"Style and sophistication – that’s the message I am constantly trying to get across in my work. Refinement and elegance – but certainly never, ever anything flashy." And the very thought that her workshops might ever be responsible for producing anything even remotely flashy leads her to revert her mother tongue. "Quel horreur!"

"I don’t go in for flowers, stars and the like – for I am determined to "mettre en valeur" the stones. Unused to conducting a conversation in franglais, I seek and receive clarification. "My brief is to let the stones speak for themselves", she explains, "to bring their natural beauty to the fore."

It’s perhaps the most over-used word in France. But Brigitte Salomon, who set up her own Haute Joaillerie company in the 9^th arrondissement of Paris just five years ago, is certainly dynamique. Full of energy and enthusiasm for her products, she has expanded rapidly from a tiny workshop of three into a team of over a dozen assistants, and with her eyes firmly set on greater things to come in the next millennium.

Graduating from the France’s prestigious National Institute of Gemmology – more for fun than in the pursuit of a career in jewellery – she soon found herself so bitten by the bug that it seemed entirely natural to make the transition from pastime to profession. Easier said than done, you might think – especially with such large sums of capital involved – but Brigitte Salomon is perhaps La Dame de Fer of French jewellery – an ambitious and successful woman who knows precisely where she is going and precisely what she wants. A formula for success? Most certainly.

"I love beautiful things, luxurious things, ordered things, refined things. I don’t try to analyse it too much, to be honest, because it seems to me to be so ordinary and natural. Jewellery is very little understood by the general public – at least in France – and whenever I used to walk around the Place Vendôme, I was always anxious to deepen my knowledge."

So how did she go about making the transition from hobby to work? Easier said than done, n’est ce pas?

"Not really", she replies, unflustered. I never really seek to make the difference between the two. My hobby was my work. And now my work is my hobby. But it was because I never like to do things half-heartedly that I launched myself into this on a more professional basis. I spent several years working for a few of the better known companies. And from then on it was the classic story, I guess – of thinking – ‘hang on a minute, I could just as well be doing this for myself’. And on top of that I knew that working myself would allow me to create what I want, when I want."

Salomon soon learned that issues of art and design don’t sit comfortably next to enterprise and commerce – and she learned the hard way – by survival. And she came to the conclusion that when a new business venture is embarked upon – publicity and energy are the watchwords. The moment to call in the PR professionals, perhaps? Not likely. The moment to call out Brigitte Salomon – whose conviction and commitment to her products is contagious indeed. Not just to the occasional journalist, one hastens to add, but to consumers and exporters alike. For not only have her products gone down like a smooth liqueur in her home country, but exports now account for over 65% of turnover – the Middle East and Asian markets snapping up her products comme des petits pains. That’s the French equivalent of hot cakes, for those of you who might not happen to be in the know.

And which stones might happen to be Brigitte’s best friend? Why, diamonds, of course. "I love all stones – but diamonds are so very special, I have to say. Because of they represent eternity – they are so symbolic. They really do provide the most magnificent backgrounds with which to show off a beautiful ruby or sapphire. You only need to take one look at my creations and you can see that they are laden with diamonds. Diamonds because they glow with one hundred and one fires."

Salomon insists that her ideas seldom come to her when at work. But rather when she is completely calm and relaxed – which because of a constantly ringing telephone and calls upon her time – is likely to mean either during the weekend or whilst travelling abroad. Just as well, perhaps, that there are well over dozen business trips each year.

But what about this energetic and talented designer away from the office?

Salomon stops for a moment, as if to indicate that she knows it is not the appropriate response. "Well, the truth is that that’s a tough question. Because I am my work. I live it 24 hours a day. I find it difficult, therefore, to cut off. I can’t cut off. Even if I am meant to be having a relaxing meal in a restaurant, I will always be looking at what people are wearing – so everything – everything – is connected in some way to my work. It’s all-consuming. And I wouldn’t really want it to be any other way – even if I might occasionally moan and groan about my hectic schedule."

"Is there one particular creation" I enquire by way of conclusion, of which you are particularly proud?"

"As a matter of fact there is. I began this company when I was 8 months pregnant. Not the best of timing you might well say. To create my own company was my burning dream – my greatest ambition. And I knew that I couldn’t let the twin issues of childbirth and maternity leave stand in my way. That said – Max – my 5-year-old son is undoubtedly my most magnificent creation. He was born into the world of stones and jewellery – so of course he loves them too. And I’ll let you into a secret – so long as you don’t tell anyone else – that he knew the combination to the safe long before he could count!"

And before you could say Max Salomon she had said au revoir and dashed off to Orly airport – spreading her message of style and sophistication with an almost messianic fervour. And knowing, in the process, that she is bound to succeed.