Contemporary Jewelry in the Spotlight: Gaëtan Essayie’s Collections Exhibited at the MAD Museum in New York

Metalwork and pure craftsmanship regularly cross borders to connect with new audiences. This is precisely the case for French jewelry designer Gaëtan Essayie, based in Biot, whose silver pieces were selected twice to participate in the prestigious MAD About Jewelry exhibition-sale (formerly known as LOOT), organized by the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York.

Here is a look back at a double international recognition—in the spring of 2017 and again in 2018—for this designer dedicated to minimalism.

MAD About Jewelry: A Showcase for Contemporary Art Jewelry

Every year, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York gathers around forty artists from all over the world for its flagship event dedicated to jewelry creators. For American art lovers, collectors, and curators, this gathering at Columbus Circle is a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of international contemporary jewelry design and to acquire pieces directly from the artists.

For a craftsman, being invited two years in a row—first from April 3 to 8, 2017, and then from April 16 to 21, 2018—is an incredible opportunity to build a lasting relationship with the American public and confirm institutional interest in their work.

The Essayie Style: The Pursuit of the Pure Line

Immersed from an early age in the world of jewelry design in Biot, Gaëtan Essayie developed a highly personal aesthetic focused on the essential. His approach is based on a rigorous principle: working from a single strand of silver to design fluid and lightweight structures.

"My creations are made from a single silver wire, which gives them a clean line and a unique architecture." — Gaëtan Essayie

By eliminating the superfluous, the designer integrates every technical element—such as the clasp—into the very heart of the piece's design. The result is a collection of rings, bracelets, and earrings with soft curves, designed to naturally complement the movements of the body.

A Bridge Between the French Riviera and Manhattan

By presenting his sterling silver collections in New York during these two editions, Gaëtan Essayie shared his vision of demanding, contemporary craftsmanship. The reception given to his graphic lines in the US highlights the universal appeal of designs that prioritize sobriety and the clarity of technical gesture.

These milestones at the MAD Museum are part of a continuous journey dedicated to the material, extending the expertise of the family workshop onto the international stage.

To catch a glimpse of the atmosphere and the diversity of creations presented during these New York sessions, you can watch this short presentation of the LOOT: MAD About Jewelry exhibition.