Timeless Pearly charms timeless pearly jewellery leslie chetrit female founder eliou jewellery French jewelry designer Leslie Chetrit eliou jewellery foundrae necklace alemais earrings anni lu roxanne assoulin luminary mothers alice codford — *Photo Courtesy of Timeless Pearly*

At a time when women are reshaping the meaning of creativity, leadership, and style, there’s something endlessly compelling about those who manage to hold both artistry and motherhood in the same hand. It’s not a reinvention, but an expansion, one that brings resilience, intention, and a sharper sense of self to an already remarkable journey.

Leslie Chetrit is one of those women. The Paris-based jewellery designer is the founder and creative spirit behind Timeless Pearly, the cult-favourite brand known for its playful charms, vintage-inspired details, and eclectic boldness. What began at her kitchen table has since expanded into Timeless Precious, her fine jewelry line crafted in gold and diamonds, and Timeless Home, a collection that extends her universe into everyday objects with the same whimsical, personal touch.

But Leslie’s path hasn’t been smooth. Motherhood began with profound challenges, including the illness of her newborn daughter, yet her work became a lifeline in those dark moments, offering light, momentum, and purpose. Today, as a mother of two, she continues to grow her brand while navigating the beautiful chaos of family life, proof that creativity and resilience can thrive side by side.

And then, of course, there’s her style. Effortlessly eclectic, bold, incredibly chic, and unlike anyone else’s. If Carrie Bradshaw had moved to Paris, stayed, launched a groundbreaking jewellery brand, and raised two children along the way, she might look a little like Leslie Chetrit. Both magnetic and unmistakably individual, her story is a reminder that true style, like true success, isn’t about fitting in, but about daring to be entirely yourself.

By Alice Codford

ON MOTHERHOOD

Alice: Tell us about your journey into motherhood. How has becoming a mother changed or shaped you?

Leslie: I first had my son, Evan. I had wanted to have a child for a long time, but I wanted to be more stable in my work at Timeless Pearly. My son was born in 2021, which was also a huge year for my brand. But I don’t feel like my life changed that much, it was always easy for me to work and take him with me. I came back to work very quickly, and he was always with me; he adapted to my schedule, not the other way around. Still, it taught me a lot, so many more responsibilities, and what it means to take care of another person.

What have been some of the most surprising lessons motherhood has taught you?

Leslie: The real fear and anxiety comes from taking care of someone else. Ever since I gave birth, I’ve had to worry about my kids. Taking care of yourself is one thing, but this new part of you, the part that cares for someone you love more than anyone else in the world, makes you constantly concerned for them.

“In French, we say maman poule, a mother hen, and that was exactly my mom. I think I’ve become a maman poule too.”

As a working mum, how do you find balance between your creative pursuits, business, and parenting?

Leslie: Now I have two kids, so I get help from the best nanny who comes during the day while I work. Without her, I know it wouldn’t be as easy to manage everything.

What has been one of the most difficult points of motherhood for you? Were you able to overcome it, and if so, how did you navigate through that challenging time?

Leslie: My daughter got very sick at just two weeks old and was in the hospital for a month and a half. I lived at the hospital during that time, it was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. My whole world fell apart. In those dark days, my work brought me a little bit of light, especially because it was also a fast-growing time for Timeless Pearly.

What has been one of the highest points of motherhood for you so far? Are there any particular moments or experiences that stand out?

Leslie: I have a daughter and a son, and for me, one of the highlights is dressing them up, it’s so much fun! My daughter is like my little doll! I buy so many clothes for her, and she’s dressed up by 7 a.m. every day. My son is the same, he always has cool outfits.

Have you found it easy or challenging to maintain your friendships since becoming a mother? And have you made any new mum-friends along the way?

Leslie: I still have my best friend from childhood, who has always stayed by my side. I don’t have much time to make new friends, but I have a big family, my sister and cousins keep me quite busy. Through my work, I’ve also met many wonderful people who have become part of my circle.

“Calm isn’t really a word in my life. It’s always chaos, movement, and something to do.”

What lessons from your own mother or maternal figures have influenced your journey as a parent?

Leslie: In French, we say maman poule, a mother hen, and that was exactly my mom. She always made sure I had everything, and she was never a “no” mom. I remember when I was 17, she would even push me to go out with friends, even when I didn’t feel like it, haha. I think I’ve become a maman poule too.

After a particularly tough day of juggling parenting, work, and life in general, what do you do to recharge or unwind? What helps you find some calm amidst the chaos?

Leslie: Calm isn’t really a word in my life. It’s always chaos, movement, and something to do.

What advice or words of wisdom do you want to share with other mums that you wished you knew, or that you have now learned along the way?

Leslie: I feel like every experience is different, and you just have to go with the flow. Trust yourself, you’re ready for this journey of life.

ON FOUNDING TIMELESS PEARLY

What led you to start your jewellery brand, Timeless Pearly?

Leslie: It all came quite naturally. I never planned to sell jewellery. I’ve always been very crafty and just made pieces for myself. I posted some of my looks on Instagram, and it totally blew up. That’s how it all began, right from my living room.

“When I started in 2017, Instagram wasn’t as big. We’ve kept it authentic ever since - we don’t do big photo shoots, and that’s what our clients love the most.”

