Tiffany To – Specialist, Watches, Phillips Auction
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? I am never without a large bag holding items that prepare me for any situation, such as my phones (as I am reachable at all times), various loupes, a black light, lug tools and a computer. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? It would most probably be the sale of the “Paul Newman” wristwatch during the Phillips Winning Icons auction in 2017. Which cause is most important to you ? Education is the cause nearest to my heart ; my mother founded a community program to teach English back home in Hong Kong, and I see the impact it has on the wellbeing of underprivileged children. Who is the person who has influenced you the most and why ? I would say Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo – I see them as one entity. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? To women and men, I would say : be honest and always give an unbiased opinion – trust is most important.
Fiona Krüger – Founder, Fiona Krüger Timepieces
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? I don’t have a specific accessory or piece of jewelry that I wear all the time, but I do always wear a statement piece, and I keep the rest simple. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? The first time a customer told me how much he loved his watch after receiving it. It was an amazing feeling. Which cause is most important to you ? I’m going to quote Seth Godin : “Doing work that matters for people who care.” That’s part of each decision we take. Who is the person who has influenced you the most ? My husband : he is a wonderful blend of empathy, pragmatism, intelligence and humility while being incredibly funny. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? Be honest with yourself about what you want to do and why you want to do it – and then go for it !
Cécile Guenat – Director of Creation and Development, Richard Mille
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? My three rings which are my lucky charms, as well as various earrings, which are my favorite accessories. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? When I finished my apprenticeship as a jeweler and said to myself that from then on, anything was possible. Which cause is most important to you ? So many things… but if I have to keep it short, I’d say equality between men and women ! Who is the person who has influenced you the most ? My family and friends ; they are part of my daily life and give me a lot of advice. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? Come and join us, we need you !
Valérie Messika – Founder, Messika
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? I am never parted from my Move Romane and Move Noa bangle bracelets, which bear the first names of my two daughters. There are pieces of jewelry that, like certain items of clothing, are essential in a woman’s wardrobe. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? I would have to say four years ago, when one of my most beautiful projects came to fruition when I opened my Haute Joaillerie atelier. Which cause is most important to you ? Establishing the legitimacy of natural diamonds in the diamond and luxury jewelry industry, while respecting responsible ethical and environment-friendly practices. Who is the person who has influenced you the most ? My maternal grandmother, who has inspired me since the start of Messika Paris. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? Constantly stay on the lookout for new things ! Always try to go further in terms of design or technique, and create the tomorrow’s trends.
Vanessa Cron – Jewelry Historian, Christie’s
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? It all depends on the mood of the moment, but my most precious jewelry item is a gold bracelet by late 19th century revivalist jeweler Ernesto Pierret. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? The auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection, in December 2011 at Christie’s New York. It featured 80 pieces of jewelry sold in more than four hours, a truly legendary occasion. Which cause is most important to you ? Education : if every child in the world had the opportunity to access quality education, the world would be a very different place. Who is the person who has influenced you the most ? The man I love. Without him I might never have discovered this passion and would undoubtedly be doing a very different job. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? Be sure you don’t want to work there for the wrong reasons. The world of jewelry requires rigorous discipline, passion, as well as discretion.
Helen Molesworth – Managing Director, Gübelin Academy
What accessory or piece of jewelry can’t you leave the house without ? That would have to be either a pair of diamond earrings or my signet ring. What moment in your career has had the strongest impact on you ? Undoubtedly my time as specialist in charge of the sale of the personal jewels of HRH the Princess Margaret in London in 2006. Which cause is most important to you ? I am very keen to see greater equality in the world, and of course in our industry too. Who is the person who has influenced you the most ? On a moral and personal level, my mother has been a wonderful support and role model in more ways than I can express ; while professionally and academically I should mention my tutor at Oxford, Martin Henig. What advice would you give to women who want to work in this industry ? Find something you love and go for it ; work really hard and find like-minded women who will support you and whom you can support.
