Jewelry Designer Pascale Monvoisin On Paris, Poetry, And Precious Stones

Pascale Monvoisin’s pieces exude a joie de vivre, and the joy of jewelry. Designed for rockers, luxe wanderlusters, and all-round bohemian spirits, love her pieces now and forever.

Expect her signature ‘Cauri’ shell earrings and necklaces that are studded with turquoise drops, statement black bakelite medallion rings encrusted with diamonds, organic shaped 9kt yellow gold pendants, and dainty drop pearl earrings and rings. And the specialness of Pascale’s pieces lie in the unique nature of each style and stone, which allows the item to conjure up its own personality to be donned by the wearer. A one of a kind piece for a one of a kind soul.

Pascale Monvoisin discusses her love for precious stones, her poetic and colorful inspirations, and her recent store opening in Paris.

Felicity Carter: What is your first memory of style?

Pascale Monvoisin: The sound of my mother’s Trinity bracelet when I was a child. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her wrist. I was fascinated by this piece of jewelry and transfixed by the noise it made.

FC: How, when, why did you get into the jewelry industry?

PM: It was a trip to India over 10 years ago now that set this incredible adventure in motion. As I walked around a gemstone market in Jaipur, I was filled with wonder at the sight of a cluster of simply sublime turquoises. I had no idea of what I could do with them, but I bought them anyway! The beauty of these stones brought me a huge amount of pleasure. I took my kilo of stones to a jewelry maker recommended to me by a friend and ordered a ring from him. I sat on the floor of his shop, pencil in hand, and for the first time I drew a piece of jewelry that had been in my mind for several years. Once back in Paris, several friends asked me for the same one… This inspired me and marked the start of it all.

FC: How would you sum up the aesthetic of your brand?

PM: My jewelry and concept are first and foremost driven by radiant ambition. I make, unmake, remake and tinker to find the perfect balance; this means that appealing irregular charm, that small detail which chimes in perfect tune with the piece and completes the look. This is what makes each ring, each necklace, each earring totally unique, each one with its own soul and personality. I try to find the obvious and a balance in opposites, something intuitive.

FC: What is luxury to you?

PM: Currently, my biggest luxury is being able to do what I love and the job that has now been my passion for over a decade. But it’s also being able to give myself time to think about what comes next, the next piece, the next collection. I am incredibly lucky to have made my passion my work.

FC: Who is your customer?

PM: This question is quite tricky to answer as I have many kinds of customers. We regularly have young girls who are bought their first fine jewelry piece for their birthday, for instance. And then we also have women who have the means to go to the iconic houses of Place Vendôme but who come to us because they see a different story in my jewelry. When I have visited the boutique, on several occasions women have said to me: “I don't often wear jewelry but I can never go without yours!” That is one of the things that move me the most. I think a piece of jewelry isn’t necessarily worn to be seen; I really love the idea of wearing it for yourself.

FC: Which was the first-ever piece that you designed and how did it come about?

PM: The first piece I designed was that ring during my trip to India. The first collection pieces I conceived were costume jewelry inspired by Robert Mapplethorpe’s creations for his photos, but I soon drifted towards fine jewelry.

FC: What is on your current mood board?

PM: Nature seen through travel and art. I find poetry really inspiring; it does away with social conventions and there is no excess, just the essential! I am also very inspired by and fond of colour combinations. Hilma Af Klint’s work with colours, volumes and shapes particularly moves me.

FC: Tell us about the process...

PM: I am someone who creates through images! I therefore mainly work with mood boards, on which I assemble inspiring images, colours, materials and travel photos, allowing me to fine-tune my wishes. After this initial reflection stage, I start to scribble my ideas down on paper. A few days later, they start to take shape and become clearer.

The drawings then become models, stones, toing and froing, hesitation, certitudes and incertitudes until a first prototype is created, and then the whole process begins again.

The time it takes to contemplate, adjust and assimilate is essential and simply can’t be shortened.

FC: What can we expect for 2021?

PM: First and foremost, to escape this nightmare so we can find our way back to our theatres, cinemas and café terraces! Then, I was thrilled to open my second Paris boutique this year between the two lockdowns in France. I would really love for people to get to know it. It is on Rue du Mont Thabor in the 1st arrondissement, which is normally a very touristy district but at the moment it is quite quiet due to the health situation. I truly hope that as many people as possible will soon be able to discover this little showcase, which I have put my heart into over the past few months.

See the full range on pascalemonvoisin.com.

Boutique Pascale Monvoisin, 10 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris, France