Take a Piece of the Eiffel Tower with You

This month, I am thrilled to launch a new blog series, Dreamhunters, which will focus on exciting new businesses and inspirational entrepreneurs.  For my first feature, I am excited to introduce Paul Bedell, the man behind the Korbella luxury jewellery line inspired by the Eiffel Tower.  Paul contacted me a few months ago when he stumbled on my blog, as the clear affinity with my Eiffel Tower Tuesday posts "brought a smile" to his face.  Afterwards, I discovered that he had recently created a jewellery line with one of the most unique design concepts I've ever come across.  Korbella has delicate, latticework compositions that are clearly influenced by architectural cues from Paris's greatest landmark.  However, what is truly unique about its jewellery is the small polished square or round "diamond" at the centre of its necklaces and charms - which is an actual portion of the majestic Dame de Fer herself!  Paul Bedell gives us more insight into the inspirations behind his dream business in this interview with Little Pieces of Light.

  

{LPoL} Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and your background?

{PB} I've had the pleasure of living and working all over the world: Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and all across the United States.  Previously, my professional experience has been in financial services and for the past decade, it's been across the executive suite: Chief Sales Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and President.  Of course, the titles are less important than what we do in each role, and for me, the common thread has always been about marketing and growing businesses, introducing new products, entering new markets, etc.  This is what interests me.

{LPoL} How did you end up in the jewellery industry?

{PB} I've always appreciated and admired jewellery: wherever I've gone or lived in the world, I'm always shopping around, exploring the offerings on hand in each market.  In the past, though, my participation has been limited to observing, admiring, and acquiring jewelry (typically for my wife, and now my daughter).

{LPoL} What gave you the idea to purchase a piece of the Eiffel Tower and to launch a jewellery line around it?

{PB} During our most recent visit to Paris, we experienced a very special "once in a lifetime" sort of visit.  It was an occasion to enjoy incredible father-daughter bonding against the backdrop of Paris, and to fall in love all over again with my wife.  I came to the realization that I wanted to be doing something better aligned with my passions and as I began to contemplate what that might be, I had an idea borne out of need.  We wanted to find a souvenir of our time in Paris, something equal to the task of commemorating our wonderful experience, and could find only the usual trinkets and rubbish.  I remembered reading something about a piece of the Eiffel Tower being auctioned off, and decided that I should track down a piece of this world famous icon and create beautiful jewelry - these would be meaningful, precious and rare souvenirs that would enable people to always have Paris in a very special way.

{LPoL} As someone who takes photographs of the Eiffel Tower regularly, I notice that your jewellery designs draw a lot of inspiration from the architecture and structure of the Iron Lady herself.  Can you tell us a little bit more about these design influences on your collection?

{PB} I think the Eiffel Tower is quite beautiful. I particularly like the powerful geometric designs, especially the ubiquitous "X" forms, and the Art Nouveau arches that are so incredibly striking.  When I first started thinking about my collection, I knew that I wanted it to be timely and timeless, incorporating classic elements with a contemporary twist.  These are pieces that are designed to be worn easily, comfortably, all the time.  Consider the small round medallion we call "Toujours Paris" (see above photo, middle design) - elegant in its simplicity; with a very pleasing circular shape and flowing latticework design.  This piece is equally at home dressed up or in a more casual setting.

{LPoL} Many people are curious about how your jewellery is made and how pieces of the Eiffel Tower are physically incorporated in it.  Once you've decided upon your designs, how do you go about creating the actual jewellery?

{PB} We decided early on to maintain the structural integrity of the metal - that is, we decided against melting it down. We sought designs that would convey the Korbella aesthetic that I mentioned previously, while allowing us to incorporate actual Eiffel Tower artifacts; for example, the beautiful squares we call "Eiffel Tower diamonds".  The pieces themselves are made using the lost wax (or cire perdue) method, which hasn't changed much in thousands of years.  While it is time-consuming and challenging, it is acknowledged to be a process that yields very high quality pieces.  The casting work is done in New York, after which the pieces undergo extensive hand-finishing, principally in Rhode Island.

{LPoL} I understand that you have only recently launched your first collection.  Can you give us any hints of how future collections might evolve?  

{PB} It's always fun to look to the future, isn't it?  That's one of the attractions of Paris: to me, it is a city of possibilities.  In the near term, we can envision additional designs, including a charm bracelet in the near future, and possibly some cufflinks in very, very limited quantities.  Beyond that, we will continue to listen to our clients and to seek to interpret designs that will successfully capture and evoke treasured memories. 

{LPoL} The concept of Korbella seems to be strongly bound with the magic and romance of Paris.  What do you think attracts people so strongly to the City of Lights, even if they have never visited it before?

{PB} Korbella (meaning "beautiful heart") is a brand that revolves around the heart, the delicate and precious interplay between emotions and memories.  Our flagship Eiffel Tower Forever Collection revolves around the Eiffel Tower, as it is inextricably linked with the magic and romance of Paris.  What is it about Paris that is so special?  I doubt that I could shed much new light on the subject. But I know this: there is an attraction I feel whenever I visit; the fact that it is so inexplicable makes it no less palpable.  When I arrive in Paris, I feel simultaneously energized and relaxed.  And while I am a citizen of the United States, I feel quite at home in Paris.  As we speak with our clients, we know that we are not alone: for both those who have visited and those who aspire to do so one day, there is an undeniable attraction.  Hollywood is for movie stars; Milan is for models; and Paris is for possibilities - whenever I visit, it nourishes my soul and inspires me of what could be.

{LPoL} What dreams and plans do you hold for Korbella in the future?

{PB} Our priority today is to build awareness; to connect with romantics, dreamers, and those who love them - people who will appreciate these rare and precious souvenirs.  The feedback we've been receiving is overwhelmingly positive and so very encouraging, we see a very bright future for Korbella.  As we continue to grow our brand, we would like to explore partnerships with other companies who share a commitment to creating special experiences and events, the stuff of wonderful lifelong memories.

{LPoL} Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers of Little Pieces of Light?

{PB} It's been a true pleasure to have this opportunity to chat with you and to share some information about our venture.  What excites us most is the privilege of creating this beautiful jewelry, these unique vessels that await to be filled with the dreams and memories of each of your readers and the stories of "their Paris".

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Many thanks to Paul Bedell for taking the time to share with us the inspirations behind his newly launched jewellery collection!  If you're interested in learning more about Korbella or in purchasing one of its pieces to call your own or to give away to a loved one, you can visit its website at https://www.korbella.com/.  Korbella is currently offering special introductory pricing through February for its sterling silver pieces (a 20% savings off regular prices) - which is perfect timing for boyfriends and husbands looking for that perfect Valentine's Day gift!  Designs are also available in vermeil (18k gold over sterling), which are custom order and require 4-6 weeks for delivery.  Please visit the website to find out more.

For any further questions, don't hesitate to contact Paul directly at paul@korbella.com.  In the meantime, if you have any thoughts to share about Korbella or this feature, please leave a comment below!

{All images courtesy of Korbella}