Coki Bijoux
I began my formal study of jewelry making in Paris in 1990 while apprenticing under the independent “bijoutier” Thierry de Bourqueney. Under de Bourqueney I studied the art and tradition of wax modeling and lost wax casting, as well as metal work, to create one-of-a-kind rings. The studio’s location near the Opera and Rue de la Paix, home to Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron, among others, became an obvious influence in the work I would do later.
My time with de Bourqueney taught me the necessity of measurement and precision in jewelry making, while also using that as the foundation for creativity in design. The process of taking a ring through the stages of wax modeling to casting to finished product became the foundation of my appreciation for this art form. For me, forming pieces by hand preserves the tradition of this work by allowing human imperfections that attract the heart and kindle a desire for the object to be worn.
Over the years my work has evolved from the strictly “bijoutier” style to include more organic, earthy elements that reflect my love of forms and objects found in nature. My collection has expanded to encompass work with stones, wire and metal work, and beading. In all my work, I try to create something that is unique and original to the person wearing it.
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