Yves Péclard

* 26 Aug 1967, Swiss, Jewellery designer

For Yves Péclard, jewellery is not a luxury. Rather, it is a companion for life and a way to tell a story and capture emotions. And because no two lives are the same, he specializes in creating one-of-a-kind pieces.

The Péclard family has been making original pieces of jewellery in Zurich's old town for 90 years. Unique pieces with a high standard of craftsmanship and artistry. Yves Péclard is the third generation to run the jewellery business. It was previously in the hands of his father Philippe (* 1939), who in turn took it over from his father Fritz (1908 - 1977) - all of them excellent goldsmiths. And even before that, there was Augustin Péclard (1870 - 1957), who specialized in silverware and the jewellery trade throughout Europe and Egypt.

Do you have siblings? I have two sisters, one of whom passed away a long time ago. And we grew up with a cousin who was like a brother to us. What did your father do? He is a goldsmith and learned the art of craftsmanship in Schwäbisch Gmünd, just as his father had done. What was your education? I did an apprenticeship as a goldsmith in the family business. After graduation, I went travelling for a year and became a husband and father of two girls at an early age. Before joining the family business in 2004, I ran an independent atelier for more than ten years. What makes you so successful? I don’t feel successful. I am happy with my surroundings, with my environment. I am happy with my life and my family. I don’t like labels such as “You are the best”. I don’t like competition and I don’t live on praise. I just do my stuff and I am very picky. I don’t think that I am the greatest designer, but sometimes I do great work. Are you a patriarch? No. I grew up in a very anti-authoritarian way and had to make my own decisions at the age of 12. I am not a control freak, but I have my ways of letting people know what I like without telling them what to do. What is one thing you will never do again? I don't go to bullfights and football matches any more. And I don't fly to America just for a week anymore. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I am an introvert. And quite perceptive as well. What motivates you? Curiosity is what makes my creativity.