Laura Gallon’s journey to becoming a jewelry designer reads like a captivating detective novel—lost history, a surprising discovery, and a burning desire to restore it all while creating her own dynasty.
It all began when Gallon’s father gifted her a pair of diamond and platinum fan-shaped earrings, crafted by Georges Gallon in the 1920s as a gift for his wife. Gallon was instantly intrigued by the beauty and mystery of this heirloom and felt compelled to learn more.
Upon further investigation, Gallon discovered that her great-grandfather Georges Gallon was a renowned jeweler in Orléans, a city just south of Paris. Her father was even born in the family’s jewelry workshop. Inspired by this rich heritage, Gallon decided to become a gemologist and revive the family business.
Interestingly, Gallon’s path to jewelry wasn’t always so direct. She had always been interested in the world of luxury, even working briefly as a sales assistant at Chanel's luxury swimwear brand Eres. However, it was only after a series of career shifts and a growing interest in her family’s lost legacy that Gallon found her true calling.
Born and raised in a small village outside of Paris, Gallon traveled frequently with her family, fueling her fascination with different cultures and luxury. She eventually pursued a degree in Communication and Marketing at the American University of Paris, followed by a stint at Parsons School of Design in New York, where she earned an associate degree in fashion marketing.
Despite working with luxury brands like Net-a-Porter and Oetker Collection, Gallon felt something was missing. That missing piece, she realized, was in her ancestral earrings. She became a jewelry detective, researching her great-grandfather’s work and uncovering a legacy that no one had carried forward—until now.
In 2020, Gallon launched her first jewelry brand, later rebranded to Laura Gallon Joaillerie in 2022. The brand’s debut collection, Alice, was named after her great-grandmother and inspired by the original fan-shaped earrings created by Georges Gallon in 1920.
Today, Gallon splits her time between France, the U.S., and Mexico, working on growing her brand and uncovering more of her family’s rich history. Her upcoming collection, Dynasty, set to launch in late 2024, is inspired by a stunning piece from her great-grandfather that she successfully acquired at auction last year.
“This will be my best work yet,” Gallon says. “I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
This story of a lost family legacy being brought back to life showcases the passion and dedication that drives Gallon, as she continues to craft timeless pieces that reflect her family’s deep-rooted history.
For more information or to join our global independent designer program, visit AIDI International Smart Diamond Association at www.aidi.org.