【Paris, Franc】20 Years On, Jewellery Mogul Valérie Messika Reflects on Her Brand’s Growth

by

Editor’s Note

This article explores how Valérie Messika transformed her family’s diamond business from a B2B supplier into a global luxury jewellery brand, leveraging her heritage to create a modern maison.

Valérie Messika founded her eponymous brand in 2005. Photo: Ezra Petronio
From Family Business to Global Maison

Two decades ago, Valérie Messika, the daughter of one of Paris’s most successful diamond dealers, decided to transform her family’s company into a modern-day jeweller. Converting a B2B (business-to-business) firm into a B2C (business-to-consumer) brand is no easy task, but surveying the treasure trove of stones at her disposal, Messika saw an untapped opportunity.
Her father André had long been a respected diamantaire, supplying stones to the world’s top jewellers in Paris and beyond – so, she reasoned, why not leverage those resources to create a label that would resonate with today’s consumers?

Actress Shu Qi wears Messika at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Handout
A 20-Year Milestone

This year, as the Messika brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, we sat down with its founder at the unveiling of its latest high jewellery collection in Paris.

Reflecting on Achievement
Move Noa Ciselé bangle in white gold with diamonds. Photo: Handout

What are you most proud of across the last 20 years?

“[This milestone] gives me the time to say, ‘OK, we achieved something.’ Because when you’re an entrepreneur, you’re never in the moment but always on what’s next. You don’t enjoy your success. So on this anniversary, I would like to take the time to savour what we’ve achieved in 20 years and not just think about the next 20 years.”
The Founding Vision
Move Noa Ciselé bangles in yellow gold with diamonds. Photo: Handout

What was your goal in establishing Messika as a brand?

“I was younger and I didn’t see myself wearing jewellery because you looked older if you wore diamonds. My girlfriends were always telling me, ‘Diamonds are only for wedding rings.’ And I thought, why do you have to wait for someone to gift you diamonds? Why can’t you buy them for yourself, like a pair of shoes or a handbag? Something cool, stylish, that you can feel on your skin, and that can empower your style and your personality. This is how it started. I did it slowly, slowly. Everything was slow.”
Full article: View original |
⏰ Published on: October 03, 2025