Editors

Marie Lichtenberg on Being Jewelry’s ‘It Girl’ in 2023

EditorsNov 07, 2023

Marie Lichtenberg on Being Jewelry’s ‘It Girl’ in 2023

Senior Editor Ashley Davis interviewed the Parisian stylist turned jewelry designer on her cult favorite jewelry collection.

Marie Lichtenberg jewelry
Marie Lichtenberg has become a favorite of jewelry tastemakers with her unique yet timeless designs, like her signature locket, pictured in the “Eye Will” version ($3,940).
There is no dearth of rising talent in fine jewelry design now. Jewelry lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to unique points of view in an ever-evolving medium. 

There’s been an undeniable buzz around Marie Lichtenberg. The Parisian designer entered the scene in 2019 with a unique signature—a locket based on an antique family heirloom

She infused the piece with whimsy and individuality, utilizing engraved patterns, diamonds and colored gemstones, enamels, and text for a contemporary twist.

Several lockets were strung on bright thread, rather than a gold chain, expertly fusing the high/low approach that belies Lichtenberg’s history as a fashion stylist.

Marie Lichtenberg
Designer Marie Lichtenberg

It is this intersection of timeless luxury born of antique inspiration and contemporary playfulness where Lichtenberg has solidified her design identity.

The “Scapular” necklace, based on the religious pendant style, has followed the same formula, reinventing a classic piece with color and personality. 

Along the way, Lichtenberg has garnered the attention of jewelry tastemakers across the industry, landing in stores like Broken English, Twist, and Net-a-Porter.

I spoke with the designer about taking the leap into design and her early jewelry influences. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Ashley Davis: What was your professional background prior to launching your brand?

Marie Lichtenberg: I am a former fashion editor for ELLE France and ELLE International.

AD: What originally piqued your interest in jewelry?

ML:
My mother has always collected antique jewelry, and as far back as I can remember, I was fascinated by what she wore.  
A sapphire line bracelet had particularly caught my attention. From visiting antique jewelry stores to every flea market on earth, my education and love for jewelry were undoubtedly born during that time. 

“I needed to experience a profound turning point … before finally making the decision to pursue [jewelry].” 
– Marie Lichtenberg

AD: What made you take the leap to create your own designs and brand?

ML: I learned a great deal as a stylist, and it was an exciting profession, but I felt that I could and should push my creative side even further. 

It was a long process of reflection before I took the plunge. I needed to experience a profound turning point and deep self-reflection before finally making the decision to pursue it.

[Jewelry design] was a dream, and sometimes it's difficult to make dreams come true; sometimes we just want to stay in the fantasy of "what if?”

AD: What ended up being the turning point for you?

ML: At the time [I was beginning my jewelry line], I was experiencing challenging moments in my life as well as great happiness.  

I was going through challenging personal family issues and resigning from a magazine where I had worked for more than 12 years.  

I was leaving behind familiar grounds and had to build a new solid foundation—a new beginning. 



AD: What can you tell me about the first designs? What was the process like creating the first locket and refining it?

ML: I needed to draw strength from a piece I already knew and cherished. I found inspiration in the necklace my mother gave to me when I was 14 years old, a “creole” necklace.  

I drew my inspiration from it to create my "locket." It’s a clasp transformed into a chiseled talisman bearing the words dedicated to my daughter, Paloma: "Love you to the moon and back."  

This was the first piece in my collection. I describe my first designs as a true passion project, filled with love, wit, and charm. 

“My ignorance was my greatest fortune. It gave me freedom in creation and action.” – Marie Lichtenberg

AD: How did the collection evolve from lockets to your "Scapular" necklaces?

ML: The "Scapular" is not so much an evolution but rather the desire to add a new playground, if you will, to our collection. The primary inspiration is a religious necklace composed of two small pieces of blessed fabric connected by a string. 

It was interesting for me to explore its conventional shapes and add complexity to it. It also represents my desire to mix everything so people can stack and accumulate our jewelry. It is a perfect partner to the locket.

AD: At Couture this year, you debuted an orb pendant encasing a Magic 8 Ball. Can you tell me a bit about it?

ML: The Magic 8 Ball is a collaboration with Mattel. We are extremely proud of it.  

It was the perfect opportunity for us to combine this iconic and brilliant design with our expertise. For me, it is the perfect illustration of the DNA of our brand: irreverent and playful at any cost.  

“What we have in mind is to continue having fun and pushing craftsmanship to its maximum despite the commercial pressure.” – Marie Lichtenberg

AD: How would you describe your overall design philosophy or identity?

ML: I had the opportunity to dive into this industry without knowing the outcome. My ignorance was my greatest fortune. 

It gave me freedom in creation and action. I believe “freedom,” and “irreverence,” are words that describe our work very well.

AD: Who do you envision as the Marie Lichtenberg customer?

ML: I see my client as a relaxed, playful woman with a great sense of humor and style.

AD: What’s next for the brand?

ML: We are currently in the midst of developing the next collection. What we have in mind is to continue having fun and pushing craftsmanship to its maximum despite the commercial pressure and everything that developing a business can entail. 

I cannot share too much at this stage, but keep your eyes peeled.  

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Cast Issa Rae
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for Relaunch

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

Eve Goldberg, Matthew Denatale, Willie Lopez, Benjamin Goldberg
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship Program

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

Elie Hannoush
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Claire’s store
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mindi Mond Spike Earrings
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot Rubies

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

The Story of Everything Campaign, Toadstool Mushroom and Cosmic Egg
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry Sales

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Morgan Keefe
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education Scholarship

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The Jewelry Book
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy