Former ironworker Jacline Mazard’s route to design notoriety is an unconventional one. As a teenager, she broke free from studying law in Paris to marry a childhood friend and sell watercolours. A path from painting to sculpture then jewellery design led to a collaborative trade with her father-in-law, Jean Mazard – the name of this joint venture being Jean Mahie. To maintain and celebrate their distinctive style, the pair refused to study at established schools and insisted on each piece bearing their name. Despite these quirks, Mazard ultimately secured a 35-year tenure exclusively goldsmithing for Neiman Marcus. You can acquire a piece of Jean Mahie history with this 22-karat gold chain, in which each handmade link is subtly hammered for beautiful texture.