«Fascinating chrysoberyl». A stone «generous, solid and alive».
Isabelle Langlois & Charlotte Wannebroucq
Isabelle, who is inspired by the chrysoberyl ?
I would say that this stone makes me think of the beautiful light of spring.
Of all the chrysobryls, which one do you prefer?
The yellower it is, the more I like it with a hint of green.
Isabelle Langlois
© Ejcw
Is there a famous chrysobryll like for diamonds?
Yes, a Hope exactly. It is a yellow-green cat’s eye that can be admired at the British Museum.
It is 45 carats and has the color of peridot.
How did you discover the chrysoberyl?
As a little girl and as a lapidary student, I have always been surrounded by beautiful stones.
But surprisingly, I discovered the chrysoberyl in a setting that included three synthetic stones made by my great uncle. There were two pigeon blood rubies (type Burmese ruby), the chrysoberyl was in the center, and that intrigued me greatly. I then kept seeing a real chrysoberyl.
© Isabelle Langlois
What place does this gem have in your creations?
The realization takes at least two months, because I take care to also select the stones that accompany it. On my desk, there are shelves filled with stones with which I play, it’s an addictive game of color. I select the brightest, most vibrant stones.
I check their shades and their shine. Sometimes I have to retouch or repolish some of them to get the perfect result. It’s important to remember that it’s the light that reveals a stone.
Isabelle Langlois
© Ejcw
How do you find these stones?
Are you going to select them in the mines?
Once, I went to a mine in Tanzania.
It must be said that it was fascinating. We have to admit it, but let’s be realistic: as a woman, it remains complicated because these are very masculine places.
Let me emphasize that I am fortunate to have brothers and cousins who are lapidaires. So without taking any risks, they often offer me beautiful stones.
What will be your next creation?
It’s always like a tableau where inspiration reveals itself. First a beautiful stone, then others that will come together and reveal themselves. The next creation will most likely be made with this magnificent 13-carat garnet.
© Isabelle Langlois
I would add other stones, including the fire, flora, and … the Last Judgment. Very trendy right now.
