CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
TrendsAug 01, 2016
One to Watch: Raphaele Canot
In our latest One to Watch, we take a look at the namesake collection from the former De Beers and Cartier designer.
Jewelry designer Raphaele Canot pictured alongside her OMG! bangle
London--If you don’t know the name Raphaele Canot, then you’re at least likely to be familiar with her former employers, Cartier and De Beers LV, where Canot held the title of creative director.
Now, Canot is a few years into her own namesake fine jewelry line.
Her OMG! ring, which has been expanded into a full-fledged collection, got lots of press when it debuted for its mix of cheek and elegance; the shape of the ring resembles that of an open mouth with jaw dropped, hence the name.
Canot’s aesthetic can be playful, but the experienced designer has a classic side as well. She’s a lover of diamonds and likes to “set them free,” or let the stones dangle, for maximum sparkle.
We chatted with the French designer, who now makes her home in London, on her impressive jewelry background and what’s to come for her on-the-rise line.
Raphaele Canot’s 18-karat white gold bangle with white diamonds and enamel ($8,900)
An 18-karat rose gold ring with white diamonds ($3,600)
The designer’s 18-karat yellow gold earrings with white diamonds ($3,670)
Her 18-karat rose gold bangle with white diamonds ($7,420)
18-karat rose gold earrings with white diamonds ($3,675)
An 18-karat white gold ring with white diamonds ($5,400)
A pair of 18-karat white gold earrings with white diamonds and enamel ($4,950)
National Jeweler: Tell me about your professional background. What brought you to jewelry design?
Raphaele Canot: I entered Cartier with a master’s in copyright and intellectual property law, which led me from dealing with business and legal matters to retail, marketing, product development and product design. It was not a straight route but the most enjoyable of rides and the most useful experience for my entrepreneurial adventure.
Revisiting the Cartier archives and reviving the myth of the famous Panther paved my route to becoming De Beers’ creative director and later on, the founder of my own brand.
NJ: What is the inspiration behind your collections?
RC: My motto for my fine jewelry collections is “light-spirited diamond jewelry!” My jewelry has a timeless quality yet a modern appeal in the way diamond classics are revisited. Set Free diamonds are pierced and free from any metal to shake from delicate earrings and rings. Skinny Deco eternity rings, earrings and bangles shine in contrast with red enamel on white gold or white enamel on rose gold. My OMG! line has quickly become a favorite among stylists and clients with its quirky and vibrant appeal. I like telling a story of “smiling, shining, sharing.”
NJ: Where is your jewelry made?
RC: The delicately pavéd styles are made in Thailand, where the workshop that makes my designs come to life have mastered the art of micro-pavé. I also work with a Parisian atelier for the enamel work.
NJ: What should retailers focus on, or what
story should they tell, when showing your line to customers?
RC: My diamond background and heritage from prestigious jewelry “maisons” makes a very reassuring pitch for anyone considering buying a piece of jewelry that is both modern and timeless. I became a Londoner by choice but I remain a true Parisian at heart: effortless chic is my favorite approach to diamonds, which is also nice to share with clients. I have wonderful ambassadors of my brand within my retailer’s teams and I feel very lucky to be nurtured by them as a brand.
NJ: How much inventory must a retailer invest in to carry your brand?
RC: My collection is clearly divided into three different stories: The Skinny Deco one, The Set Free diamond one and the OMG! one. It is important that a minimum of two of these lines are represented to carry the spirit of the brand. I carefully work on depth and seasonal additions for each line to help refresh the display.
NJ: What retailers are currently carrying your line?
RC: Dover Street Market in London, New York and Tokyo, Barney’s, Ylang23, Matchesfashion.com, A’maree’s, Tiina the Store, Elyse Walker, Copious Row in the U.S., Colette, White Bird in France, GAGO in France, Plum in Beirut, Club Designer in Taiwan and SKP in Beijing.
NJ: What is the price range of your pieces?
RC: Most of my designs retail in between $2,000 and $4,000, which is a perfect self-indulgence or gifting price point, with a few closer to $10,000.
NJ: At which trade shows do you exhibit or are you planning to exhibit?
RC: I do exhibit with Rainbowwave in Paris and New York during the fashion calendar main events and participated in Couture Las Vegas 2016.
NJ: What are your plans for upcoming collections?
RC: I have exciting new additions coming up to complement my best-seller lines and I will be adding a new story in 2017. It will be true to my motto of light-spirited diamonds!
NJ: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised to learn that…”
RC: It’s in the French Alps near the Mont Blanc that I need to reconnect with nature to feel inspired and light spirited … it may sound like miles away from city chic, but it is the true second facet of my personality. All the key creative milestones of my career have this deep connection in common!
RC: My diamond background and heritage from prestigious jewelry “maisons” makes a very reassuring pitch for anyone considering buying a piece of jewelry that is both modern and timeless. I became a Londoner by choice but I remain a true Parisian at heart: effortless chic is my favorite approach to diamonds, which is also nice to share with clients. I have wonderful ambassadors of my brand within my retailer’s teams and I feel very lucky to be nurtured by them as a brand.
NJ: How much inventory must a retailer invest in to carry your brand?
RC: My collection is clearly divided into three different stories: The Skinny Deco one, The Set Free diamond one and the OMG! one. It is important that a minimum of two of these lines are represented to carry the spirit of the brand. I carefully work on depth and seasonal additions for each line to help refresh the display.
NJ: What retailers are currently carrying your line?
RC: Dover Street Market in London, New York and Tokyo, Barney’s, Ylang23, Matchesfashion.com, A’maree’s, Tiina the Store, Elyse Walker, Copious Row in the U.S., Colette, White Bird in France, GAGO in France, Plum in Beirut, Club Designer in Taiwan and SKP in Beijing.
NJ: What is the price range of your pieces?
RC: Most of my designs retail in between $2,000 and $4,000, which is a perfect self-indulgence or gifting price point, with a few closer to $10,000.
NJ: At which trade shows do you exhibit or are you planning to exhibit?
RC: I do exhibit with Rainbowwave in Paris and New York during the fashion calendar main events and participated in Couture Las Vegas 2016.
NJ: What are your plans for upcoming collections?
RC: I have exciting new additions coming up to complement my best-seller lines and I will be adding a new story in 2017. It will be true to my motto of light-spirited diamonds!
NJ: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised to learn that…”
RC: It’s in the French Alps near the Mont Blanc that I need to reconnect with nature to feel inspired and light spirited … it may sound like miles away from city chic, but it is the true second facet of my personality. All the key creative milestones of my career have this deep connection in common!
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
