Yvonne Leon

It's hard to resist the charm of Yvonne Léon's jewellery. Though craftsmanship and a love of precious stones have always been in the Léon family blood, passed down through the generations, for a time Yvonne turned away from jewellery to pursue a career in fashion. She flourished as a stylist and editorial assistant, but never really left the jewellery world behind, spending much of her free time hunting for original pieces in antique fairs and flea markets, before reinventing them and making them her own. While most jewellers tend to set their sights on a clean, minimalist aesthetic, Yvonne Léon has taken the opposite approach, creating playful and vibrant jewels designed to seduce and surprise. Over the years, she has imagined an irresistible array of bold and feminine pieces, inspired by animals and symbols that are close to her heart. Her refreshingly original signet rings, for example, take the form of sweets, shells, dolphins, clovers and suns. Made of gold, these high-quality jewels and their emblematic designs made people sit up and take notice, quickly invading the Pinterest boards of jewellery and fashion fans. An unexpected twist on the classic gift, Yvonne Léon's creations are fun, feisty and full of tenderness; gorgeous gems that women can buy for themselves, without waiting for someone else to treat them. And the bracelets she designs are unconventional, too: with their colourful cotton threads and animal charms, they bring a touch of humour to any outfit. Her earrings, also depicting an array of cute little creatures, can be collected and accumulated, making each set completely unique. The most coveted Yvonne Léon piece of all, however, remains her signet ring, the signature piece that reflects the brand's charming and whimsical feel. Sometimes oval, pear-shaped or heart-shaped, it comes in enamel, gold, malachite and mother-of-pearl, and is adorned with a delicate diamond, bringing an extra touch of sparkle to an already remarkable piece, without becoming ostentatious or overly severe. This signature ring is also available in a miniature – or “baby” – format, for an even more adorable look.