Jean Mahie jewelry is the result of a wonderfully symbiotic and fruitful partnership between Jacline Mazard and her father-in-law Jean-Marie Mazard.
They first began combining their artistic talents in 1969, working from a studio in Mouans-Sartoux in the South of France, and launched their jewelry collection in the following year. Neither was formally trained. Both preferred to work with 22K gold in order to realise their unique style that embodied primitive forms, motifs and techniques. Everything they made was entirely hand crafted with Jacline often drawing inspiration from her memories of growing up near the ancient ruins of Carthage in Tunisia.
Their bold, imaginative, exotic pieces in richly hued yellow gold fitted perfectly with the bohemian fashions of the late 60s and early 1970s. Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier showed quickly an interest in their work with both firms retailing their pieces. In November 1970 they had their creations with their names in the windows of the Place Vendôme and the Rue de la Paix in Paris.
After their work was discovered by the CEO of Neiman Marcus in America, they collaborated on an exclusive basis. Thus, a loyal following, both in the USA and Europe, developed with many stylish ladies adorning themselves with a unique Mahie creation. Jacline continues the Jean Mahie brand today together with her daughter and son. She has a workshop in New York where she continues to hand make jewelry and lives between New York and the Caribbean.