MARIE LICHTENBERG
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
After 12 years as a fashion editor for ELLE magazine, I needed a change in my life. I needed to learn a new profession, to take on a new challenge. That was 4 years ago when I designed my first locket, "Love to the moon and back," and I took the leap without really knowing what I was doing at the time. I knew nothing about the jewelry industry or production. I was simply passionate about jewelry. It had been my dream for a long time to create something that reflected who I am. At that time, I was pregnant with my second child, and my husband supported me in this endeavor.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
I love the complexity of the object, the poetry, the strength and the craftsmanship infused into each piece. Every piece of jewelry is a small miracle.
3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
Taking risks and the desire to learn above all else.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
In Paris (Saint Germain des Près).
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Paris (born and raised).
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
Irreverent.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
Diamond.
8. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
A gold and deep blue sapphire bracelet that my mother never took off when I was I little girl.
9. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
The lion, shine bright!!
10. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
My mother.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
My vintage gold nautilus Patek Philippe (1981), a heart diamond shaped pinky, my mother’s engagement ring, my diamond rivière and custom diamond letter scapulars.
12. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Custom-made.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
A beautiful gold and diamond Buddha pendant designed by my cousin, Alexandra Rosier.
14. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
An Innovation Couture Award last week in Vegas.
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
I would love to have more time for creation. Being an entrepreneur sometimes takes you away from the essential. Growing a brand is complex, and I would need more than 24h in a day to finalize all my projects.
16. FAVORITE FOOD?
Indian.
17. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Seafood.
18. WINE OR CHEESE?
Hello! I am French - I will go for both!
19. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee.
20. YOGA OR BOXING?
Boxing.
21. FAVORITE SEASON?
Spring.
22. FAVORITE CITY?
Paris.
23. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
Ubiquity.
24. SECRET SKILL?
I am a blind test queen.
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
When my kids are happy.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
When I make some business decisions.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Letting fear hold me back and prevent me from moving forward and achieving my goal.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
Music, always…
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
My dick in a box ring.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
Vintage possesses a unique energy. Heritage and transmission are part of this strength.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
That my ignorance and my sensibility will be my greatest asset. The biggest dreams come true if we truly work for it. I ventured into jewelry without knowing anything about it. I was completely ignorant, and that gave me the greatest freedom but I worked my a**** off 🤣 and I still do to keep dreaming.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I have no formal qualifications except for my driver's license. I have exams phobia.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
It can be experienced in various aspects of life but to me it’s a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. According to my understanding, joy is a capacity that can be cultivated and developed.