French designer Marie-Helene de Taillac launched her first jewellery collection in 1996 using brightly coloured semi-precious gems from India, including apatite, chalcedony, sapphire, fire opals and topaz. Her designs quickly created a buzz for their simple, chic look and wearability. Today her collection of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces is available at luxury boutiques around the world, including Colette in Paris and Barneys New York.
When did you fall in love with jewellery?
I grew up in Lebanon where jewellery is part of the culture so I have loved it since I was a child. One time my parents came back from Iran and I remember seeing pictures of the treasure of the Shah of Iran. I would pour over them. When we lived in Beirut, I would often go with my mum to her jeweller and work with him. The women in my family loved jewels, so it was in my blood.
You are known for your work with the Gem Palace in India. How did that begin?
I first went to India in 1989 for a five-week holiday. Beirut has a similar culture and I was attracted to the warmth of the people. I went back a few years later with a friend who was buying pieces for a shop and she asked me to help her and also to design a small collection for the store. The timing was right.
Back in Paris, I showed the pieces to a Japanese friend based in London who loved them. Then my good friend [cashmere designer] Lucien Pinet-Fillet helped me promote them by showing my pieces alongside his latest line of sweaters. We had a good response and I went back to India to buy more gems. It snowballed from there. Barneys bought my first collection but getting the next one done took so long because I had to find the right stones.
What makes your jewellery different?
