Photo by © Mara Paris
France has long been renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance when it comes to jewelry. From delicate designs to bold statements, French jewelry often adds a subtle je ne sais quoi that masterfully completes an outfit.
While giants like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron dominate the luxury heritage sphere, the 21st century has welcomed an impressive collection of creative minds who are challenging the status quo. These new designers and jewelers are defiantly making their mark in the world of French fashion – and beyond – all while honoring traditional French savoir-faire.
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Whether you’re looking for a new classic item to treasure for generations or a statement piece to start a conversation, here are our favorite modern French jewelry brands that offer something for every style and occasion.
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Louise Damas
“The character’s strength of a novel heroine, a vintage button’s shape, a silhouette walking in a Parisian alleyway or a chipped China’s patina” – this is the inspiration behind the designs by Louise Damas. Simultaneously vintage and modern, Louise Damas encapsulates classic French timelessness. Entirely handmade in Paris, the brand uses recycled materials, and their gold is RJC (Responsible Jewelry Council)-Certified – initiatives that make the wearer feel good inside and out.
Labelle
Labelle boasts a bohemian yet simple style using chic jewels with impeccable quality at reasonable prices. Their pieces are very durable, making them impermeable to everyday life. With new collections every month, Labelle jewelry is designed to be stacked and accumulated. Made in their Parisian workshop, the natural tones of green, gold, white, and pink look stunning layered.
Monsieur Paris
In the heart of the Marais, the historic jewelry neighborhood, the Atelier Monsieur handcrafts and produces all their designs. Their minimalist yet striking pieces in 18 karat gold and silver are made to be versatile and effortlessly chic. The artisans blend traditional and modern jewelry-making techniques, hammering, welding, filing, sculpting, and polishing each piece to imperfect perfection.
Imaï
Imaï is high-fashion, unisex jewelry that exudes strong style and vintage elegance. Their pieces are gilded with 24-carat fine gold and handcrafted in Paris using responsible know-how and production methods. The brand’s name was inspired by M.I. Road, the street home to Jaipur’s legendary Indian jewelers, where head designer Julie Borgeaud became inspired to start her own jewelry company. Today, each piece is created in limited series that play on volume and combine precious stones, freshwater pearls, and chains.
Gisel B
Throw on a strand of pearls – but make them pop! Gisel B’s cultured pearl designs challenge the classic strand of pearls by making their items modern, chic, and fun. Based in Lille, in the north of France, designer Clémence Masson is inspired by minerals and plants with environmental responsibility at the brand’s forefront. In addition to using organic and local materials in her unique designs, the company’s packaging is also recycled and recyclable.
Lovely Day
From the brand’s beginnings, Lovely Day has been committed to a 100% Made in France identity for each item of jewelry from start to finish. All materials and stones origins are traced, and the craftsmen proudly uphold the values of their savoir-faire, making each piece proudly French. Handcrafted in Annecy, the Lovely Day style is characterized by bohemian touches, chic accents, and a touch of glam rock.
Mara Paris
Challenging the status quo, Mara Paris makes jewelry that is more like art that effortlessly molds to the wearer’s body. Each piece is a conversation starter with their atypical shapes and unique placement, breaking from traditional models. Designer Ayça Özbank Taskan’s background in architecture shines through the minimalist pieces that make a strong and creative statement.
Before you buy luxury, consider one of these up and coming modern French jewelers taking the jewelry world by storm.
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