Feeling worthy of love and having the strength as well as confidence to return that love to others—those are the sentiments behind Paris Jewellers’ new collaboration with Canadian influencer Cecilia Kissel.
Kissel is a mother of four, wife of country music artist Brett Kissel, and best friend to Paris Jewellers co-owner Chau Lui, who invited Kissel to create the limited-edition collection. A portion of its proceeds will be donated to Mamas for Mamas, a Canadian charity dedicated to helping women and families in need.
The Cecilia Kissel x Paris Jewellers collection centers on Kissel’s belief that “I am more than enough”—and that message is engraved on a circular pendant that hangs on a necklace with a smaller charm featuring a sunburst design. The sun has 11 rays, symbolizing 11:11, a number that represents hope and optimism for both women, Lui says.
“We as friends truly believe that there are different seasons in life, but regardless of where we are at, we will always be more than enough just as we are,” says Lui, whose company is based in Edmonton, Alberta. “We wanted this message to be a reminder every single time these pieces of jewelry are worn. This is also something we wanted to remind our children of—that they are enough just as they are.”
Kissel and Lui met at an event a few years ago and connected right away as women, wives, and moms, Lui says. Working on the jewelry together has reminded her of the early days of their friendship, as they were finding ways to support each other in what can be a challenging time of life.
“I remember our first conversations centered around motherhood, the importance of meaningful relationship and connections, and sharing our dreams,” Lui says. “I am very blessed that we are good friends, and our families are close as well.”
To design the jewelry pieces, the women often met at one or the other’s home, says Lui. “We’d be sitting around the kitchen table with the kids running around us, talking about our lives, our dreams, what we hope for our families,” she says. “We worked together a lot over the phone, in person at our homes, and a few times over Zoom.”
Kissel’s collab with Paris Jewellers also includes a pair of earrings, made—like the necklace—of gold vermeil–plated sterling silver. Both the earrings and the pendant have a rich textured finish.
“The organic texture of the necklace and earrings is inspired by trees and nature,” which are important to Kissel, says Lui. “She loves trees. We have this joke that if I cannot find her, she will be by the closest tree.”
Lui says her company enjoys working with a variety of collaborators, including Kissel. Most recently, Paris partnered with Mattel to create jewelry pieces based on Barbie through the years, and that collection has been well-received, says Lui.
Giving back through the Kissel collaboration is also a gratifying part of the process, Lui adds.
“As a family that immigrated from Vietnam to Canada in hopes of building a better future, we started off as a small 400-square-foot store in St. Albert,” she says. “We will never forget the kindness of a community that supported us, and that is why we are proud to give back to the communities that we are so honored to be a part of.”
Top: Friends Chau Lui and Cecilia Kissel have collaborated on jewelry highlighting a message of self-worth. (Photos courtesy of Paris Jewellers)
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