Dessine moi un Bijou
DIY. It has spawned global commerce (Ikea), an entire television genre (Home & Garden et al), and now a sleek jewelry boutique tucked behind les grands magasins of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Former watchmaker-turned-jeweler Carine Allardi is the brains behind the catchy concept of Dessine moi un Bijou, allowing customers the chance to create their own precious and semiprecious rings and pendants. Channel Elizabeth Taylor with a diamond knuckle-duster, or keep it minimalist and chic a-la Jen Aniston. The process is simple: Take in sketches or images, choose your favored metals and gems, put a ceiling on your budget and, voila, your personalized bling is born. Basic designs start from about €900, and Carine is on hand to keep design-it-yourself virgins on firm -- and stylish -- ground. (No false promises here: if it ain't pretty, she won't waste your time.) The whole process takes about a month, but pieces can be sent via secure mail for transient travelers.
Dessine moi un Bijou [Official site, in French]
Previously: Catherine Malandrino, Paris Shoe Hunt, Paris for Cheapskates, The Northern Paris Colette, Minisock Rocks Paris
