There are two sides to jewelry: the practical−raw materials, production, craftsmanship−and then the emotional−the personal connection formed by giving, receiving, or merely seeing an object of such profound beauty. This month, we tap into the emotional side by highlighting our very own Phillips Jewels team, our greatest ambassadors. Meet the specialists from around the world, who not only reveal their “first love” but their other true passions, aside from jewels of course!
Benoît Repellin, Head of Jewellery, Europe
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Geneva
IN LOVE WITH… Family heirlooms. I remember looking at my mother's and grandmothers’ engagement rings and being fascinated by the stones, beauty and uniqueness of each gem. My mother has a ruby, my grandmother a sapphire, my other grandmother a diamond, and my great grandmother an emerald. So between these four rings, the four "precious gems" were represented. When people ask me what is my favorite gem, it’s difficult to say because I find all of them fascinating.
A PASSION FOR… Sailing and skiing. I have been sailing in beautiful places like Greece, Croatia, Corsica, but my favorite destination was the Grenadine islands. During winter, living in Geneva also provides a great opportunity to enjoy the mountains and ski slopes.
Sara Thomeier, Head of Department, Jewels (Americas)
CITY OF RESIDENCE: New York City
IN LOVE WITH… Anything sparkly, anything shiny, anything opulent. I bought my first serious piece of jewelry on a blustery, spring morning in London during one of the trips with my mother, just us girls. We went to Portobello Road and I found the most beautiful carbuncle and diamond pendant locket that I've ever seen. At the time, it was the most expensive thing I've ever considered buying for myself. But I loved it so much, and it was a piece of jewelry that encapsulated the moment, the trip and the experience of being with my mom in such a beautiful and tangible way that I could not resist it. So I splurged and I bought it. Still today, it is one of my most treasured possessions and every time I look at it, I remember that day with my mother.
A PASSION FOR… Travel. That's the thing that brings me the most joy, and motivates me to continue expanding my horizons: seeing new places, meeting new people, hearing new stories. If there's anything I want to give to my children, it is the experience of adventure and exploration. I want to inspire them to learn all the secrets out there in the world, and to see as much of it as they can.
Kelly Mak, Specialist, Head of Sales
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Hong Kong
IN LOVE WITH… Tanzanite. Also, the first gemstone I bought myself. With its amazing color combination of purple and blue, tanzanite captivates me and reminds me of the Northern Lights I saw during my favorite trip thus far in Rovaniemi, Finland.
A PASSION FOR… Travel. I enjoy exploring the world and learning about different cultures. I personally prefer exotic countries like Morocco, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Iceland, etc. Also, I find travelling very therapeutic because it’s where I can fully rest and take my mind off work.
Eva Violante, Senior Specialist
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Brooklyn, New York
IN LOVE WITH… Glittering brooches. When I was very young, a neighbor on my street had a house sale. All of her possessions were laid out on display. I couldn’t resist the sparkle emanating from the jewels atop her dresser. I loved animals, so I picked up a colorful multi-gem set elephant brooch and put it on. It glistened on my overalls as I checked myself out in the mirror. The rest is history!
A PASSION FOR… Animals and the great outdoors. I love to be outside whenever possible, and I’m typically with a furry friend. I feel happy and at peace in nature with wildlife.
Cristel Tan, International Jewellery Specialist
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Singapore
IN LOVE WITH… A gold dress watch that I inherited from my late grandmother. Gifted from my grandfather, she never took it off. Over the years, the gold strap eventually shaped to her wrist and to this day it remains the same. It is a very sentimental piece for me. Which is why I love jewelry−not only are jewels beautiful to wear, but you can keep those special pieces that hold memories and meaningful moments close to your heart.
A PASSION FOR… My dogs. To quote Milan Kundera (Author, The Unbearable Lightness of Being), “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring−it was peace.”
Paul Redmayne, Head of Private Sales
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Hong Kong
IN LOVE WITH… High Jewelry. I began my career at Cartier in London where I worked for 2 weeks as a “Wrapper Runner” over the Christmas vacation. My job was to take the jewels sold by the sales team, meticulously wrap them in crisp white paper, tie the red Cartier ribbon, then finish them off with a hot wax seal and Cartier stamp. Then I would jump in a taxi and deliver them to clients across London. Afterwards, it became my regular Saturday job while continuing to study for my degree. I would get lunches for the team, cigars and champagne for clients, cut pollen off the flowers for clients with allergies, until one day I was asked by the Salon Director to assist him in the high jewelry room for a VVIP. Cartier had flown in high jewelry sets from Paris and New York: emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, diamonds. I’d never seen anything like it. I was hooked.
A PASSION FOR… Cycling. The freedom, discovering new roads, and pushing one’s limits toiling at 8 km/h up an 11% incline to be rewarded by the mind-awakening exhilaration of a sinewy descent on the other side. I’ve been offered one of the few places on the start line for this August’s London-Edinburgh-London, a cycling event that occurs every 4 years. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning at 5 AM to pedal off into the darkness of Hong Kong to prepare my mind and body and I can’t wait.
Lane Mclean, Specialist/Client Liaison
CITY OF RESIDENCE: London
IN LOVE WITH… Jewelry that wasn’t my own. In my early 20s, I was living in New York City and had a meeting at Verdura. The woman greeted me with a selection of bold, stylish Verdura pieces and from that moment on, the love affair began! It was in that instant I realized just how impactful and elegant jewels could be.
A PASSION FOR… Travel and Kids. While I love a ski or beach holiday, the adventures further afield and off the beaten path are my brightest memories. Co-conspirators in wanderlust, my three children have been my life's passion from the moment they each entered the world. Coincidentally, they make terrific travel partners!
Tomoko Mizutani, Specialist
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Tokyo
IN LOVE WITH… A tiara. The first piece of jewelry I fell in love with was a shining birthday tiara with colorful plastic gems that I received when I was a little girl. Since then, I have been fascinated with tiaras and their history. One of the great things about this job is to have the opportunity to encounter beautiful tiaras, both antique and modern, and every time I see one at auction, I feel thrilled and excited like the day I received my glittering plastic-made tiara. Here I am wearing an antique bandeau tiara for my client. I tried to look cool, but you can tell how excited I was inside!
A PASSION FOR… Art and music. I come from a family that loves paintings, singing, piano, and violin. Music has always been close to me since I was young. I also play the flute and piano, and occasionally participate in the orchestra for seasonal concerts.
Daniel Sarver, Cataloguer
CITY OF RESIDENCE: New York City
IN LOVE WITH… Pearls. My love of jewelry gradually crept in through familial experiences, starting as a child sitting on my grandmother's lap playing with her pearls. My passion for jewelry has grown and refined since then. Now, a current love would have to be my retro toi et moi-style ring composed of two opposing scarabs each pushing a star sapphire which has become a staple in my wardrobe.
A PASSION FOR… Woodworking and carpentry. I have made most of my furniture in my apartment!
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