As jewelry enthusiasts, we have witnessed the trend in marine life from shells to underwater plants to creatures that live beneath the sea. French designer Yvonne Leon creates pieces that are on target with the theme that will go forward into the summer months. But she has always had an affinity the ocean and created and evolved her La Plage (which translates to “The Beach” in English) collection before it became a theme on the runway and in jewelry designers studios. And although sea life as a direction seems to take the circular route of most trends, in one year and out and back again, it is one of Leon’s most classically whimsical and meaning collections that she continues to build on season after season.
Here Leon talks about her inspiration and evolution of this collection:
Maxi Jelly Fish earrings in 18k yellow and white gold with grey diamonds.
What was the inspiration behind the sea life collection?
YL: “The La Plage collection captures the sun’s rays on the golden sand and the freshness of the infinite ocean. I designed this collection to bring sunshine to my client’s day. I also have this need to escape through these pieces. They are all close to my heart and have meaning and memories for me.” It all starts with an idea much of which comes from traveling as a young child, from a desire, an object or a photo .”
Bague Plage Or Jaune in 9K gold with Tsvorites, yellow sapphires and grey diamonds.
We have seen seal life motifs before; what differentiates your collection?
“I develop and evolve the collection each seson each season. This theme is constantly renewed with fresh pieces, textures and new creatures.
Shell Crab earrings in 9K gold with grey and black diamonds.
Do you see this collections ast having longevity and why?
“Yes I have been working on this collection since I began, over 10 years ago. So for me, it’s a timeless collection that is updated each season.
Diamond Nautilus Earrings in 9K gold.
Talk about the 9K vs. 18K with diamonds and why you feature both in the collection.
“9K is used to make more accessibly price pieces. On the other hand, 18K is used for more elaborate styles and those with more diamonds.”
What are your favorite pieces in this collection and why?
“I have several in this collection. They include the Boucle d’Oreille Homard, which is a quirky and surprising piece. Having a little diamond-articulated lobster in your ear is unexpected. My second favorite piece is The Collier Soleil for its sunny, joyful side. Finally, the Pendentif L’île aux Trésors for the techniques used, the gold sand, and the story told through this island.”
Boucle d’Oreille Homard articulated lobster earrings in 9K gold with a grey and black diamonds.
Collier Soleil in 18K gold with diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Pendentif L’île aux Trésors (Treasure Island pendant) rendered in 9K and with multi color sapphires, tsavorites and black, white and grey diamonds.
Do any of the pieces have special meaning or symbolism?
“The Paire de Boucles d’Oreille Hippocampe, the Bague Hippocampe, and the Boucle D’oreille Crabe Tsavorites are meaningful pieces for me. The seahorse was the first animal I made, followed by the crab. In my opinion, they have become a must-have, so they have been designed in several ways.”
Paire de Boucles d’Oreille Hippocampe or Seahorse earrings in 9K gold, Tsavorites and diamond and saphire accents.
Does any of this remind you of growing up? Did you grow up by the sea?
“Yes, the Bague Plage collection reminds me of my childhood. Even though I didn’t grow up near the ocean, I traveled a lot with my parents and most of our destinations were by the sea. I spent my childhood holidays in the Bahamas and the South of France, which has inspired the collectionL clear waters, soft sands and sunny skies.These are magical childhood memories for me that I cherish, which is ultimately from where the collection stemmed.”