About

Hello, I’m Jean!

Throughout my life I’ve looked for opportunities to tap into my creative side, exploring different mediums such as photography, videography and painting. I’ve been making jewelry for years, and after taking jewelry fabrication classes at a couple of local art schools, I learned new techniques and integrated metalsmithing into my designs. I’ve always been on the hunt for vintage items and small things forgotten that can be repurposed into something new. My collections are influenced by my love for travel, trips to museums, vintage flea markets, people watching, and the sites and colors of each city. I’ve lived, worked, and trekked throughout Europe, and always look forward to the next opportunity to pack up and visit one of my favorite destinations: Paris.

Pack for Paris is a handmade jewelry brand based in La Mesa, California. I use traditional metalsmithing techniques and hand forge all my pieces in small batches, working primarily with gold-filled, sterling silver, and brass metals. I like to describe my brand’s aesthetic as, “a mix of modern + vintage vibes” and my collections include wardrobe essentials like dainty stacking rings and stud earrings, as well as eclectic limited-edition pieces. When creating new designs, I often upcycle from my curated collection of over 3,000 vintage Czech glass buttons, adding to the sustainability and uniqueness of each piece. Many of these designs are one-of-a-kind and I’m adding new items to the shop regularly. I use high-quality, ethically-sourced gemstones and do my best to work with vendors who care about the environment. The jewelry is made-to-order which helps to avoid any unnecessary over-production. Additionally, I’m proud to say that all my jewelry packaging (plant-based packing tape, zero waste stickers and shipping labels, boxes, tissue paper, compostable plastic baggies, and corrugated bubble) is recyclable and environmentally friendly.

I’ve recently published Bench Notes: A Maker’s Workbook for Ideas, Designs, and Specifications. It’s now available in hardcopy on Amazon—click here to find out more about this resource.

noissue Eco Packaging Alliance: Every time Pack for Paris orders sustainable packaging supplies from noissue, trees will be planted throughout the world in deforested regions. We chose to have our first trees planted in Australia after the devastating bush fires of 2019-2020 destroyed approximately 46 million acres. Read about noissue’s partnership with the One Tree Planted here.

A portion of Pack for Paris sales is donated annually to the One Tree Planted global reforestation program.