Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot: When Art and Jewellery Collide

October 30, 2019

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

Aude Mathon has written a new chapter in the history of the Maison Mathon, having collaborated with the artist Émeline Piot on a new collection of jewellery entitled ‘Unique’. The collection is inspired by myths and legends, which is reflected in the eclectic design of each one-of-a-kind jewel. ‘Unique’ was presented to the general public as part of the ASIA NOW salon in Paris, held from October 16th to 20th.

Roger Mathon, who founded Maison Mathon in 1931, had a special passion for painting which guaranteed that bright colours would always play a crucial role in the brand’s jewellery. Aude Mathon and her husband Jean-Baptiste have been at the helm of the family business since 2017. Under their leadership, the brand has strived to preserve this heritage – while at the same time continuing to introduce innovative methods and ideas into their collaborations. It was this approach that has allowed this kind of collaboration between Mathon and Piot to take place.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

 Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

 Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Nkùma' ring with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and enamel in yellow gold

The drawings of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces are the work of Émeline Piot, while their physical embodiment is from the hand of the masters of Maison Mathon. They make use of traditional, time-tested techniques that French jewellers have passed from generation to generation. Each stage of the creative process is done by hand in the House’s Paris workshops and this human touch – with its evident sensitivity and sensuality – ensures that no piece in the collection can be repeated. At the same time, Émeline’s design required the Mathon jewellers to innovate in some of their creative processes, in order to achieve the uniformity for which the collaboration strove.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot 'Unique'collection ‘Quetzal’ earrings with spinels, tourmaline, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds in enamel and yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot 'Unique'collection ‘Quetzal’ earrings with spinels, tourmaline, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds in enamel and yellow gold

The style of Émeline Piot is harmonious with the spirit of Maison Mathon, bringing to the work a special vision of nature and mythology. This harmony finds its embodiment in gold and bright precious stones – emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, tourmalines and, of course, diamonds. It was thus that ten stunning works, fashioned as miniature sculptures, came into existence. “Nature does not tolerate emptiness,” the artist said, explaining the profusion of colours and symbols that are so ubiquitous within her work. To make it easier for you to decipher the purpose of the collection, you must separately note that Émeline is a synesthete. That is to say, she sees colours where they are not literally present: in music, poetry, letters and numbers. Paradoxically, working in black and white allows all of the colours of her imagination to explode.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Eden' earrings with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, turquoise and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Eden' earrings with tourmaline, emeralds, spinels, garnets, sapphires, diamonds, turquoise and enamel in yellow gold

This total love of colour ensured that there would be only one piece of black and white jewellery in the entire collaborative collection – a ‘Janus’ necklace with colourless diamonds and black spinels. In some respects, it is a way into the collection as a whole; a link between the sketch as an object of fine art and as the basis for the physical jewellery collection.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Anqa’ necklace with amethysts, moonstones, emeralds, black and red spinels, spessartines and diamonds in rose gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Anqa’ necklace with amethysts, moonstones, emeralds, black and red spinels, spessartines and diamonds in rose gold

 Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Ara' ring with spessartine garnets, sapphires, diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, black spinel and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection 'Ara' ring with spessartine garnets, sapphires, diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, black spinel and enamel in yellow gold

The collection also included three more necklaces: ‘Anqa’ – with amethysts, moonstones, emeralds, black and red spinels, spessartines and diamonds – is a piece dedicated to the legendary bird blessed with impeccable beauty; ‘Nyiama’ – tourmalines, sapphires, iolites, beryls, opals, spinels, carnelian, and rhodolite – draws on the unifying life force that is said to be found in every living thing: person, plant and animal alike; ‘Ser’ – with aquamarines, rubellites, tourmalines, spinels, citrines, sapphires, tsavorites, spessartines – recalls the lions guarding a sacred temple and its treasures. The last of these necklaces combines 1,280 gems, each set with astonishing precision.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection jewellery including (from left to right) the ‘Nyiama’ necklace, the ‘Pisces’ cuff, the 'Nkùma' ring and the 'Ara' ring

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection jewellery including (from left to right) the ‘Nyiama’ necklace, the ‘Pisces’ cuff, the 'Nkùma' ring and the 'Ara' ring

‘Unique’ also includes other types of jewellery with an equally broad range of ideas and an impressive set of coloured gemstones. For example, a ‘Pisces’ cuff bracelet composed of 18 Australian opals recalls the legend of two fish – symbols of love – which turned into the constellations of Venus and Cupid. It should be noted that the fact that the jewellery here was not drawn by a jeweller, but rather by an artist, is the source of the attention that the collection so effectively draws. So, the ‘Gor Orisa-Nla’ solo earring – inspired by the legend of the people of Kong, as well as tribal jewellery and the great natural abundance of the African continent – is attached not only to the lobe, but also to the upper part of the ear.

