![]() The result was exactly what defines Top’s signature style: the sophisticated yet playful, and the always unexpected. What appeared to be a simple design turned out to be so complex to create in jewel-form, that to develop and refine his concept, Top looked to a catalogue of astrological clocks and celestial measuring instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. The dual concept design was inspired by the round metal sugar bowls with flip tops that are found in most French cafes. It’s a different way to wear a large diamond that is both cool and subtle.” But when they’re open, it tells a different story with a precious gem. “When the orbs are closed, the jewels look futuristic and more industrial. “I was obsessed with trying to create a jewel that women could wear in different ways,” says Top. Burnished in silver and gold, many pieces literally hold secrets their flip tops open up to reveal a diamond or gemstone inside. Dubbed Mécaniques Célestes, its series of futuristic-looking rotating orbs encased in jeweled pendants and rings boast names including Pluto and Flying Saucer. ![]() Top, whose chic Paris studio is located near Place Vendôme, spent nearly two years working on his first collection in 2015 and has been hailed as one of jewelry’s visionary designers ever since its launch. “I was obsessed with trying to create a jewel that women could wear in different ways.” His precise sketches, similar to those he had done when he was a child, conveyed his imaginative ideas to the skilled craftsmen with whom he closely collaborates to execute his jewelry. Without any formal training in fine jewelry, Top was free to explore new jewelry ideas without any restrictions of what could and couldn’t be done. “When I was a boy, I made small, very precise sketches with measurements.” When he began his own business, Top was inspired by what he refers to as his “childhood obsession” of sketching the Gothic churches, Baroque castles and the industrial landscape around his home. And, I wanted to make something personal.” ![]() Ancient Roman gold ring with intaglio of imperial eagle and standards, circa 1st-2nd century AD. Roman Celtic God Toutatis Amuletic silver ring, circa 2nd-4th Century AD. ![]() “I didn’t know anything about fine jewelry, but I knew that working in precious metal would allow me to make the precise and refined designs that I couldn’t create with costume jewelry. Ancient Roman gold ring with vine leaf intaglio, circa 3rd century AD. “At a certain point, you need your own voice,” he says. After 15 years of working for others, Top decided it was time to establish his own style. ![]()
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