Fashion People Gold Standard
Feb 27, 2026
Charlotte Chesnais, Paris-based jewelry designer who launched her sculptural namesake line after training at Balenciaga. She talks about building a brand in France, why she chose silver and vermeil, the rising cost of gold and silver, wholesale vs consignment challenges, and keeping independent ateliers alive. Short reflections on diamonds, design integrity, and why her pieces feel timeless.
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How Balenciaga Sparked A Jewelry Career
- Charlotte Chesnais learned jewelry by being asked to make pieces at Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga studio and spending long hours with craftsmen.
- She taught herself 3D molding because she couldn't sketch her ideas, which shaped her sculptural jewelry DNA.
Vermeil Let Her Make Noble Yet Accessible Jewelry
- Chesnais launched her brand in 2015 as a personal creative project focused on silver and vermeil to make pieces accessible.
- She picked noble-feeling materials (silver/vermeil) because she wanted timeless pieces people could actually buy and wear.
Three Distinct Tiers Define Jewelry Markets
- Jewelry splits into fashion/brass, silver/vermeil, and gold/fine categories with distinct rules and costs.
- France formally regulates silver/vermeil and fine jewelry commonly uses 18k gold, making material choice a legal and pricing decision.