Emmanuelle Zysman

Emmanuelle Zysman's handsome boutique is decorated in somber shades of gray, highlighting her gorgeous line of ultra-feminine jewelry, handmade on the premises. Zysman, a true Parisian, is a passionate, self-taught artisan with such far-flung and varied influences as the chansons of Jeanne Moreau, Japanese literature and 1st-century Afghan tribal jewelry. Displayed under domed cloches, her delicate designs, some with a single rough-faceted diamond drop or semi-precious gemstone, are irresistible. Forced to choose, a girl couldn't go wrong with the Seven bracelet, a slip of a bangle slightly flattened on top and set with seven tiny diamonds, or the Forever necklace, a mere wisp of a chain on which five rough-cut black diamonds nestle discretely at the clavicle. The canny Zysman knows how to make pieces that work for everyday and keep happy clients coming back for more.

81 rue des Martyrs, 01.42.52.01.00. website

Originally published in the July/August 2010 issue of France Today