It’s on Cardinale Street near one of the most charming squares in Paris, where Anaïs Rheiner creates her jewelry. She shares with us her creative odyssey.
Meeting with Anaïs Rheiner
What is your favorite stone?
Emeralds. I love the color of this stone and what goes on inside it.
There are many things to see there; it’s a landscape. I let myself be guided by the material; it carries me and I create. In nature, imperfections are beautiful.
The jewel that best represents you?
The earrings, I love them!
What do you like about your job as a jewelry designer?
I love creating, it’s my universe and a real pleasure. I live my collection, it’s born and then it can leave.
© Anaïs Rheiner
How did you become a jewelry designer?
© Anaïs Rheiner
Very early on. It was thanks to my mother that I was encouraged from a very young age to be creative. At the age of 10 I drew a lot and she asked me to make a drawing of a piece of jewelry. This creative side went hand in hand with the stones, because my father was a geologist; the stones were always very present and have accompanied me throughout my youth. At 19 I lived in Africa in Zimbabwe; after finishing my high school, I went to work for a jewelry designer; I observed him closely. Later in Mozambique I opened a workshop and started creating. The history of that country moved me deeply; it is a former Portuguese colony, a very poor country and a war that lasted 20 years. I transformed this emotion into creation.
And finally Durban, South Africa, and a great school of jewelry making. This school taught me to delve deeper into my creation, the material. Durban is a cosmopolitan city; the Art Deco style blends with the Zoulou feathers; it’s strange and at the same time enchanting.
I really achieved my goal with my creation.
© Anaïs Rheiner
What gives you inspiration?
To create, I need to leave; I need a break, a break from everything.
It might be a trip, but not just that. My last trip was to Japan. A little collection, some jewelry… The harmony and tranquility that I find in Japan is the Zen spirit.
Right now it’s the pearls that inspire me; I have to bring the pearl to life by telling a story. Because my jewelry has a soul, and I want the women who come to my home to appreciate that.
An important creation?
My cufflink!
© Anaïs Reiner
It has a very sophisticated feel and a space to dream.
It’s a piece that’s close to my heart.
A place that inspires you?
The Pagode in Paris in the 7th arrondissement. I love this place, its history.
A book you haven’t forgotten?
«Shantaram» is an adventure novel. The story takes place in India.
© Anaïs Rheiner
What would you like to accomplish?
My new collection!
In the future I would like to make jewelry that is closer to the stone, its shape, and its material. Since my childhood, they have surrounded me; the stones must be alive; they must be worn.
Thanks Anaïs for this journey between Europe and Africa, this creative intuition that brings your passion for jewelry to life.
Anaïs Rheiner
6 rue Cardinale 75006 Paris
+33 1 40 46 02 39
www.anaisrheiner.com
