The supporting images for the presentation of the jewellery come from the work of Robin Clarke : https://memorylanepr.com/ The celebrities in these photos are Ladies : Ava Gardner, Marylin Monroe, Kate Winslet, Christian Ricci and Billie Burke.
Etsy shop : https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/tresorsdelulubelle
Instagram account : https://www.instagram.com/tresorsdelulubelle/
Facebook account : https://www.facebook.com/lestresorsdelulubelle10
E-mail : les.tresors.de.lulubelle@gmail.com
“ Les Trésors de Lulubelle ” is a vintage costume jewellery store founded by Isabelle.
Isabelle is a designer from a small village in the Cantal, not far from Aurillac [France]. After living in England and Normandy, she returned to her homeland in 2003.
She is a great lover and admirer of jewellery since her childhood, especially the antique jewellery. This is why she chose to create some. Incredible fact : she is completely self-taught in this area. About the periods who inspire her : she has a clear preference for the Victorian era. She also really likes the Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.
In 2007 she decided to sell her first jewellery via “ alittlemarket ” which was bought by Etsy in 2012. Here is our interview with her :
OJL : Hello Isabelle.
Isabelle : Hello.
OJL : Three quick questions before getting to the heart of the matter.
As you live near Aurillac, can you tell us what your favorite café is in this town ? Or nearby.
Isabelle : My favorite place to spend time with friends is in Saint Martin Valmeroux and is called “La Frip’O’Thé”, it’s a tea room that also serves as a thrift store.
OJL : And what is your favorite park or place in Aurillac ? Or in the Cantal (15) ?
Isabelle : I am no longer a city dweller at all and I never really was. I avoid the city as much as possible. Cantal is a green setting (“Le gros soufflé vert” as my husband calls it !) and my favorite place is a path at the foot of the mountains called “ La route des estives ” in Navaste. It is where the Salers cows spend the summer… It’s zen and allows you to recharge your batteries, far from the noise and the worries…
OJL : Finally, what was the last book you read ? Or the last song you listened to ?
Isabelle : _About the reading : the novel I am reading is part of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by the English author Anne Perry, which takes place in London in the Victorian years (oh what a surprise!), This is the episode which is called “ The Whitechapel Conspiracy ”.
_About the music : the last piece of music I listened to is : Enkh Jargal – “ Great Eagle Dance ”.
OJL : Let’s talk a little about you now. How could you introduce yourself ?
Isabelle : It’s difficult to introduce myself… I aspire to peace & tranquillity. Creation allows me to let go and provides me with a certain form of meditation. I am a fairly calm person, but under “ the ice ” the volcano is boiling (laughs).
OJL : How did you choose your pseudonym ?
Isabelle : Lulubelle was our family’s Angora cat. And I thought that sounded good, she was my treasure, so it was obvious for me.
OJL : Let’s talk a little about your work now. How do you work ?
Isabelle : I make sketches as soon as I have an idea that comes to me, often while watching an historical series. Or when I browse some period jewellery books. Or even when I consult some websites who sell antiques jewellery.
I let the ideas mature and then I sit at my work table to immerse myself in the materials and the colors. In order to realize the initial idea. But it’s not an exact science… I don’t always achieve the result I have in mind. If the inspiration isn’t there, I let it mature and I come back later. As many times as possible. I make and undo… Until I have what I wished (smile).
OJL : What kind of materials do you use ?
Isabelle : I mainly use bronze patinated brass findings for a more antique finish, and for the rest I let myself be guided by my instinct. I like to use pearls of all kinds, natural stones, crystal, glass, Bohemia, Venetian glass or even rhinestones. I like it to shine but I am also very fascinated by the sobriety of certain pieces and the beauty that it can bring to the women who wear my jewellery.
OJL : What styles of jewellery do you create ?
Isabelle : I mainly create old style jewellery, and especially Victorian or Gothic chic style. But I also really appreciate the aesthetics of the Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.
OJL : Last question: who are the artists who inspire you ? Who motivates you ?
Isabelle : I do not know the names of the artists who made the fashion for Victorian jewelry which experienced three major periods (romantic period, the great period and the aesthetic period) but I can say that the painters of this period such as Gustav Klimt, Sophie Gengembre Anderson and Lawrence Alma-Tadema inspire me a lot. As for the Art Nouveau and the Art Deco periods, I greatly admire masters such as Émile Gallé, René Lalique and Demetre Chiparus among others.
OJL : Bravo for what you do. May Our Lady protects you.
Isabelle : Thank you for your kindness and may Our Lady also protects you.
Vlad Tepes