Jean Boggio is a passionate jeweler and goldsmith.
For Jean Boggio, Nothing is impossible; this talented creator loves the baroque and the magic. This passionate jeweller is an indispensable figure in the art world. He collaborates, among others, with major houses where he shares his expertise.
For Esprit Joaillerie, he presents his enchanting universe.
Jean, how do you see yourself?
First of all, I am a storyteller, a passionate craftsman first and foremost.
I don’t consider myself a designer! A designer is not a hands-on person; he has others make his ideas happen. I claim my own ideas and work on them myself thanks to my training as a jeweler-smith and gemologist. It should be noted that I love creating, touching the material. All materials and the design that allows the creation of jewelry—but not only that. Of course there is also jewelrymaking, fabrics, objects, dresses, paintings, and furniture.
Similarly, my childhood drawings still inspire me today. Just as the founding myths of Charles Perrault or the Thousand and One Nights that I heard in my childhood are there, they are my DNA.
The castle ring, the ring of architecture They come from my childhood drawings.
My mother taught me to draw three things:
A palm tree, a little sailor and a little Moor.
Symbols that connect me to my origins, since I was born in Algeria and I often went to the Côte d’Azur, to Cannes… I was lucky to have the dual culture of the East and the West, it’s a beautiful mix.
Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, Gold © Esprit Joaillerie
What is your favorite stone?
Amethyst, I’m a purple freak!
It is the color of spirituality.
Or a beautiful rough diamond, especially not the ostentatious classic diamond, not the husband syndrome and the value-laden gift.
The jewel that represents you?
The tour ring.
I love passion; luxury is about telling stories. I don’t make fancy jewelry; only jewelry with stories, jewelry sculptures, jewelry in the form of paintings.
The dream is the only freedom that cannot be sold or stolen.
A music you listen to?
In Albert Ketèlbey’s Persian market, I adore Scarlatti’s harpsichord.
And Debussy's «Clair de Lune».
Presented exclusively at Bon Marché Rive Gauche. © Esprit Joaillerie
A place that inspires you?
I love the Palais Royal; it’s the place of the incredible and the wonderful.
Pearls, Amethysts, Rubies, Emeralds, Yellow Sapphires, Diamonds, Gold © Esprit Joaillerie
A Book you haven’t forgotten?
The Thousand and One Nights and The Orchard of Delights, which is the more adult version written in the 14th century. The Bible is my favorite book.
That sums up the day-night aspect of Jean Boggio, sun-moon.
A work of art that you like?
Giacometti's silent servant, his poetry touches me.
If you had to choose one of your achievements to remember?
Artistic direction at the Chocolat salon for the Maison du Chocolat.
I created chocolate dresses for 3 years for the Maison du Chocolat and the Palais de Dame Tartine for Lindt.
Chocolate dress for
The Maison du Chocolat.
Production by Jean Boggio and Cécilia Cara
© gettyimages
Gamma-Rapho/Pierre Hounsefield
What can I wish you?
My dream is to transform my infinitely small universe, even though my rings are important: to make Manolo Valdés or Botero move from the threshold of the decorative arts to that of the XXL, that is, to move onto the monumental.
Organizing an exhibition where I go further in terms of excess and reclaim the status of an artist to show that the artisan remains an artist.
Jean Boggio
Jean, we are delighted to welcome you until December 18 at 51 rue de Seine in Paris to discover your creations and your cabinet of curiosities.
Exhibition: Stories of Jean Boggio
Isabelle Subra Woolworth Gallery
51 rue de Seine 75006 Paris
+33 1 43 54 57 65
