wait to share it with you.

At Kitty Ray & Co., it’s all about passion, playfulness, and pieces you’ll love forever..