Michel Girardin

Michel comes from a family of jeweller watchmakers established in La Chaux-de-Fonds for generations. La Chaux-de-Fonds sits at around 1000 metres elevation, close to the border between France and Switzerland. It is a centre for the Swiss watch industry, is famous for its fine Arts School which Michel attended, and is associated strongly with Art Nouveau.
Moving to New Zealand in 1978, Michel encountered jewellery materials of the Pacific region, embracing their unique qualities in his creative output ever since. Available at Gallery Pacific for over 30 years, his designs reflect his European heritage and observation/interpretation of cultural influences here in Aotearoa.

Jewellery making process

Michel works with natural marine materials such as Paua Shell and Mother of Pearl, and cultured Pearls. These materials have a beautiful iridescent colour palette which he celebrates in his work.
Cutting and shaping elements exhibiting the best jewel-like colour, he designs and makes jewellery in a strong, almost architectural style at his Auckland workshop.
In contrast to curvilinear forms prevalent within the New Zealand carving community, Michel employs the straight line to great effect in his jewellery making practice.

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