Independent media since 2014
by Charlotte Wannebroucq · CNE Accredited Gemmologist

MEETING WITH SOPHIE RUBEL

Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Updated on December 21
Updated on 21 December 2022
Sophie Rubel

Meeting with Sophie Rubel between jewelry and diamonds.
First of all, Sophie Rubel comes from a famous lineage of jewelers and diamond merchants. Moreover, she is creative and daring because she is reviving the House of Haute Joaillerie. John Rubel from his ancestors. It should be said that the creations of the Rubel brothers are always sought after for their style, their mix of colored stones like turquoise and rubies, or for the stunning ballet pins.

John Rubel Ballerine Brooch. 1945 Diamonds, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold.
John Rubel Ballerine Brooch.1945
Diamonds, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold.

It should be noted that these creations have also attracted the attention of major jewelry houses, particularly Van Cleef & Arpels, for whom Maison Rubel produces numerous pieces. Today, that house is back thanks to Sophie Rubel. After recovering the designs, she and her partner Eric Schneider came up with the idea of reviving this savoir-faire. Thus, Sophie celebrates the 100th anniversary of John Rubel with creations inspired by the personalities of remarkable women and respecting the House’s DNA, through a collection titled Life of a Bohemian.
In this context, Esprit Joaillerie is pleased to share its encounter with Sophie Rubel, president and artistic director of John Rubel.

Sophie Rubel and Esprit Joaillerie Charlotte Wannebroucq © Esprit Joaillerie
Sophie Rubel and Esprit Joaillerie Charlotte Wannebroucq © Esprit Joaillerie

What is your favorite stone?

It must be said that beautiful rubies, or a diamond.

John Rubel ring "La Divine" Ruby, Diamonds, White Gold.
John Rubel's «La Divine» ring»
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold.

What is your favorite jewelry?

There’s no doubt that it’s a ring.

John Rubel "Mistinguett" Ring in Ruby, Emerald, Diamonds, White Gold.
John Rubel «Mistinguett» ring»
Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold. © Esprit Joaillerie

What gave you the passion for jewelry?

First of all, it’s a beautiful family story. My grandfather, Marcel Rubel, a great diamond merchant, taught me the exciting world of stones. So I have memories of old creases to sort through, inscriptions to erase. In fact, I was already involved in a little bit of the company’s life. It was a kind of knowledge transfer.

John Rubel "Zsa Zsa" Tourmaline Ring, Diamonds, White Gold.
John Rubel «Zsa Zsa» ring»
Tourmaline, Diamonds, White Gold. © Esprit Joaillerie

An old creation from the Rubel House?

Probably, this 1940s bracelet. Since it’s the only bracelet I could wear without getting bored. It should be noted that it has volume, boldness, and a lot of technique.

Bracelet "Roller" 1945. Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Gold. On sale at FD Gallery New York.
Bracelet «Roller» 1945.
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Gold.
On sale at FD Gallery New York.

What guides your creations?

The travels, the colors of the gems, the air of the time...
This can be the brilliance of a emerald or the deep red of a ruby.

John Rubel "Liberty" Emerald ring, Sapphires, Diamonds, Onyx & White Gold.
John Rubel «Liberty» ring»
Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, Onyx & White Gold. © Esprit Joaillerie

A book you haven’t forgotten?

A book about diamonds, more precisely an encyclopedia about diamonds in Venezuela. This book left an impression on me. It was the source of an exposé I delivered at the high school, an exposé that I asked the students to present on one of their passions. I chose the diamond from Venezuela. The diamond, already a passion!

John Rubel "Yoko" Diamond Ring, Rose Gold / White Gold.
John Rubel «Yoko» ring»
Diamonds, Rose Gold / White Gold.

A music you listen to?

«Bizet's »Carmen".
I love the sensual side of this woman. She is a strong woman who knows no fear and faces her destiny.
She inspired me for the ring that gave its name to the «Blue Carmen». This ring is a tribute to the dancers drawn by John Rubel.

John Rubel "Blue Carmen" Sapphire ring, Diamonds, White Gold.
John Rubel ring «Blue Carmen»
Sapphires, Diamonds, White Gold. © Esprit Joaillerie

What would you like to achieve?

The ability to create all my designs!

"Blue Carmen" cufflink © John Rubel
Manchette « Blue Carmen »
© John Rubel

John Rubel
10 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris

johnrubel.com

Sophie Rubel

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Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
The author

Charlotte Wannebroucq

Gemmologist expert, member of the CNE-Art, and expert in signed jewelry. Twenty-five years of experience at the heart of Parisian jewelry, between the Carré Rive Gauche and Place Vendôme.
She signs the decryptions of collections, the analyses of stones and the estimates published in Esprit Joaillerie. Each piece commented on is examined in person, in the workshop, in the sales room or in the showroom.
  • Expertise

    Gemmology and signed jewellery

  • Member

    CNE-Art

  • Experience

    Over 25 years in Parisian jewellery

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