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Article: The Creativity and Heart Behind Our Latest 'Passion' Collection

The Creativity and Heart Behind Our Latest 'Passion' Collection

Heart-shaped diamonds, pops of colour, sharp edges, and chunky settings—these are the defining features of our newest line, the 'Passion' collection. This collection is all about timeless elegance with a bold, modern twist.

To give you an inside look at the inspiration behind the 'Passion' collection, we sat down with Claudia, the visionary who brought the line to life. Here’s what she had to say about the creative journey and the heart (literally) behind these unique designs.

claudia downing sitting down on a pink park bench surrounded by greenery for the new 'passion' collection by claude and me jewellery

What was the inspiration behind the collection?

The inspiration behind the collection began with my desire to express my passion for the industry. I wanted to create pieces that scream luxury and boldness. I’ve always had a soft spot for fancy-shaped diamonds, especially heart shapes, so that was a natural starting point. When we began designing as a team, the ideas flowed. Blending my personal love for the craft with creating stunning pieces centered around heart-shaped diamonds—it’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve!

Can you describe the aesthetic of the collection?

The aesthetic of the collection is luxurious, bold, and modern. Every piece is crafted in 18k yellow gold with beautiful natural gemstones— brilliant white diamonds and stunning sapphires to add a pop of colour. When designing a collection, we always stay true to ourselves and our style; however, we also like to keep up with current trends. Thus, you will see a lot of chunky gold and rub-over settings, which are a huge trend in the industry at the moment. It is very "Claude and Me" of us to have amazing attention to detail.

Side-by-side portraits of a woman with dark hair styled in a low bun, wearing a sleek black blazer. In the left image, she gazes thoughtfully at the camera, her hand touching her chin, showcasing a delicate gold ring. In the right image, she looks directly at the viewer with a slight smile, her hand similarly posed, highlighting both the ring and subtle gold earrings.

How does sustainability factor into this collection?

Sustainability is integral to our approach at Claude and Me. Each piece is crafted with longevity in mind, ensuring timeless style and durability. We prioritise 18k yellow gold and ethically sourced natural gemstones of the highest quality, minimising environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing practices. By choosing materials that are built to last, we reduce our environmental footprint while offering our customers pieces they can cherish for years to come.

What challenges did you face in making this collection and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was sourcing matching heart-shaped diamonds. We knew that creating our hero ring wouldn’t be feasible to replicate over and over again. Rather than seeing it as a challenge, we embraced the opportunity to create something truly one-of-a-kind. 

Why are you passionate about the jewellery industry?

My passion for jewellery began at a young age, inspired by my fascination with my mother’s jewellery. As a child, I would often ‘borrow’ her rings and earrings. I was obsessed by their beauty and the stories they held. This early love grew into a deep appreciation for jewellery as more than just an accessory, but a tangible expression of love and celebration. What I find most fulfilling about the industry is its ability to connect people through meaningful moments. Whether it’s designing engagement rings that symbolise a couple’s commitment, restoring heirloom pieces, or creating custom designs that become treasured family heirlooms, I am privileged to be a part of these special stories.

Why are you passionate about Claude and Me?

Claude and Me is our family legacy. Working alongside my dad and brother every day feels like the ultimate dream. We’re not just creating jewellery; we’re weaving our family’s passion and dedication into every piece. It’s personal for us—each creation is a piece of our hearts, made to be cherished and worn with joy. Claude and Me is a celebration of our love for what we do, and we hope that love shines through in every single piece we create.

 

A person wearing a light checkered blazer extends a hand adorned with elegant gold rings, gently touching the leaves of a lush green hedge in a sunlit garden.

 

In every piece from our 'Passion' collection, there’s a story of love, heritage, and a dedication to craftsmanship. It’s more than just jewellery; it’s a piece of art, a piece of our family, and a piece of your legacy. We hope you feel the passion that we’ve embedded into each design as you wear and cherish them.

2 comments

Beautiful. The heart shape is your life. Bravo. Me too.

Claude Tranchant

You are the best Claudia love your designs
love Olga H.x

Olga Hunter

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