Sandrine Tessier

Jewellery maker

©Olivier Braive

©Patrice Provost

Enticing enamel

Sandrine opened her workshop in 2011
She received the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France
Three generations of her family have practised the craft

Sandrine Tessier is a graduate of the Haute École de Joaillerie in Paris. She received the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2019. Since the day she was born, she has been immersed in a world of jewellery, gold, precious stones and artistic enamel. She learned everything she knows about enamelling from her grandmother and her mother, and she acquired her jewellery skills from her grandfather. This magical and colourful universe has always fascinated her and it was natural that this passion became her way of life. Her audacious and innovative creations combine metals, precious stones and enamel. Today, she is one of the rare craftswomen to master many enamelling and jewellery techniques, which enables her to create exceptional pieces interpreting the personal wishes of her clients.

Interview

©Patrice Provost

©Patrice Provost

Why did you choose this profession?: Because I was born into it and have always loved it for as long as I can remember being in my grandparents' workshop. Under their guidance, I learned to work metal, enamel and precious stones.
What was your first design?: Probably the one I had to make at the end of my first two years of jewellery school. I combined both my grandfather's work with the shaping of a silver sphere to make an opening pendant with the very delicate and little mastered technique, plique-à-jour.
What do people not realise about enamel?: Enamel is a complex art because at some point you must go use fire and it's a delicate moment when anything can happen, even with the best vigilance and mastery. Any new piece generates a cascade of new challenges, and despite your expertise and know-how you almost always go back to the basis.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?: I could tell you obtaining a recognised diploma, but I think what I like the most and what keeps me going is seeing the smile on my clients’ faces when they tell me I made the piece of their dreams. At that precise moment, I tell myself that I am where I belong and that I have done a good job.

Sandrine Tessier is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1994 and she started teaching in 2020