Second Pétale: An online gallery experience of rare jewellery which experiences new life

December 17, 2018

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

In the jewellery world, perhaps the best compliment a jewel can be given is to be labelled ‘timeless’. But what does that actually mean? Jewellery whose design, quality and inspirations transcend trends. Despite dynamically changing trends and fashions, jewellery of this kind has been made and will continue to be made by eminent brands, several independent jewellers and individual designers. Not long ago, a Parisian company with an entirely unique philosophy known as Second Pétale joined their ranks. It boasts jewels made across decades, and even centuries that are presented to the world in a contemporary manner.

Arina Pouzoullic is the founder, director and curator at this – her own jewellery maison with a fascinating backstory. The poetic name ‘Second Pétale’ nods to the fact that it is worth looking closely at jewellery. “Behind one petal could be another that’s hidden” says Arina. The items in Arina’s collection have also benefited from a kind of reincarnation; having previously belonged to someone else, they now fall into the hands of a new owner who will appreciate them anew.

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic wearing Chaumet earrings in 18k yellow gold

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic wearing Chaumet earrings in 18k yellow gold

 Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a vintage ring from her curated online gallery

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a vintage ring from her curated online gallery

 Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a selection of her vintage jewellery

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a selection of her vintage jewellery

 Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic with frog ring (top) in demantoid garnets, amethyst and black diamonds in 18k yellow gold, and monkey pendant (attached to Arina's own hoop earring) in rose cut diamonds, red stones and pearls in 14k gold and silver

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic with frog ring (top) in demantoid garnets, amethyst and black diamonds in 18k yellow gold, and monkey pendant (attached to Arina's own hoop earring) in rose cut diamonds, red stones and pearls in 14k gold and silver

I want vintage jewellery to be as desirable as the work of contemporary labels. It is a real challenge to find artistic jewellery that has a unique character but that’s actually something I love: the opportunity to search, learn and investigate. I am an art dealer of sorts, handing the jewellery I admire over to new owners. It’s not a mass market proposition by any means. It’s an entirely individual approach, Arina explains.

Second Pétale elephant ring with synthetic rubies, smoky quartz and enamel in silver

Second Pétale elephant ring with synthetic rubies, smoky quartz and enamel in silver

Whether it’s a ring, earrings, a bracelet, pendant or brooch, the Second Pétale founder personally selects the pieces at auctions, and does so listening only to her instinct. Price, brand and provenance are of little importance. Arina doesn’t just have to like it, the piece has to ‘speak to her’ – and have an immediate and profound resonance. Second Pétale’s director also pays close attention to the level of the execution – everything that she selects is blessed with an immaculate quality and authenticity that are reviewed by an independent expert, even if she acquires items from an auction house with an impeccable reputation.

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a selection of vintage jewellery, including  cuff with enamel, emerald, ruby and champagne diamonds in silver

Second Pétale founder Arina Pouzoullic in a selection of vintage jewellery, including cuff with enamel, emerald, ruby and champagne diamonds in silver

The multiple offerings at Second Pétale are predominantly designed for expressive women who love and are inspired by a range of diverse objects, constantly open to the world and its contradictions. Arina’s clients are confident, sensitive to beautiful creations and not afraid of being understood in their choices, because they have their own conception of beauty.

A selection of Second Pétale jewellery, including (from left to right) frog ring in demantoid garnets, amethyst and black diamonds in 18k yellow gold, owl ring with synthetic rubies and demantoid garnets in silver, crocodile ring in silver, scarab beetle ring with diamonds, garnets and demantoid garnets in 14k yellow gold and silver

A selection of Second Pétale jewellery, including (from left to right) frog ring in demantoid garnets, amethyst and black diamonds in 18k yellow gold, owl ring with synthetic rubies and demantoid garnets in silver, crocodile ring in silver, scarab beetle ring with diamonds, garnets and demantoid garnets in 14k yellow gold and silver

Now that I have met Arina in person, I can say with confidence that she is an outstanding representative of such women. Arina is entirely open to the world and to new experiences, boldly realising her ideas and unafraid of the consequences, viewing any mistakes she makes as important life lessons. This courage is what allowed her to swap her 20-year career in finance for a career in jewellery. Arina decided to create her new business in a modern way: instead of establishing a boutique in Paris, she opened an online gallery to attract women from all over the world who share her life philosophy to Second Pétale’s collection.

A selection of Second Pétale jewellery including (from left to right) Van Cleef&Arpels rings in 18k yellow gold and steel, crocodile ring in silver, and fox bangle with diamonds and rubies in 9k yellow gold and silver

A selection of Second Pétale jewellery including (from left to right) Van Cleef&Arpels rings in 18k yellow gold and steel, crocodile ring in silver, and fox bangle with diamonds and rubies in 9k yellow gold and silver

 Second Pétale Cartier 'Sonate' watch with brilliant and carré cut diamonds, baguette and fancy cut sapphires in 18k yellow gold

Second Pétale Cartier 'Sonate' watch with brilliant and carré cut diamonds, baguette and fancy cut sapphires in 18k yellow gold

 Second Pétale owl ring with synthetic rubies and demantoid garnets in silver

Second Pétale owl ring with synthetic rubies and demantoid garnets in silver

 Second Pétale cocktail ring with oval cut citrine, turquoise and sapphire cabochons in 18k yellow gold

Second Pétale cocktail ring with oval cut citrine, turquoise and sapphire cabochons in 18k yellow gold

 Second Pétale Jean Cocteau lion brooch with ruby in 18k yellow gold

Second Pétale Jean Cocteau lion brooch with ruby in 18k yellow gold

 Second Pétale scarab beetle ring with diamonds, garnets and demantoid garnets in 14k yellow gold and silver

Second Pétale scarab beetle ring with diamonds, garnets and demantoid garnets in 14k yellow gold and silver

I believe in the potential of the online premium jewellery market, although that’s a position that challenges my own views. I like to move with the times and I think it is important to create luxury content online using creative imagery that forms a distinct microcosm, that depicts different perspectives and the plasticity of jewellery as it moves. Jewellery has to be not just accessible from anywhere in the world, it also needs to be understood, down to the last detail. Many think online shopping is an unknown quantity but I would like to debunk that myth, says Arina.

Second Pétale cuff with enamel, emerald, ruby and champagne diamonds in silver, and necklace with 27 Tahitian pearls, peridots and demantoid garnets

Second Pétale cuff with enamel, emerald, ruby and champagne diamonds in silver, and necklace with 27 Tahitian pearls, peridots and demantoid garnets

Second Pétale Nada Le Cavelier ring with step cut green tourmaline and two trillion cut pink tourmalines in 18k yellow gold

Second Pétale Nada Le Cavelier ring with step cut green tourmaline and two trillion cut pink tourmalines in 18k yellow gold

From this article, I’m sure you can interpret that Arina’s approach to jewellery is very emotional, intimate and personal. Of course, much of the jewellery she has chosen lends itself to being considered investment pieces, but this is more of a pleasant bonus – and not the ultimate objective.

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