Parisians Charlotte Heymann and Céline Alimi, founders of Lovingstone, both love precious stones, colours and fashion. Their desire: to invent a different way to wear jewellery – with simplicity, spontaneity and playfulness.
Charlotte, Céline, tell us a bit about who you are. What was your background before Lovingstone?
We are two Parisians who are passionate about jewels! We each started our careers at the biggest companies of Place Vendôme: Cartier, Chopard, Boucheron… It was during this time that we each developed a fascination for precious stones and jewellery making. We actually met at Boucheron, where we worked together on various fine jewellery projects and eventually became friends.
How was Lovingstone created?
The name Lovingstone reflects our love for stones with a rock n’ roll twist. What we wanted, as a challenge, was to create a trendy and accessible jewellery line, using only materials used by Place Vendôme: 18 carat gold and natural, good quality stones.
We designed jewellery pieces with the idea that each woman can play with choosing their own pieces and create their own collection. We spent 18 months working on the various collections and support materials, curating a brand that was true to us – we are both perfectionists. And once each and every detail was perfect, we launched Lovingstone!
How do you build a new collection?
Our collections come about naturally, following our current desires.
Creating new pieces is honestly what we love the most about our job. The inspiration could come from anywhere – that’s why we’re together 24/7! Each new line starts with a stone: a cabochon, a briolette, a faceted gem… which we pair with a twist of gold and imagine wearing on our finger, our ears or around our necks. Then we sketch up some designs and work with our workshops on developing prototypes until we reach the final product.
What are your favourites piece from this season?
The double hoop earring for sure! It’s a hoop that curls around the ear and gives the illusion of another piercing. Precious and totally on-trend, it’s exactly the thing that drives us when we create new jewels.
Tell us about your experience at the Who’s Next trade show… how long have you been participating there? What opportunities has the trade show given you?
We’ve been presenting at Who’s Next since 2014, at every session, and January will be our 17th trade show with them! Each show is different each year. For us, it’s an opportunity to present our world, our collections and our new pieces to our clients and potential clients who have boutiques all over the world: Tokyo, Dubai, Amsterdam, Saint Barth… Each season we meet new people who give us the opportunity to establish ourselves in new cities and countries, in concept stores or department stores. It’s without a doubt an unmissable opportunity for us to grow and develop our brand.
Any funny stories from the trade show?
We are often mistaken for sisters… we spend too much time together!
Any advice for those who are launching a brand and who want to participate at the Who’s Next trade show to get their name out there?
Go into it without improvisation! It’s important that you perfect your collection, and that you’re ready to take orders and fulfil them as soon as possible, and most importantly that you imagine every detail of your stand so that it reflects your brand – it’s the first thing that visitors will see when they walk down your aisle.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
A new collection coming very soon, and a collab with a new brand that we love… We can’t wait!
Interview in collaboration with Inside Closet. Read the full article here.