Jewelry is the perfect balance between the tangible and the intangible,
the material and the ethereal.
— Gurhan Orhan
One of the most interesting and exciting aspects to what I do is discovering and working with emerging designers. One of these is a young, talented fine jewelry designer, Pauline Bernard. I first met Pauline in Paris in January of 2023. She was (and is) very shy and self effacing so at first I didn’t believe she was a serious designer — until I saw her work. Her designs are fresh, modern and innovative and even, in some cases, kinetic. I’ve been collaborating with Pauline (and collecting her work) since meeting her. To learn more about her and share her story I sat with her for an interview.
Purely Personal: Were you creative as a child?
Pauline: Even though I had a brother, I felt a little lonely as a child. I drew a lot and found that it was both calming and energizing. Drawing was a fulfilling form of engagement for me.
Purely Personal: Why did you choose jewelry design rather than, say, clothing, accessories, architecture or furniture?
Pauline: Design is architecture. I love drawing expressive shapes. Jewelry can show what you want, a part of yourself — bold and assertive or soft and quiet. It is why I like to work with gold and silver. These metals are strong but soft, bright and dark. Jewelry is like scenery to me with many nuances and shapes.
Purely Personal: Who has motivated or influenced you and your designs?
Pauline: As a teenager I was fascinated by older designs, their classic shapes and lines. I was close to my grand-mere who was flamboyant, artistic and very expressive. Her influence gives me freedom to experiment and express myself with shapes. Through her I found my metier.
Purely Personal: What “mile markers” have you achieved so far that encourage you?
Pauline: I have designed for YSL and through that was offered a position at Louis Vuitton. I did not want to stop my own business efforts so I turned it down. One of my first designs was featured on the cover of Paul E. magazine.
Purely Personal: What are your short and long term goals?
Pauline: After over five months of development, I’m introducing two new designs and gem stones into the line. I’m very excited about the launch project.
I’d like to open a shop near my workshop. And I hope to show in New York in the future.
Purely Personal: What are you most proud of?
Pauline: When a customer wears exactly the right shape, size and proportion, I love to see the light in her eyes. I love that my designs bring happiness.
The answer to that last question is why I love working with Pauline. It is exactly what motivates me and brings me fulfillment — “seeing the light in a client’s eyes” when they finally express their Purely Personal style.
I encourage you to further explore Pauline’s work on the Imminent Fantasma website.
