Background
Born in 1965 in Finistère, I’ve always loved creating and transforming materials, and I declared very early on (at 12!) that I wanted to become a goldsmith. During my studies at the Strasbourg School of Decorative Arts in the “Jewelry – Body Adornment” department, I completed a vocational training program (CAP-type) in jewelry-making techniques combined with artistic training in drawing, color, volume, lacquer techniques, and art history. After graduating, I continued my training through internships with artists such as Georg Döbler and involvement with “Corpus,” an association promoting contemporary, expressive, and artistic jewelry, free from the constraints of traditional jewelry.
I then worked in costume jewelry, where I learned to design beaded jewelry and to develop my skills in jewelry and object design. The most interesting experience was my six-year collaboration with Waterman-Parker. I participated in projects creating limited-edition and mass-produced pens, designing engraved and lacquered decorations—a valuable experience in an industrial setting. Simultaneously, I continued to create unique pieces exhibited in contemporary jewelry galleries such as Chéret, Porée (Paris), and the Galerie Beeld & Aambeeld (NE). I participated in many exhibitions with the CORPUS association, the jewelry triennial at the Museum of Decorative Arts, or the Espace Solidor.
In 2012, I founded my artisan business, Juliette Pailler Créations, in Chambéry to design, create, and sell my limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces. I decided to focus on classic jewelry themes: pearl necklaces, bangle bracelets, hoop earrings, and more. I created my website, exhibited and sold my work to private clients who were incredibly supportive in my early days (thank you! always!), and tried my hand at trade shows and markets with varying degrees of success, but always with a positive attitude, all while being accompanied by my friend Catherine. Seven years of showcasing my jewelry solidified my choices, and in 2019, I took over Jean-Loup Ruffieux’s beautiful gallery on Rue Basse du Château in Chambéry and renamed it CARACTÈRES.
Today, the CARACTÈRES gallery, run by the Les caractères association, has grown—there are now eight artists and artisans exhibiting together. We moved to 32 rue Vieille Monnaie in summer 2026. So, while I continue working in my studio, I also get the pleasure of stepping out and meeting the gallery’s visitors! I’ve also been taking part for the past three years in the Crafts and Fine Artisanship Fair organized by the CMA (Chamber of Trades and Crafts). It’s held in late November in Chambéry and promotes quality craftsmanship. In 2024, I was awarded the title of Master Artisan there. Finally, I share the life of my studio and the evolution of my creations on this website, created and maintained with patience and passion by Laurence.
