Interview with Delphine Pariente

Meet Delphine Pariente. She’s an artist, a dreamer, and a keeper of memories. Through delicate, inscribed, gold-plated jewelry, Pariente immortalizes your unique perspective, and turns it into a one of a kind memento for the keeping. All Delphine Pariente creations are tenderly made in her Paris workshop with the wearer in mind. We interviewed the French designer to discuss her background, her inspiration, and her process.

How did you get started in the jewelry industry?

I’ve always loved creating with my hands, whether that be drawing, writing or painting. After a few years working in the fashion industry with Christian Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Sonia Rykiel, I started my own brand, Delphine Pariente.

What inspired you to create this particular line of jewelry?

At the beginning, I made unique pieces of jewelry using ancient elements that you can still find in my shops at 19 Rue de Turenne and 10 Rue des Filles du Calvaire in Paris. Through the years, my creations evolved and I had the desire to add to my collections little rings, medals and bracelets.

Is there a unique story that stands out in your mind? Maybe a time when you crafted a particularly special piece for someone?

Each piece of jewelry I engrave is very personal. My clients really take the time to think about the message they want me to engrave, which makes it unique. I always feel very proud to see my jewelry worn on a woman in the street. My jewels are often given for special occasions, they encapsulate an important moment of their life (a marriage proposal or a birth, for instance), and tell a meaningful story.

Why is jewelry important to you, important to women?

With my medals that you can personalize, woman can really express themselves and create their own piece of jewelry, and some people tell me that it has brought them luck.

How do you describe your personal style?

I would say it is a mix between vintage and contemporary style, with a lot of whimsical elements. It is important to not take yourself too seriously, and to never forget the children we once were.

How do you describe quintessential “French” style?

Inspired by the classic Yves Saint-Laurent quote, I’d have to say the quintessential French woman wears a black sweater, black trousers, and walks arm in arm with the man she loves.

What’s one misconception American women have about French women?

Maybe that we wear berets!

What kind of woman wears Delphine Pariente jewelry?

I can imagine she is a Parisian woman, maybe an artist, very modern and feminine, who likes both Marie Laurencin and Jeff Koons, is passionate about literature and poetry.

What are three fashion items you can’t live without?

I would say my vintage engagement ring, my medal « bonne étoile » and my sunglasses.

At the moment, what’s your favorite phrase on one of your pieces of jewelry?

The one that touches me the most is “la nuit sans toi n’a pas d’étoiles.” This message is one of the most poetic I wrote and I have to confess, that I am still in love.