PIAGET: Shapes of Extraleganza — A Conversation with Cynthia Tabet

In the world of fine jewelry, few Maisons have mastered the balance between craftsmanship and creative audacity quite like Piaget.

Known for its sculptural elegance and radiant daring, Piaget continues to push the boundaries of jewelry design, channeling its rich 1970s heritage into creations that speak to both artistry and emotion. At the heart of this evolution stands Cynthia Tabet, Global Product Marketing Director, whose journey from Cartier to founding her own luxury consultancy has shaped a storytelling approach rooted in both precision and passion.

JDEED speaks with Tabet to know more.

“After studying finance, I indeed started working as Product Manager at Cartier,” she recalls. “It was a great place to learn; as I was able to develop my knowledge of jewellery craftsmanship and of course, gemstones within a big Maison with high expectation and demands. It taught me everything I needed to then create my own enterprise and consult with incredible family-owned Maisons like Boghossian for instance.”

This foundation informs her vision at Piaget, where storytelling begins not with words but with form. Speaking of the ‘Shapes of Extraleganza’ High Jewelry collection, Tabet reflects on the creative dialogue between geometry, light, and emotion. “High Jewellery really serves as the aspirational pinnacle and creative laboratory for a Maison. For me, it represents the ultimate expression of the Maison’s identity, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technical skill. Form has always been a playground for Piaget’s craftspeople, and this collection is a perfect example of the subversive playfulness of the Maison and of its connection to art and artists.”

For Tabet, form transcends design—it is philosophy. “To me, form is everywhere. The variety of shapes in nature is endless, it represents complexity, harmony and resilience all at the same time. I am passionate about architecture, and I find these shapes in the buildings while strolling in a new city – this is truly inspiring.”

Describing Piaget as “a very unique Maison, kind of niche and so rich that there is always a chapter we’re ready to rediscover,” she emphasizes that what truly sets it apart is “its joyful, elegant, and extravagant approach to celebrating life.” She continues, “The Maison’s unique identity is rooted in the 1970s, a period of exceptional creativity marked by long watch necklaces and memorable watch cuffs. This is achieved by blending the precision of a watchmaker with the artistic and creative vision of a jeweller.”

Behind each piece lies a process that harmonizes analytical rigor and spontaneous artistry. “The creation process is a dynamic one. We typically begin by analyzing our targets, trends, our existing collection, and the market to inform our creative briefs. At the same time, we remain flexible, allowing the design team's innovative ideas to lead the way. When this happens, we then identify the potential target market and adapt our strategy to include them.”

Her admiration for the artisans who bring Piaget’s vision to life is palpable. “The most memorable aspect of Piaget is the wonderful and passionate people I encountered,” she shares. “Their dedication is reflected in the in-house manufacture, where I love to stroll. I really enjoy the process of the ‘Decor Palace’ engraving. As this technique is handmade, each bracelet is unique and different. It is very Piaget. Our goal is to show this savoir faire to our clients and contribute to the story and the success of our Atelier de l’Extraordinaire.”

As Piaget’s ‘Shapes of Extraleganza’ arrives in Abu Dhabi, Tabet sees the exhibition as a dialogue between cultures. “For us, at Piaget, local artistry and culture need to be embraced and explored. Abu Dhabi’s unique identity made it the perfect setting to celebrate the latest High Jewellery collection and reinforce the city as a premier luxury retail destination. Our goal is to highlight the uniqueness of each market and build long-lasting connections.”

And in a final poetic gesture, Piaget pays homage to the region through one very special creation. “You can see it in different aspects and details, but also in one unique creation we’ve specially crafted for Abu Dhabi—the Desert Pearl Swinging Sautoir in diamonds and mother-of-pearl, a material so dear to the UAE and our way to pay homage.”

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