How I Analyze a Jewelry Maison Before Designing for Them
1. Understanding the Brand’s Identity
I start by analyzing:
history
values
design heritage
signature artistic direction
This helps define what makes the Maison recognizable whether it’s Cartier’s structured elegance, Van Cleef & Arpels’ softness, or Bulgari’s bold volumes.
2. Identifying the Brand Codes
Each house has specific visual codes:
shapes
proportions
textures
materials
stone preferences
Example:
Cartier → geometry
Harry Winston → diamond clusters
Bulgari → Serpenti forms
I list every code to make sure my designs stay credible.
3. Studying the Client Profile
A design is only successful if it speaks to the Maison’s clients.
I analyze:
lifestyle
expectations
aesthetic preferences
purchasing behaviour
A collector from Harry Winston doesn’t expect what a Tiffany client looks for.
4. Reviewing Previous Collections
I review the latest high jewelry collections to understand:
artistic direction
color strategy
major themes
technical choices
This helps me align with the brand’s current trajectory.
5. Defining Creative Boundaries
Every Maison has “rules”:
Van Cleef → roundness
Cartier → structure
Bulgari → volume
These constraints guide the design.
6. Converting the DNA into Design Language
I translate all elements into:
line vocabulary
proportions
mood
material approach
This ensures the sketch naturally integrates into the Maison’s universe.
Result
This method guarantees that every piece I design fits the Maison’s identity while bringing a new and relevant perspective.
