Opening the Jewellery Box: Mille Feuille Necklace
Mille Feuille Necklace
Turning Over A New Leaf
I’ve always looked forward to the arrival of spring. A time of growth and rebirth, I eagerly await being welcomed from my winter burrow by warm weather and fresh blooms. This year, something in the air is making me feel more giddy than usual. The change in seasons is reminding me that even if we feel stuck, we are never fully stagnant. After a year of being cooped up, it’s a much needed and appreciated lesson in patience.
As some of you may know, my family is very fond of hiking. Our latest sites of exploration have been the enchanting state forests of Connecticut. These hikes have been the perfect escape from our seemingly endlessly busy weekdays. I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together, discovering new-to-us paths as we’re greeted by the woodland residents.
Usually, my metaphorical spring welcoming party is dotted with cut flowers (my favorites are peonies, gerbera daisies, and poppies), plans to refresh my garden, and pesky seasonal allergies. But these hikes have reintroduced me to tall (nay, giant) guests who go by names such as Maple, Birch, and Oak. They’re changing out of their winter wear into their best party garb, stippling the sky with bright green hues and flashes of rosy reds, jubilant yellows, and the prettiest pinks.
Unafraid To Fall: Mille Feuille’s Namesake
While the name “Mille Feuille” usually refers to a (delicious) flaky French dessert, it directly translates to mean “a thousand leaves.” I was inspired by the delightful imagery of this hyperbolic phrase, and challenged myself to create a piece that captures its wondrous charm. The result: gemstone leaves dramatically scattered as if falling from the sky into a perfectly arranged necklace.
Trusted Roots & Fresh Blooms: How It’s Made
I’ve been thinking about and planning out this necklace for many years–I’ve held onto these carved leaves for ages, waiting for the perfect design to strike my fancy.
The Mille Feuille is set in platinum, eighteen-karat rose, and yellow gold. In addition to the fabulous collection of hand-carved tourmaline leaves, the piece is accented by a variety of multi-colored gemstones and one magnificent Tahitian pearl. Interspersed amongst the tourmalines are sculpted leaf motifs set entirely with diamonds, tendrils and surrounds of gemstone and diamond accents, and two playful insects freely flying. The leaves are placed by color, with one half of the necklace showcasing shades of pink, and the other, green.
Since each tourmaline is uniquely shaped, I wanted the necklace to be worn more than one way to fully show off the beauty of the gems’ adaptability. Therefore, the Mille Feuille is convertible and may be separated into two bracelets: one green and one pink. Hidden clasps differentiate the two sides, hiding the surprise within the secret garden.
Springing Forward
The Mille Feuille has quickly become one of my favorite pieces that I’ve created due to its organic beauty, striking playfulness, and ode to nature’s versatility and tenacity. From designing, to creating, to sharing, this necklace’s journey continues to remind me that sometimes I need to step back, take a deep breath, and let the pieces fall into place.