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Gor Orisa-Nla’ solo earring with tourmaline, iolite, rhodolite, Imperial topaz, garnet, aquamarine, emerald, sapphires, diamonds, spinels and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Gor Orisa-Nla’ solo earring with tourmaline, iolite, rhodolite, Imperial topaz, garnet, aquamarine, emerald, sapphires, diamonds, spinels and enamel in yellow gold

 Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Gor Orisa-Nla’ solo earring with tourmaline, iolite, rhodolite, Imperial topaz, garnet, aquamarine, emerald, sapphires, diamonds, spinels and enamel in yellow gold

Aude Mathon x Émeline Piot ‘Unique’ collection ‘Gor Orisa-Nla’ solo earring with tourmaline, iolite, rhodolite, Imperial topaz, garnet, aquamarine, emerald, sapphires, diamonds, spinels and enamel in yellow gold

The collection’s creativity knows no bounds. When true masters come and work together, true masterpieces are invariably born. If ‘Unique’ is anything to go by, then I certainly hope that Maison Mathon continues this practice of interdisciplinary collaboration!

Trend: Pure diamond high jewellery

continue reading

Essential Passion: The Artistic Pursuits of Mehragin Rahmati of Mergin Jewelry 

Jewellery can be thoughtful and insular, or it can be effusive and bold and full of character that makes it stand out from the crowd. I would put the colourful and charismatic creations of Mehragin Rahmati into the latter camp because of their attention-grabbing silhouettes, unusual structures, and confident mineral palettes.

by Katerina Perez

Maestro of Masterpieces: New High Jewels in the Picchiotti Classics Collection

Ahead of this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, Picchiotti has revealed some of the latest additions to its high jewellery repertoire, including new suites in the Picchiotti Classics collection.

by Sarah Jordan

Reasons to Shop: The Moments that Demand a Fresh Jewellery Purchase 

There's no rule that says you need a reason to buy a new piece of jewellery, but sometimes, a little encouragement makes the decision even more exciting. If you're looking for a playful excuse to book your next jewellery appointment, here are a few irresistible reasons to treat yourself.

by Hirshi Sujanti

Grecian Glamour: The Designers Preparing to Spotlight Greek Style at JCK Las Vegas

Recently, I was approached by the organisers of a special ‘Greek mission’ who are supporting 11 independent designers and brands as they seek to make their mark at JCK Las Vegas from June 6-9, 2025. Below, I would like to introduce you to each of the businesses participating in this incredible showcase of Greek design, ingenuity and craftsmanship.

by Katerina Perez

Naked Attraction: The Best High Jewellery of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival 

Here’s a rundown of some of the best Cannes jewellery looks from the 78th annual festival (May 13-24), including the likes of Dakota Johnson, Angelina Jolie, and Natalie Portman, who all make striking jewellery the star of their ensembles

by Sarah Jordan

In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below

by Katerina Perez

Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work

I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question

by Katerina Perez

Larger than Life: New Mineral Masterpieces and Global Adventures with Margot McKinney 

Let’s take a closer look at the pieces and places that have helped to shape the Margot McKinney brand over the last 12 months, including the rather sensational Marina, Aurora and Bloem necklaces

by Katerina Perez

Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

by Amanda Triossi

Perfect Proposal: The Top 10 Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid 

The moment you start thinking about proposing, everything shifts. Ordinary things become significant: dinner out, a walk in the park, a glance at their jewellery box. And then comes "the ring": a symbol of love, yes, but also a silent spokesperson for everything you feel and hope for. No pressure, right?

by Claire Roberts

Couture Show 2025: The Top 10 Debutants Heading to Las Vegas 

The much anticipated Couture Show will return to Wynn Las Vegas from June 4-8, 2025, shining a spotlight on established design talent, new creatives, and international brands that are vying for attention on the global stage. Just like in previous years, I am focusing my attention on the debutants

by Katerina Perez

Designing the Future: Revealing the Winners of the Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

What a ride it has been, witnessing such pure creative energy and original thinking, especially with a material as rare and futuristic as osmium

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Legacy of Love:The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.