Laurent Jolliet
chain jeweler
Le Lignon

« Making chains requires patience, meticulousness and regularity. A difference of a tenth of a millimeter can be enough to prevent the assembly of a chain. »

Laurent Jolliet learned the trade of chain maker at Gay-Frères in Geneva. He worked for various jewelers and practiced jewelry for two years before taking over Michel Hess’ workshop in 2005. Since then, he has created and repaired necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry for private individuals or major watch brands. The last chain maker in Switzerland, he teaches apprentice jewelers in Geneva.

« I like my chains to have a soul, to be unique in their intertwining, their flexibility, their design. »

Laurent Jolliet creates his chains entirely by hand and he can devote between one and two months to it. Depending on the type of chains desired, he fashions gold, platinum or silver threads, coils or even links which he then meticulously assembles. The result, sometimes welded, is always flexible and resistant: a watch strap worn daily can last up to 30 years.

Training

1999, CFC chain jeweler, School of Decorative Arts, Geneva

Connections

https://www.facebook.com/AtelierLaurentJolliet/

https://www.facebook.com/bijoutiersuisse

https://www.instagram.com/jollietlaurent/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OBdkj4q88