Fine jewellery houses are designing more wearable and modern pieces, making diamonds accessible and easy to wear for everyday.
One such design house is Messika Paris, a brand that is quickly growing around the world for its stunning designs and high quality that appeal to all ages. Alia Fawaz talks exclusively to its Founder, Valerie Messika, who happens to come from a diamond pedigree and has a knack for creating sublime objects every girl desires.
You seem to have a strong preference for diamonds, which are like your trademark.
Yes diamonds are in my DNA. I was born into the ‘diamond world’. But I’m lucky enough to be able to access amazing coloured diamonds also.
Being the daughter of a prominent diamond dealer has clearly influenced your role today. What made you want to design?
When I started working with my father, I loved sharing our common passion for diamonds but I was missing the creative part. I needed to be able to express myself and I couldn’t do it through diamonds alone. That is why as I started working with diamonds, I also started to create my own jewellery pieces but just for myself. Some of my girlfriends liked my first creations and insisted I create more jewellery and design pieces for them as well. That is how it all began.
Did you get a formal education in diamond or jewellery design?
No I didn’t, I’m autodidact. My father taught me everything about diamonds. But it’s my sensibility that develops my creativity.
Your designs are so intricate and beautiful and seem easy to wear and fluid. What is the secret?
My jewellery philosophy is elegant diamond pieces to be worn on an everyday basis. It’s a mix between timeless and contemporary pieces, but always with a twist of modernity.
A few years ago I noticed there was a gap to be filled between big jewellery houses that offer formal and classical pieces and other jewellery brands that offer costume jewellery made without precious stones. Jewels are made to bring sparkles and joy to women at all times, not only on special occasions. I like the idea of being able to wear diamonds daily, especially with a casual outfit such as jeans and a classic white shirt.
My secret? I create pieces I love to wear myself everyday.
Do you have a favourite item you like designing?
I love bracelets because I can wear all my designs at one time. I do not like having to choose between my pieces, so I love wearing a number of bracelets at once, this accumulation of glamour and rock is my favourite.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I get my inspiration from a lot of things, at all times. I am always looking for inspiration in my travels, through architecture, interior design (which I am crazy about), by walking on the streets and looking at people’s attitudes and styles.
Who would you like to wear Messika? Describe the perfect muse.
Kate Moss for sure, she is so elegant and natural, as my pieces should be.
What is the one piece of jewellery a woman should invest in?
I think it’s my fully paved “Move Pavé” bangle. It’s an iconic piece, a perfect accessory for a pair of jeans or a little black dress.
Do you have a standard with Messika for the grading/quality of diamonds you use?
Yes, we use FGVS diamonds for jewellery pieces. Our standards are very important to us and are what give us such a loyal fan base.
Messika is available in 250 points of sales in over 40 countries all around the world.
Middle East points of sale:
• Seddiqi Dubai, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Wafi, Mirdiff
• Al Manara/ Abu Dhabi Sowwa,Yas Mall , Abu Dhabi Mall
• Al Manara Al Ain/ Al Ain Mall
• Ali Bin Ali Qatar/ Royal Plaza
• Ali bin Ali Saudi Arabia/ Riyadh & Jeddah
• Asia Jewelers Bahrain
