THE VIEW OF JEAN VENDOME

Jean Vendome's gaze on his passion for creation, jewelry.

First of all, this great jewelry designer loves stones and minerals. He has the gift of transforming them into works of art. For Jean Vendome’s gaze knows how to express their mystery.

Esprit Joaillerie was lucky enough to interview him and we are pleased to share this beautiful encounter with you.

Your first look at the jewel, the one that guided you?

First, a few grams of gold. Then some stones. All the jewelry speaks to me.
It should be emphasized that the one who gave me the desire to create jewelry is René Lalique. It should be emphasized that he put art into the history of jewelry.

What is your favorite stone?

The tourmaline! It has very beautiful, sparkling colors; it is an extraordinary stone.

A music you listen to?

The song by Georges Brassens, «Les passantes».

How do you judge contemporary jewelry design?

I think that jewelry design must generate a force, an idea. There are a few creators who will remain. But most of them come to creation without any culture. Because you can’t create without culture. Often, too often, it’s just plagiarism.

Any message you would like to give to the creators?

To look at the world, to be contemporary, not modern.
You have to live in the present and the future; you have to be ahead of your time. If you discover a beautiful creation, don’t try to copy it because it will always be less beautiful. On the other hand, it should be a stimulus to think and work, to create something new, because every finished piece brings emotions. This will also encourage colleagues and the jewelry industry to move forward and evolve.
And of passion, because without passion there is no creation!

How have your Armenian origins influenced your work?

Courage and honesty.
I was born in France and it was thanks to France that I learned my trade.

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Any meetings that have left an impression on you?

There are many of them. I was lucky to meet great men like Mr Roger Caillois, Professor Lucien Israël or else Mr Maurice Schumann. These are encounters that I have not forgotten because these «great men» have great culture, are sensitive, and modest.
It is the greatness of the human being, the knowledge and simplicity.

A work of art that you like?

The «Embâcle» fountain by Charles Daudelin. This work is located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés; it gives the impression that the sidewalk is lifted up by the force of the water!
I also like the sculptors Henry Moore and Jean Suzanne.

Do you always have the desire to create?

Yes, because I am still in love with my profession.

Thank you Jean Vendome for this exceptional interview that particularly touched me.
You symbolize for me the passion for creation that I was fortunate to see expressed over all these years.