You have an incredible jewelry collection. What are some of your favorite pieces? Each designer, of which I have over 80, is special and does unique work. If I could have a favorite designer and piece it would be from Coco Chanel, in her Mughal period. The workmanship and fantasy of a piece are most important to me. Tell us the story of your favorite find or greatest discovery and where you found it. Too difficult—each piece has its story and provenance. Like children, I have no favorites. They would be jealous. What are your favorite cities in the world and why? I suppose Paris and New York. The energy of New York and the beauty of Paris. Where are your favorite street markets? I love the Marché aux Puces in Paris, the Sablon Antiques Market in Brussels and the 25th Street Market in New York. Each city has treasures to be found. Also, I love textiles from indigenous countries. I always go to the folk markets in faraway places.
In your opinion, which country has the greatest fine jewelry tradition? Italy, as I love Buccellati
What is your favorite non-jewelry treasure from your travels? As I have more than one collection, it’s probably a vase that I cherish. It’s Keramis with a matte finish and a type of Congo Belge design. I found this treasure in the Sablon Antiques Market. What is your favorite hotel in the world? The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. My husband and I have been going for over 35 years, and it only gets better each time I am there. Where do you like to unwind? I unwind in my home in Mexico City or Careyes, which is between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. What is the best thing you have ever eaten abroad? I’m not a foodie but do love simple Mexican food. There’s nothing like a quesadilla in the restaurant Dulce Patria in Mexico City. What are your favorite places to shop internationally? Paris and New York. I also can’t live without Dries Van Noten at The Modehuis in Antwerp, Belgium.
Photo credits: Maison Gripoix (circa 1930s). Nettie Rosenstein (circa 1930s–1940s), United States. Rooster dress clip. Colored enamel, rhinestones, silver plated. Signed Nettie Rosenstein. © Pablo Esteva. Roger Jean-Pierre (circa 1950s–1960s), France. Floral brooch. Simulated pearls, rhinestones, gold plated. © Pablo Esteva. Chanel.