You’ve probably noticed that I draw heavily on wire as inspiration for creating Mayrena jewelry. I’ve always been fascinated by the world of wire: as a child, I would strip electrical cables to recover the copper core and pair it with beads salvaged from my mother’s broken necklaces. Over the years, that fascination became a true creative wellspring. So when I founded Mayrena Paris, wire naturally became the brand’s guiding line.
But let’s talk about wire itself. Minimalist, functional, layered, curved, geometric — all these words describe its many uses. The making of wire has a long history and varies according to the material used.
1. Wire in Antiquity
Wire has been used since time immemorial as adornment by ancient civilizations. The earliest wirework we know dates back to Antiquity: wire was used to cover and beautify parts of the body, wrapping around the wrist, neck, arms, and ankles. Crafted in precious metals such as bronze and gold, these pieces highlight the mastery of Iron Age goldsmiths in Europe. Back then, jewelry signified status and power.
Ancient Greek gold bracelet (5th–6th century BC)
Scythian choker from Eurasia (1st century BC)
Ancient Greek gold earrings (6th century BC)
Celtic gold neck ring (torc) (4th century BC)
Initially used as a simple band, wire was gradually manipulated, curved, and twisted to create ever more complex ornaments — symbols of social distinction and wealth. Jewelry became increasingly imposing, mirroring the social success of its owner.
2. Wire in jewelry and watchmaking
Today, wire-inspired design appears in many pieces that are worn like true “miniature sculptures.” The great malleability of wire gives designers endless possibilities for creation and interpretation — it can be bent, curved, and stretched almost infinitely. That’s why so many artists still draw inspiration from the world of wirework.
Major luxury houses draw on it liberally; for some, wire has become a true brand identity and allows certain creators to reveal their distinctive signature (as with Mayrena Paris).
Céline Barbelé Thin bracelet by Phoebe Philo
Bernar Venet, “Ligne indéterminée” ring, 1998
Gold wire ring, Alexander Calder, 1950
Juste un Clou bracelet, Cartier
3. Wire in advertising
These ancient wire inspirations carried through the ages. From the late 19th century onward, wire was increasingly twisted into curves, and advertisers used it widely in visuals to evoke fine, elegant jewelry.
Cartier Baignoire watch, 1980
Cartier Panthère cuff watch
Dior J’adore fragrance ad
Piaget advertisement
4. Wire in furniture and interiors
Before moving into jewelry, I spent a lot of time in the gallery and design world. The universe of wire — and even tubing — also appears in furniture and interior design. Many now-legendary designers explored its possibilities, including Charlotte Perriand, Gae Aulenti, Michael Thonet, Michel Boyer, Shiro Kuramata, Giotto Stoppino, and Mies van der Rohe. Their aim? To use wire’s aesthetic to conceive objects that are both functional and beautiful.
In furniture, tubing is conceptualized to hug the floor, hold objects, and support seating or weight.
Chaise longue by Charlotte Perriand
Sofa, Michel Boyer, 1971
Pair of Locus Solus chairs, Gae Aulenti, 1963
Dining table, Giotto Stoppino, 1970s
In interiors, wire is arranged in symmetry and curves to create visual movement.
5. Wire in automotive design
Wire also appears in the automotive world — not for aesthetics, but for practicality. It creates symmetrical, complex structures that are a true source of inspiration.
Chassis structure of a Porsche 917, 1981
6. Wire in leather goods
In leather goods and fashion, wire-inspired aesthetics appear in caning, in the length and placement of handles, and in ornamentation. Designers use wire with the idea that a bag is more than an accessory — it brings movement and character to an outfit.
Cloche bag, Moschino 2010
Pearl Bag, Cult Gaia
Worn on the shoulder or by hand, a wire-inspired bag elongates the silhouette and plays with different materials — textile, leather, fiber, resin, metal…
J’ai acheté la bague l’Insolite réversible en argent dans le magasin de la Fondation Cartier. C’est une merveille, très confortable à porter! Un Œuvre d’Art!