MARC DELOCHE JEWELRY DESIGNER

Marc Deloche, jewelry designer and architect

Jeweller and talented architect Marc Deloche He has managed to combine his two passions with great success. Originally from Montpellier, he began his career in architecture before turning to the creation of jewelry in the late 1990s. Since then, he has established his unique style, combining animalistic shapes and tinkling medals. He presents his collections each year at the Paris Fashion Week.

This jewelry designer also an architect juggles between two scales that make sense. In fact, graphic lines, design and jewelry are a virtuous combination. So very quickly the jewelry can become a bit like a talisman to which one clings on, for example like its famous medallion ring.
So, I leave you with a little more to discover about this talented creator.

Marc, how did you develop this passion for jewelry?

Even as a child, jewelry had an attractive power over me.
For me, jewelry is attractive because of its brilliance and rarity. As a result, the finesse of this precious ornament caught my eye very early on. In particular, I remember going to the jeweler Louvre with my grandparents seeing the Régent and
The Crown Jewels on display, that literally fascinated me.

But how does one go from being an architect to being a jeweler?

Actually, I’m not sure we’ll switch from one to the other, because for me the profession of an architect involves creativity that can be used for many different purposes. For example, it’s not uncommon to see architects who paint, sculpt, or create elements inherent to their projects, such as furniture or door handles…
So the jewel is also part of that universe; it’s just a different scale of relationship.

You are an architect DPLG. What does this training bring to the jewelry industry?

My vision is different; it is an approach that focuses on modernity and can play with tradition.

Is there a famous piece of jewelry that makes you dream?

Previously I have told you about my memories in Louvre, These exhibited jewels that I was able to appreciate at a very young age still fascinate me. There are others as well, for example I really like the work from the 70s, the work from the 40s and 50s.

I am sensitive to the work of Paul Flato, Seaman Schepps, Henry Dunay, but also
Jean Vendome And many more. Often, I think everything has been done and that the new generations are just reinterpreting it. To convince yourself of this, just look at some of the great brands that persist thanks to iconic designs that were created a long time ago.
These creations transcend the eras without becoming outdated; they are so modern for their time that they still remain so today.

When there are stones, is there a gem you prefer?

I really like hard stones like lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger’s eye and coral. Also the diamond.

Can you introduce us to two of your creations?

When I created the medal ring, which is an emblematic piece of jewelry Marc Deloche, Now 22 years ago, what inspired me were the gourmets that we saw on our grandmothers.
At that time, many medals and other pendants were attached to it, sometimes more figurative, souvenirs of a life that flowed around the wrist.
I think this ring has been very successful because of the noise and movement it creates on the finger. The clicking sound becomes addictive and becomes a part of your life.,
Without him, it seems to you that something is missing. 

In terms of jewelry, I still hold on to this idea of movement; I also love the idea of assembly. I’m thinking of a piece I made for the 6th collection: it’s a piece that starts with a Lyssipé necklace that can be disassembled to become a cuff and pair of earrings.
The idea of having three pieces of jewelry in one is something that I find fun, as it allows me to vary according to my mood and whims.
Perhaps this «mechanical» aspect comes from my training as an architect.

Do you have any anecdotes related to one of your creations?

In my universe, I also have a collection of animal-shaped rings, including a Bouledogue head in silver, in which we once enclosed the ashes of a Bouledogue, a pet dog of a client who had made this unusual request, which I found very touching.

What music inspires you when you create?

All types of music inspire me.

A work of art that you like?

Soulages, who lives in Toulouse, I am fortunate to be able to often admire his works at the museum dedicated to him in Rodez.
His work forces reflection and meditation.

Is there a jeweler who inspired you?

In addition to those I have already mentioned to you previously, I am thinking of Jeanne Toussaint, who did remarkable work at Cartier, and Suzanne Belperron, who also created jewelry that remains very current and that for me is a reference.

What are your future plans?

Continue to create jewelry, interiors, and exteriors as I do today.

Dear Marc, thank you so much for sharing a little of your creative spirit with us.

Marc Deloche
220 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
9 rue Antonin Mercié 31000 Toulouse

marc-deloche.com