By Cynthia Unninayar
Inspired by Nature, crafted with masterful care and precision, the jewellery of Isabelle Langlois evokes three centuries of artistic savoir-faire.
In the early 18th century, a booming watchmaking industry in Geneva found, in the nearby region of the French Jura, a source for the stone counter-pivots used in timepiece mechanisms. For over 150 years, families of farmers spent the long winter months cutting the stones and developing the techniques that made their fame.
From one such family came Isabelle Langlois’ grandfather, who moved to Paris in the early 20th century to apply his lapidary skills to gemstones that were used in jewellery. There, he established a solid reputation, and his name soon became a reference for stonecutting expertise. Building on this savoir-faire and experience, Isabelle’s father travelled the gem world extensively and soon established his own reputation as an internationally renowned expert gemmologist. He also co-founded the French National Institute of Gemmology. Isabelle grew up within the magic and colourful world of her master lapidary grandfather, where rocks are turned into things of beauty, and where she listened with rapt fascination of the wondrous travel adventures of her father.
A Parisian Nestling
A gemmologist herself, Isabelle’s first passion was jewellery designing. She created her first piece at the age of twelve, and later went on to learn and hone her skills in high jewellery ateliers. By answering her own calling for design, Isabelle closed the virtuous circle of the past three generations of specialists.
In 2011, having designed for many prestigious private clients while increasing her activity with major European jewellers over the last twenty years, she finally set her heart on her own boutique and showroom, which she designed. Located at the prestigious Parisian address, 12 rue de la Paix, it has become a must-see stopover for jewellery lovers visiting the City of Lights.
Classic Fine Gold Jewellery
Her creative work revolves around colour compositions and arrangements, and has been described as “colourful but never garish,” “baroque but never kitsch,” “original but always timeless.” In Isabelle’s own words, “Emotions can be captured in a piece of jewellery as much as in a sculpture.” As with many creators, Isabelle draws inspiration from the natural world, where she sees her designs as an extension of Nature. Like a florist who composes with flowers, she arranges gems to become posies. Her colourful creations, however, live on forever.
Made in 18K gold set with a wide array of coloured gems and diamonds, each jewel demonstrates extreme attention to detail, quality, and style. Created with a savoir-faire developed over three centuries, the colourful artistry of Isabelle Langlois will delight many generations to come.