Timeless Pearly has such a distinctive aesthetic: playful, elegant, nostalgic. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Leslie: I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage gold jewellery, especially pieces from my grandmother. I also love vintage shopping, it always sparks new ideas.

What has been the most surprising part of growing a brand, in today’s digital and fashion-forward world?

Leslie: When I started in 2017, Instagram wasn’t as big, and I never expected things to grow the way they did. I took it one step at a time. Our social media has always been very natural compared to other brands, we don’t do big photo shoots, it’s authentic. And that authenticity is what our clients love most.

Are there any business moments you look back on as turning points for you, either triumphs or tough lessons?

Leslie: In the beginning, all the press came to my house, it was crazy. The New York Times, Vogue US… that was my first real “I made it” moment. Then, when Matches and Net-a-Porter came, I was stunned. I hadn’t contacted anyone, yet everyone wanted my pieces. Since then, there have been big achievements almost every day, but those moments will always be the most important to me.

Timeless Pearly has a very nostalgic, joyful quality. Do you think jewellery should be fun? Personal? Emotional? All of the above?

Leslie: For me, jewellery completes a look, it can be whatever you want it to be. Of course, some pieces can carry deep emotional meaning, but for me, those are the ones from my childhood.

Do you have a few all-time favourite Timeless Pearly pieces?

Leslie: My charms are my true babies! I designed each one, and I love seeing how much people enjoy them. They make Timeless Pearly so unique because you can’t find charms like these anywhere else.

What does success look like for you now, both personally and professionally?

Leslie: For me, success is being known and recognised among so many other brands. I get copied all the time, and people often send me those copies because they know what the real Timeless Pearly is.

“In the beginning, all the press came to my house, it was crazy. The New York Times, Vogue US… that was my first real “I made it” moment.”

What advice would you give to other mothers wanting to start something of their own, especially in the fashion or design space?

Leslie: Honestly, just go for it. Don’t overthink things, if you believe in yourself, you can create something great!

What are some of your favourite achievements in your business so far that you're particularly proud of?

Leslie: One thing I’m very proud of is Timeless Precious, my own gold line. I took my charms to the next level by creating them in gold and diamonds, and to me, this is my greatest achievement.

What’s next for Timeless Pearly? Any exciting launches, collaborations or ideas you're dreaming up or currently working on that you can share?

Leslie: There are always new projects! We do so many pop-ups, and some very fun collaborations are coming soon, but I can’t talk about them yet. I also have my Timeless Home line, which I absolutely love. I think it’s a wonderful representation of my universe.

ON HER PERSONAL STYLE

Your personal style is effortlessly eclectic and bold. How would you describe your fashion philosophy?

Leslie: Honestly, I dress based on how I feel each day. I have to feel comfortable in my clothes to have a good day. In summer, the less I wear, the better I feel, haha! And the opposite in winter. I love layering in winter and wearing lingerie in summer.

What is your go-to outfit for every day? Any particular pieces you wear on repeat?

Leslie: Slippers are my real go-to! When I see a ray of sun, they’re out with me. In summer, I wear very tiny shorts. My rings and bracelets are always part of my look. Some days I’m just in leggings, and the next day it’s a full outfit with skirts and heels… it all depends on my mood.

“I don’t follow trends; I just dress the way I feel each day. I know my style well, so I like to play around in my closet rather than looking for inspiration elsewhere.”

Is there a piece in your closet or jewellery box that holds deep emotional meaning?

Leslie: My Pinocchio from Timeless Precious, my wedding rings, and my watches.

Where do you look for inspiration beyond the fashion world, books, art, film, travel?

Leslie: I don’t follow trends; I just dress the way I feel each day. I know my style well, so I like to play around in my closet rather than looking for inspiration elsewhere.

Whose wardrobe would you love to raid? Do you have any style icons?

Leslie: The Olsen sisters are my style icons! If I could wear only pieces from The Row, I would have a great outfit every day.

Have you received or gifted yourself something special to commemorate the birth of your children?

Leslie: I received watches for both of my kids’ births, haha. Two vintage ones, I’m obsessed with watches!

What is your go-to handbag for everyday?

Leslie: Hervé Chapelier is my all-time favourite bag, and of course, I also love my Birkin.

What is on your shopping list right now?

Leslie: Slippers from Guissepe Zanotti, loafers from The Row, Mules from Pheobe Philo, a tote bag from Call It By Your Name with my kids name, an XL Birkin, A vintage watch (a gold Audemars), a cape for this winter, pants from La Veste, a jacket from Destree and many more haha!

Let's talk a bit about beauty. Has your skincare routine changed since becoming a mother? What skincare products or treatments do you recommend?

Leslie: I’m currently using Chanel, though I don’t love it. My favourite at the moment is the Skin Glow Primer, it’s so glowy and perfect for everyday use.

What makeup products do you swear by daily?

Leslie: My blush is YSL, YSe beauty primer, Rhode bronzer, Gloss Chanel, lip gloss is Jones Road, and Summer Fridays when I am not wearing Chanel.

Follow Leslie on Instagram here. Follow Timeless Pearly Here. Visit Their Website Here.

Motherhood, Style & Timeless Pearly: Inside the World of French Jewellery Designer Leslie Chetrit.