New year, fresh start. That’s what they say, right? Some make resolutions, others make big changes. And others finally get to organizing their kid’s snacks, which are overflowing in the pantry (hello, it’s me).
For Laura Gallon, the new year brought a new brand name and a stunning new collection.
You might recognize the designer’s work as that of the former Aura Fine Gems, covered here on JCK back in February 2021 by Amy Elliott. Not even a year old at the time, the line boasted beautiful gemstone creations that would have made fabulous Valentine’s Day gifts (and still would).
Now, nearly a year later, the brand is eponymous, Gallon finding it more suitable to use her own name, as her family has been in the jewelry biz for generations. The designer’s great-grandparents opened a jewelry store and workshop in Orléans, about two hours south of the City of Light, where Gallon was born and raised.
Gallon’s rebranding is inspired by the work of her great-grandparents, and her new collection pays tribute to her great-grandmother, Alice. “The Alice collection is, in essence, a love story,” Gallon said in a statement on the new line.
Made in France in numerous ateliers—some of which specialize in specific skills, such as mother-of-pearl inlay or gem setting—the pieces that comprise Alice are indeed art deco in nature, but their new make takes advantage of materials not necessarily used for jewelry in that period.
Alice comes at just the right time, as many jewelry experts predict vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry to be one of the headliners of 2022 (read this recent story by our Karen Dybis on the matter), though the aesthetic is everlasting.
The collection, which features 21 pieces including earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, made its debut on Jan. 1 of this year.
Top: Galaxie necklace in 18k white gold with 1.03 cts. t.w. sapphires, 0.12 ct. t.w. diamonds, and mother-of-pearl, $9,120; Laura Gallon
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