Some people just have it, a certain knack for something incredible. Colette is one of those people. She has been successfully designing jewelry since 13. We were lucky enough to have some time with her and asked her about her inspirations, stones, and favorite things.
It is unbelievable that you have been designing jewelry since the age of 13. How has your style evolved?
My style has evolved in many different ways. I have grown up just a bit since the age of 13! I’m now well versed in design; I have GIA training and I’ve studied graphic design. Both of these have given me the essential tools I need to create jewelry using the right processes. Also, since my business has grown with time, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with rare stones and high carat gold. I’ve traveled the world and have been exposed to so many different cultures which give me endless sources of inspiration, but more than anything these experiences give me knowledge and have helped me grow as a designer. The more I learn, the more I evolve and I am learning something new every day.
Who do you see wearing your jewelry?
I see women who really appreciate beautiful stones and color wearing my jewelry. She is fashion forward, ladylike and sophisticated but she always makes a statement. She likes to have fun with her accessories – especially her jewelry. It’s a way of expressing herself to the world. She can layer rose gold chains, Tahitian pearls and black diamonds with the star cage pendant from my Galaxia collection and understand that she is mixing classic elements with something really edgy and artistic. She isn’t afraid to pile on the jewelry with a white tee shirt and denim but also knows how it will make her sparkle that much more for her black tie moments. She is effortlessly cool.
How has living and working in Mexico City shaped your jewelry aesthetic?
I have always been living between Mexico and France. The aesthetic of my pieces are very influenced by both places. Mexico is a very vibrant country and it has inspired me to use bold stones which are very saturated in color. I would say the French part of me lends a kind of sophistication, femininity and elegance to my work. The combination of the two cultures are unexpected and produce very unique work.
So many of your pieces are inspired by nature, what are some of your other inspirations?
Nature is essentially 95 percent of my inspiration but I’m also a total romantic and appreciate anything symbolic of love. So, you will see touches of bows, hearts and even daggers in my collection…always need a bit of edge!
Do you have a favorite stone or material to work with? If so, what is it and why?
My favorite material to work with is gold, mostly 18k rose and 18k blackened, and my favorite stones are Emerald, Tanzanite, Apatite, Paraiba tourmaline, moonstone and of course diamonds.
What is your best selling item?
Pieces from my Galaxia collection are best sellers. They are all inspired by the cosmos!
What is your favorite item that you have designed?
One of my favorite pieces is a big bug made of 18k white gold, diamonds and labradorite that I hand carved myself. It’s a real conversation piece – I wear it all the time and people stop me all over the world to talk about it. It’s a bug in it’s most beautiful, romantic form.
What jewels do you always wear? Both of your designs and others.
Most of the time I wear my designs just because they are a little piece of my soul , but I love to buy other designer’s jewelry if it really strikes a chord with me. There are so many unique talents out there. I wear pieces from all of my collections – I change it up everyday based on my mood. Sometimes layers of galaxia. Other times the big bug with layers of diamonds. Always tons of rings – the more the merrier is my philosophy!
Prices range from $1,000 - $25,000 and can be purchased at Fragments.
Baubles of Love,
Jewel Devotee
