Virginie David worked at Galeries Lafayette when I met her a number of years ago and now she designs and produces gorgeous bespoke jewelry in Paris.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Paris XVIe and grew up in Boulogne, in southwest Paris.
What was your upbringing and your family life like?
I had a happy and pampered childhood. We traveled often, especially to different countries to buy precious stones. I had an easy but strict schooling.
How and when did you become interested in gemology and jewelry making?
Since I was very little. I very often went to my father's and grandfather's office on Wednesday afternoons. I was looking for the stones that had fallen from the desk that slipped between the crevices of the floor.
Then, after high school, I pursued studies of gemmology in Paris along with studies of communication.
You have lived in London and Dubai. What jobs did you have in both places and what were the experiences like?
In London, I was a sales person for Dior Joaillerie in the mythic Harrods’ department store. We could hear the languages of the whole world in a day!
In Dubai, I was a Senior PR Consultant at Euro RSCG PR agency, managing PR accounts on behalf of luxury clients in fashion and jewelry.
I have always had the taste for travel, the taste of discovering other cultures and these experiences have enriched me formidably.
You came back to Paris after that and worked at Galeries Lafayette. What was your position and how did you like working there?
When I returned to Paris, I moved away, for a time, from the world of jewelry to enrich my professional experience.
I was in charge of the international communications of Galeries Lafayette, another mythic department store in the world! The opportunity quickly presented itself and the work involved working with people all over the world, which I particularly liked.
You left Galeries Lafayette to start your own designing jewelry. Why the switch and what was the transition like?
I had the idea to create my own jewelry company for years. The idea never left me. Before I started, I needed to travel, build my route.
When that was the moment, the evidence was there. I was prepared and the day after my departure from the company, I was starting to work on my own project. The change was fast almost brutal but mostly, very familiar at the same time.
Please tell us about you jewelry, the materials, the design and the way your work.
My jewelry offers a timeless aesthetic, showcasing the natural beauty of the precious stones. The pieces are in 18k gold or platinum, and all handmade in a workshop in Paris using traditional methods of craftsmanship, with the utmost care and attention.
The first appointment with a client is really a moment of discussion and exchange.
Especially because every request is unique.
Finding the most beautiful stones according to the wishes of my clients is a priority.
As I am independent, I focus on the essential: creating the highest quality jewelry at competitive prices.
What are some of your influences and inspiration when you design the jewelry?
I am inspired by the jewelry worn by 3 generations of women in my family, that is to say the jewelry’s great artistic movements of the twentieth century; the Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the 40s, modern.
What is the price range of your jewelry and how long does it take to have a piece made?
From 1500 € for a wedding band with diamonds, to an unlimited budget, for a bespoke jewelry, according to the rarity of the stones.
It takes about 3 weeks for a piece to be made. The jewelry is all made in Paris.
If you had unlimited funds to design a piece of jewelry what would it be and who would you design it for?
I would imagine a cocktail ring - which one’s wears on the index finger - with the most refined design highlighting a sublime emerald from Zambia or Colombia or the most perfect emerald-cut diamond. A stone so pure, so crystallized and so beautiful that you would want to dive in!
You also teach part time at the The School of Jewelry Arts (formerly the Van Cleef and Arpels School). What are some of the courses you teach?
For adults:
Recognize the gemstones
Fascinating Diamond 1: History and Legends
Wine & Gems
For 13 to 16 years old:
Discovering the World of Gems
What do you prefer about Paris?
Walking in Paris during the weekdays. There are always new little things to discover, at a corner, behind a door, even in the streets you've been passing through for years!
Photo of Virginie David courtesy of Camille Colin
Jewelry photos courtesy of Christophe Donna
https://www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/fr
Eye Prefer Paris Photos
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Below are some sample images.
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