On December 28, 2008, Paloma Sanchez started her own jewelry brand in Beijing and embarked on a new journey to create unique expressions from one-of-a-kind stones. In 10 years, she has traveled around the world to search for precious stones and has become an award-winning jewelry designer and entrepreneur, as well as a world-renowned gem huntress.

Her creativity throughout these years has provided a brilliant and unique experience for customers. Although most of her collector pieces have been sold, one can still trace her achievements through the album 10 YEARS OF CREATIVITY, DECEMBER 2008 - DECEMBER 2018, which showcases how the brand Paloma Sanchez, The Art of Jewelry has gained worldwide recognition. The album is a special and limited edition, commemorating its 10th anniversary.

Through this decade, Paloma has undergone a series of evolutions, to make the brand more remarkable.

You have traveled many places in the world to search for precious stones. Any evolution of your thoughts has been made during this process?

Traveling all around the world in search of the most beautiful gemstones is tracing me how to fully understand and appreciate them. On each sourcing country, miners have a very deep and special love for their gemstones. They dedicate their entire life to dig the ground in the hope of finding that unique gem that will, not only make them rich, but most important, fulfill their passion. It is kind of an addiction on them. As a European woman, always involved in the jewelry industry, I have always been in contact with jewels, but I never was so close to the mineral, to the gem. Therefore, my understanding of the essence and power of a gem was very limited. As a gemologist, being close to the source of a gem is what makes me feel alive.

You started your brand in Beijing, how Chinese culture has influenced your design or the way to live?

I started my brand in Beijing after being in the jewelry and watch business for more than 20 years. The vibrant situation in China was determination for the decision I took to build my brand and finally do what I always wanted. In China I discovered the deep love of Chinese for minerals and gemstones. In Chinese culture, minerals are very important and are deeply part of everybody’s daily life. Chinese people understand gemstones much more than westerns and believe in mineral´s properties to benefit our health. Every Chinese woman wears a jade bangle, many Chinese men wear jade, amber, rutilated quartz bead bracelets, and they do so, not only as accessories, but also and mainly as a “medicine” to keep them wealthy or as a “lucky charm” which will help them get wealth or longevity.

You have done many collaborations internationally. Any Chinese brands/organizations that you worked with impressed you most?

I have collaborated with many Chinese brands and they all have international standards. One particular I remembered well is Duoyu that provided Tibetan treasures, including the secret dZi (pronounced “zee”). In Tibetan language, dZi means solemn, prestigious, rich, and graceful. dZi is the generic category name for ancient agate stone beads which are natural stones that are color enhanced and decorated. In ancient Tibet, only the most prestigious Living Buddha can possess dZi.

We worked together to have launched the collection of Age of Glory. It’s part of Duoyu’s Nirvana Project which has the goal of showcasing the originality and beauty of antiques within world-class jewelry design. Nirvana Project jewelry combines western design with traditional Tibetan treasures, and makes them shine with a new beauty throughout the world. I spent an entire year to create these 10 pieces, transforming antiques into a work of art. The jewelry gives new life to antique art, and each piece is one of a kind.

I have also done the design work with dZi for Huang Xiaoming, one of the most famous movie stars in China.

Please share the evolution of your customers through this decade.

When I first opened my gallery in Beijing, my customers were mainly expats, as Chinese people did not know me. Now, 85% of my customers are Chinese. Many diplomates and Ambassadors, among the expat side of my clients, and, among the Chinese customers, mainly women CEOs of big companies, Art gallery owners, lawyers, architects..., women who can afford jewelry by themselves, who have a strong personality and know what they want. Unique women who are searching for that one-of-a-kind piece that will represent their personality and differentiate them from others, women who are not afraid of being different.

What’s your vision for the next ten years?

I intend to stay in this niche luxury that I have chosen, creating one-of-a-kind designs with one-of-a-kind gemstones and mineral specimens. I enjoy designing collectors pieces. As a gemologist, enhancing the natural beauty of a gem, offering uniqueness and real natural experience to my customers through what I understand is the real meaning of the luxury, that is my goal.

The album is exquisitely designed and well printed with black silk cover. If you are interested to learn more, the book is available under your request.

The Album of 10 YEARS OF CREATIVITY, DECEMBER 2008-DECEMBER - January 2019