JEAN DINH VAN (1927-2022)

Jean Dinh Van, born in Paris in 1927 to a French mother and Vietnamese father, initially imagined a career as a sailor but was drawn to jewelry design, influenced by his father’s craftsmanship in lacquerware. After studying at Les Beaux-Arts, he honed his skills at Cartier, where he crafted pieces for clients such as the Duchess of Windsor for a decade. In the 1960s, as cultural shifts swept Paris, Dinh Van left Cartier to start his own brand, aiming to redefine luxury jewelry by creating minimalist, wearable pieces free of traditional opulence.

In 1965, Dinh Van opened his first boutique in Paris, with his iconic square rings and visible clasps becoming symbols of a new, liberated style. His work revolutionized jewelry design, emphasizing simplicity and function over ornate detail. Today, his brand remains a celebrated name, known for its handcrafted, innovative designs that continue to challenge conventions.