“A jewel is a moment of intimacy.”, says Parisian jewellery artist Amélie Viaene, whose creations are as much about emotion as they are about form. Favoring the ancient technique of wax modeling, she transforms sketches into tactile, organic pieces that resonate with personal significance.
She meticulously selects precious and fine stones, paying particular attention to their nature, size, and inclusions, as these elements guide the narrative she wishes to convey through each piece. Her work invites wearers into a world where artistry meets authenticity.
© Benjamin Bouchet
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in the north of Paris, 18th arrondissement, and my studio-boutique where I worked until this summer was in the 7th. These are two opposite worlds, geographically, socially and culturally. I’ve always thrived on these contrasts and the daily back-and-forths. Recently, a third world has been added to my life. It’s a house in the countryside, on the edge of a forest. A contemplative world that reconnects me with nature and helps me to enter a new phase of my work.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
When I want to relax, I like to go to the top of the Butte Montmartre or stroll alongside the banks of the Seine to find perspectives and wider horizons. The parks of Paris are also splendid, such as the Jardin des Tuileries with Penone’s work, where I like to meditate, and the small, bucolic Catherine Labouré garden close to my studio. In the countryside, a walk on forest paths is ideal in all seasons.
© Jérémie Tondu
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
There are many, of course. I would say the climate emergency, which is not being heard by our government, and the rise of the extreme right and its evil ideas, which seems unstoppable. All professions are also under pressure: hospitals, education, agriculture, artists. The return of war is also extremely worrying for the future of Europe.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
Paris has become a very pleasant city for cycling, but public transport could be further improved to avoid traffic jams and pollution. Paris has been transformed to host the Olympic Games, and every neighborhood has been undergoing construction and renovation. Poverty and precarity have grown especially since covid, and so most have drug problems, but instead of being treated as public health issues, they are managed as public order issues. Living in the north of Paris is a way of living in reality. Many wealthy Parisians live in a bubble, unaware of social class inequalities.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
Paris being Paris, it’s full of gourmet addresses. Chocolatiers, patissiers, artisans. I can mention just a few here: Cafe de belleville, Laiterie La chapelle, Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or, in north-east Paris. From an artisan point of view, there are also many of my colleagues in many sectors, design, fashion, metiers d’art, who manufacture in Paris. I would recommend visiting the Homo Faber website to discover the hidden talents of the city of Paris.
© Laiterie La Chapelle
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
Paris is not the most modern city, where technology takes us directly into the future and connects us to the past through heritage. The city’s future lies in its multicultural youth. It creates opportunities for itself in its unique environment. To remain relevant, Paris must remain open and welcoming to the world, to refugees, students, travellers or artists passing through or staying here.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
The privilege of living in a big city is that there are new shops opening every day and ‘good’ places to visit are often these new addresses. But to escape this race, you have to remember your classics and one of mine is Juveniles, a casual bistro with delicious cuisine from starter to dessert and charming service.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Paris is the capital of gastronomy so I would recommend the shops in the Les Halles district where you can find the most beautiful and specialized kitchen utensils. Mora, Dehillerin are two of them. For a grocery store, I would recommend the Grande Epicerie du Bon Marché and its mindblowing infinity of products, Olivier Roellinger’s spice shop or G Detou a gourmet store, which literally means “I have everything!”.
© La Grande Épicerie
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
Do you have any favourite newspaper or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
Le Monde (main French quality newspaper), FT Weekend, HTSI, Mediapart (investigative journalism) and I listen a lot to radio such as France Inter or France Culture.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I answer this question as if becoming mayor meant having a magic wand, even though, I know the reality is more complicated, but providing housing for the destitute and refugees seems the most obvious wish to me and should have nothing magical about it.
© Thian Benton
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?
I think that my new rhythm between Paris and the countryside suits me perfectly, I would add the presence of the sea, and why not the Adriatic Sea in the south of Dalmatia… I especially aspire to continue traveling and to marvel at the diversity of the world.
© Benjamin Bouchet
