Creative Director of the Maison Boucheron since 2011, Claire Choisne is constantly innovating and reinterpreting the iconic collections of the oldest jewelry house on Place Vendôme. Through her avant-garde style and Parisian chic, she designs bold and contemporary collections in her own image. She took the time to answer Vogue Paris questionnaire and open her jewelry box to reveal which piece she would never leave for anything in the world, or even the ultimate jewel she would dream of acquiring.
What is your first jewelry memory?
Claire Choisne: “My mother's jewelry box, filled with very elaborate charm bracelets."
What is your most precious jewelry piece?
I am lucky enough to own a Fleur Éternelle ring, which is made up of two blue hydrangea flowers, which was made with the same technique used for the Haute Joaillerie Nature Triomphante collection.
The idea was to capture and give eternity to the ephemeral beauty of nature. I chose blue hydrangeas for this ring because they bring back precious memories with my daughter. The first Mother's Day gift she chose for me was a small bouquet of blue hydrangeas and I still remember that day perfectly! When I wear this ring, it reminds me of that happy moment. It is very important for me to convey emotion through jewelry.
The one that you never take off?
I'm a bit obsessive around the edges, which means I work in phases. It's either everything or nothing! When I'm in Portugal, where I live part of the year, I don't wear any jewelry. Conversely, when I'm in Paris, I can't go without jewelry and I alternate between my perfect Quatre and jack combo and other pieces that are dear to me, like my hydrangea flower ring.
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Which one from your collections do you like to give to a friend?
I like to spoil my friends but I prefer to give them objects that suit them, and especially that will last over time. There is often a link with the world of art that I like to share. I also love to give my daughter "mini" versions of my own jewelry.
Three words to describe your style?
Elegant, casual, and Parisian.
What's your favorite precious metal?
I have a preference for gold and choose to wear yellow, white, or rose gold depending on the moment or my desires.
Which stone suits you best?
White diamonds because they go with everything!
Do you have a thing for vintage jewelry?
What I love about vintage jewelry is that it has a story behind it that goes beyond the story of the jewelry itself. More than just a piece of jewelry, it carries the entire story of the person who owned it, which adds emotional value to the piece. I am fortunate to have inherited an exceptional pink diamond ring that has been passed down from generation to generation. The stone is beautiful but I hesitate to have it taken apart: the setting also tells something, which is very important to me.
In another register, always vintage, I have a small collection of papou necklaces in my house in Portugal. I love them, they are spectacular vintage pieces made of shells, seeds, etc. always in excessive volumes! I love the idea that such beautiful and spectacular pieces were created with such simple materials from nature.
Do you wear a watch every day? If yes, which one?
A while back I bought a vintage Boucheron Reflet Small watch in yellow gold. I love the versatility it offers by playing with the color of the straps that go with everything.
The five pieces a woman should always have in her jewelry box?
- A beautiful cuff, or even two to play the symmetry
- A long necklace
- A pair of asymmetrical earrings
- A cocktail ring
- A piece for which one has an affection, which brings emotion
The ultimate piece of jewelry that you would dream of acquiring?
The jewel that has fascinated me for more than twenty years is a ring by Suzanne Belperron with a rock crystal setting and a huge white diamond. I love its purity and elegance".
