We had the pleasure of interviewing the designer Jan Roberts and owner of the eco-luxe brand Jean Joaillerie, an original concept that marries fantasy jewellery with sustainaibility.
How did the brand come about?
The distressed jeans of my dreams I bought from 7 for all mankind. It was the ripped knees of these jeans that gave me the idea to start a line of fantasy jewellery for jeans which is why I named the brand ‘Jean Joaillerie’. Joaillerie is the French word for jewellery. My first collection was jewellery to wear on jeans and I have expanded with new collections and directions since then. My newest pieces for summer are earrings. I am doing a new collection as well as one of a kind earrings – I just introduced the first one on my facebook fan page,which is made of vintage crystal turtle brooches and vintage chandelier pieces sourced at the antique and brocante markets. The brooch pins have been left on so they can be worn as earrings or separately as brooches.
What does eco-luxury mean to you?
My collections have fallen into the eco category because I am upcycling, recycling, repurposing, sourcing ethically from individual commercants at the antique and brocante markets,working with used objects, natural semi precious stones,vintage coins etc.
This makes each piece more time consuming and expensive to produce as I am not buying wholesale – so with regards to my products this is what eco-luxury would mean to me.
In addition to upcycling many of the lines are multi usage. For example one of the models for my jewellery for jeans (which was my first collection)can also be used as a keychain .
The other model – from the first collection of jewellery for jeans, has double brooch closures so it’s a gorgeous and practical way, particularly in the current economic climate; to relook an old outfit or even cover a stain, a tear or a missing button on a jacket or top.
Pieces from my recent “Cinq à Sept” Collection are necklaces with detachable pendants featuring vintage bohemian crystal and gemstones. They can be worn as both a necklace as well as a brooch. I have tried to create beautiful jewellery that is timeless and multi usage without being gimmicky or in any way compromising aesthetics.
What are your key influences?
The law of attraction. My pieces represent beauty, abundance and a bit of adventure and spirit. For example this winter I did a collection of handcrafted velvet chokers with French decorative military medals as pendants called “Vintage & Velvet”. One of them features a military medal with the phrase “Je Passe Quand Même”. That is the motto of the 21eme of the French Army. Translated into english it means “I Will Pass Anyhow”. This is thought to have been said by Majeur Jean Georges Pauly of the 21ème Demi-Brigade at the Battle of Novi August 15 1799 when he was told by the Russians to surrender. Instead he advanced with the arme blanche killing and wounding around 100 of the enemy. Due to the spirit of this medal I think it would be a fantastic and stylish choice to wear when someone is in a situation where they need a bit of extra aplomb .
Do you have any specific rituals when it comes to designing your collection?
No. None at all.
Who would you most like to see wear your pieces?
Women who love them! While it would be great for sales to have my pieces worn by someone who sets trends and is photographed frequently I havent actually strived to see them on celebrities.
Jean Joaillerie is based in the fashionable city that is Paris, where do you most like to shop?
I adore Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré which is where I have my business, Rue Saint Honoré, The Avenue Montaigne and The Saint Germain.
A few of my favorite boutiques are: Pain de Sucre for bikinis, Baccarat for crystal, Sabbia Rosa for lingerie, Maria Luisa for clothes, La Grand Epicerie for gourmet grocery shopping, Jacqueline Peres for custom designed pieces and Caron Parfumerie for perfume and perfume bottles.
Then there is Lachaume for flowers, Point à la Ligne for candles and of course Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton. As you can see, it’s hard to narrow this down! There are jaw dropping boutiques and stores for absolutely everything in Paris.
To find out more about Jean Joaillerie, view the website here.
Thank you so much for featuring my line on your beautiful site !
Best
Jan Roberts