In this article, we give the floor to a young jewelry designer, Diane Bouy…
My name is Diane Bouy, and I am a passionate jewelry designer, recently graduated from École Boulle with a degree in jewelry design and creation (DNMade).
What inspired you to work in the world of jewelry?
My journey into the world of jewelry began at a young age, as I was already fascinated by precious stones, building my own collection over time.
At the same time, I was always drawn to manual arts—whether it was drawing, painting, or any other artistic activity.
My schooling at Rudolf Steiner School played a crucial role in developing my creativity. The school’s alternative teaching methods nurtured my imagination and strengthened my desire to express myself through artistic forms.
The decisive turning point came when I discovered the profession of jewelry making—thanks to a friend who left school to pursue her passion and train as a jeweler in a prestigious jewelry house.
Through this encounter, I discovered a professional field I knew nothing about and had never considered studying.
This discovery sparked a deep interest within me and ignited my desire to learn and practice this craft.
What were the key stages in your journey?
My path has been marked by several key milestones. I started my jewelry training at École Boulle, where I earned a CAP (Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle) after high school, followed by a BMA (Brevet des Métiers d’Art) and a DNMade (Diplôme National des Métiers d’Art et du Design).
Alongside my academic training, I had the opportunity to complete various internships in both France and abroad, notably in London and Barcelona.
Each internship was an incredible experience, allowing me to explore different approaches and techniques in the jewelry industry, such as stone setting, working with gold, glass, and 3D design.
These experiences deepened my passion for the craft and opened up new creative perspectives.
What do you love about this profession?
What I love most about this profession is the ability to express my creativity and imagination through jewelry design.
There is a deep sense of satisfaction in craftsmanship, as I bring an idea to life with my own hands.
But what I love above all is seeing my creations worn by others—it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my designs become a part of someone’s personal story.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
What are your sources of inspiration?
How would you define your creative universe?
I love drawing inspiration from shapes and textures that surround me, whether they come from nature, everyday life, architecture, or contemporary art.
My creative approach is based on a constant exploration of forms and innovative principles. I enjoy playing with contrasts, whether by blending raw and minimalist aesthetics or combining geometric and organic elements.
I also love integrating pastel-colored stones and glass into metalwork, particularly pink, a signature hue that defines my artistic identity.
What techniques do you use?
One of my favorite techniques is wax carving, as it offers great flexibility in creating complex and intricate forms. Wax allows for various manipulations such as casting, molding, modeling, and engraving.
My material of choice is silver, whose neutral tone enhances the key elements of my creations, such as glass and gemstones.
An emblematic piece from your collection?
One of my standout pieces is the “Bisou” pendant. I crafted this piece using wax carving, shaping a domed heart with the word “bisou” (kiss) raised at its center. This design playfully reinterprets the classic heart necklace, giving it a fresh and modern twist that celebrates love in a unique way.
Can you tell us about your collection created with DALLOZ stones?
For this project in collaboration with Dalloz, I placed their gemstones at the heart of my designs. The stones dictated the form and aesthetics of the collection, becoming the primary source of my inspiration. I let their colors and shapes guide my creativity.
A defining aspect of this collection is the contrast between movement and stillness. Some stones are mobile, adding a sense of lightness and dynamism to the jewelry, while others remain firmly set, creating a captivating contrast.
My jewelry collection, “Pick ‘n’ Mix”, takes its name from the English expression referring to selecting your own mix of sweets before watching a movie at the cinema.
This collection embodies a burst of flavors, with carefully selected colors: candy pink, zesty green, soft blue, and a hint of tangy yellow.
Personalize your own assortment by mixing and matching earrings, rings, and bracelets to create a look that’s uniquely yours!
What are your plans for the future?
The “Dead Stock” collaboration with Dalloz has been a major source of inspiration, redefining my creative approach.
Right now, I’m fully immersed in developing a new collection that places greater emphasis on the integration of gemstones, bringing more color into my jewelry designs.
My goals include collaborating with other designers, exploring new artistic perspectives, and expanding my creative boundaries.
I also plan to sell my jewelry in pop-up stores and participate in exhibitions to share my work with a wider audience.
At the back of my mind, the desire to break into the fashion world is still present. I would love to work in a fashion house, contributing to the design and creation of unique jewelry pieces.
Ultimately, my dream is to make a living from my creations and open my own jewelry boutique, ideally in Paris or Barcelona. It’s a journey I’m pursuing with passion and determination.
Feel free to discover more about my universe on Instagram: @dianebouy.
