You have always dreamed that a jeweler would create a unique piece just for you, inspired by your wishes. This is now possible with Concierge Hotels. Frederic Bonnet, jeweler, has partnered with us to turn your dreams into a reality. We met him.
Walking fast, Frederic Bonnet opens to us the doors of his Bangkok workshop. The place is a private sanctuary to which, even his most prestigious clients, do not have access. Frederic uses various techniques for his art, but keeps them confidential. Handsome and stylish, Frederic is a hurried man who does not waste time. Since he put down his suitcases in the Thai capital nearly two years ago, this French craftsman has not taken time out. Each one of the creations emerging from his workshop are more unlikely than the next, more majestic. Frederic conceives very few series. He believes in uniqueness. And this is what he aims at bringing to each and every client of Concierge Hotels. “Whether for a simple ring or for a complete set, I work for the client; with the client. According to his or her tastes and desires, I devise a tailor-made piece”.
This exclusive service comes at a cost, and, requires some time. Following the first contact, it may take from one to three months until delivery of a jewel. Being a perfectionist, Frederic takes time. “Things which are well done take more than just five minutes” argues the jeweller. Do you wish to see a sketch of your project so as to be able to better visualise it? For that, Frederic works with internationally renowned designers. For him on the other hand, “it’s all in the head”. “I draw sketches very rarely. Based on the client’s request, I visualize the jewel in 3D and get down to work straight away,” explains the artist.
Frederic works on a jewellers bench pin. He does not simply imagine the jewel about to be created; he works on it, hands-on. He sits at his workbench and crafts his hand-made creations. “I have a whole team working with me, but my role is not merely to supervise,” confides Frederic while sitting behind his workbench. The jeweller concedes that technology does have a role to play. While certain things may be entirely hand-made, others are not. This is where 3D technology and machines come in. “Technology allows us to make things which one could not even have thought of creating 25 years ago. It also allows us to gain time”. Nevertheless, Frederic makes it a personal issue to ensure that all finishing touches are done by hand. He has acquired this eye for detail, and this need for precision and uniqueness throughout his training, which was started more than 23 years ago in France. Frederic was barely 16 years old when he started in the jewellery universe.
As a child, he used to take apart all sorts of objects just so he could understand their mechanism. He was bored at school. His creativity and dexterity are left unused. When he is fifteen and a half he becomes an apprentice in a jewellery shop situated in the street where he grew up. His parents who are shopkeepers from father to son encouraged him to follow this chosen path. And, Frederic remains loyal to France.
Later however, as he is about to turn 29, Frederic wants to discover new lands, and longs for new horizons. He moves to Bali and gets a job as “Technical Adviser” in an American multinational. He participates in the setting up of a factory and grows the number of employees to 250. He supervises the gold and silver production. During that time, he also undertakes experiments of his own, works with silver, and creates a collection for women and men. Paris Hilton, after a stay in Bali, goes back to the States with one of Frederic’s creations named “Paris”… Frederic, chosen to play Javier Bardem’s double on the set of Eat, Pray, love, meets Julia Roberts. The Hollywood superstar leaves Bali with a magnificent large silver cuff bracelet, which later becomes known as the “Julia” bracelet. And, Javier Bardem, will leave with a sumptuous belt buckle made of black ebony and silver…
Although the Balinese experience is undoubtedly enriching, Frederic feels once more, two years ago, the need for new horizons. He longs to elevate his art even further. “I felt the need for a new challenge; for a higher level”. He settles in Bangkok and works for two workshops of internationally renowned jewelers who create marvelous collections and pieces for some of the most recognized European jewelers. The need for adventure knocks again on Frederic’s door and he is offered a unique opportunity: a mission with an NGO, firstly in Jaipur, India and then in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this context, he sets up jewelry workshops, teaches young people his techniques and imparts his know-how. For the participants, this is an opening enabling them to earn a living through their art, and keeping them away from local extremist groups. Frederic is under the spell of Afghanistan. With the help of his team in Thailand, Frederic designed in 3D all the models needed for the afghan silver collection. The mission is a success.
When he gets back to Bangkok, Frederic regains his independence. As a consultant jeweler, he provides advice to international clients, proposes out-of-the-ordinary and made-to-measure creations, and revives jewels, which have been forgotten at the back of drawers. “I give them a second life, and transform them so as to be more modern and in line with the needs of their owners”.
Today, Frederic Bonnet provides the know-how and expertise acquired during 15 years in France and 10 years in South-East Asia working with demanding customers, to the clients of Concierge Hotels. Your desires and wants are unique, and so Concierge Hotel will bring you tailor-made creations. We know you deserve them. Costs for a ring without gemstones start at $2,000, and the price range will be higher in cases of stone setting. They will also vary according to quality and size…
Watch the making of an engagement ring in HD
