My journey to jewelry design wasn’t linear—it was a confluence of experiences that began in the studios of my BFA program at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. There, I divided my time between the precision of graphic design and the raw materiality of furniture making, a fundamental training in form and function that continues to influence how I approach each piece of jewelry.
Working with wood taught me patience and respect for materials. Like the grain of maple or walnut, each piece of polymer clay has its character and story. The precision required in furniture joinery mirrors the exactitude needed in jewelry construction, though at a different scale.
Later on, my years in museum marketing provided an unexpected education in the power of presentation and context. Spending days surrounded by carefully curated collections, I observed how objects tell stories, interact with light and space, and contribute to a larger narrative. The museum environment taught me about the timelessness of good design. Whether examining contemporary jewelry or site-specific installations, I learned that pieces that honor both form and function tend to endure. This lesson guides my work at Héloïse, where each piece is designed to be both current and timeless.
Most recently, my deep appreciation for Mexican architecture and design has become a cornerstone of Héloïse’s aesthetic vocabulary. The way architects like Luis Barragán used color not just as decoration but as a structural element—creating emotion and definition through bold planes of vibrant hues—directly translates into how I approach each piece of jewelry.
In my studio, color isn’t merely surface treatment; it’s an integral part of the structure and story of each design. Casa Azul stands as a perfect metaphor for what I strive to achieve in my work: the bold use of striking and natural color, integrating artisanal traditions with modern sensibilities, and creating profoundly personal yet universally appealing pieces.
The influence of modern murals on my work might seem unexpected in my jewelry pieces. Still, I’m constantly inspired by how these large-scale artworks interact with their environment and viewers. Like a mural that transforms a city wall, I believe jewelry should transform an outfit and the wearer’s sense of presence. This translation of scale—from monumental to intimate—informs how I think about impact and presence in each piece.
My background in graphic design emerges in my attention to line and composition. Furniture design taught me about ergonomics and the importance of how pieces interact with the human form. Museum work instilled a deep appreciation for the way objects carry cultural narratives. All of these elements merge into my jewelry design practice.
As Héloïse evolves, these varied influences remain at the heart of my practice. Each new collection is an opportunity to explore the intersection of these different artistic languages in the intimate format of jewelry. I aim to create pieces that challenge the boundaries between jewelry, art, architecture, and adornment. Each piece I make is a new chapter in this ongoing exploration of color, form, and function—a tangible manifestation of where I’ve been and where I’m going as an artist and designer. Each Héloïse piece invites its wearer to become part of this ongoing exploration of color, form, and function.
