In the close-knit community of New Orleans, where every conversation seems to sparkle with mentions of culture and creativity, my introduction as a jewelry designer inevitably leads to comparisons with established icons like Mignon Faget and Jose Balli. Often, when I share that I own Cristy Cali Jewelry, locals enthusiastically draw parallels between my work and these well-entrenched brands.
It's like being a budding flower in a garden richly cultivated by the legacies of these two giants. I am, in many ways, the new kid on the block, flourishing in the immense shadows cast by their inspiring creations. This frequent juxtaposition has prompted me to go on the record to share my genuine feelings about my place in this vibrant landscape, and answer the question - what makes me different? It’s important to me that the public, Mignon, and Jose themselves are aware of how I view our interwoven paths in the creative space that is the New Orleans jewelry scene.
This article aims to do more than simply share my feelings; it intends to applaud these icons, and openly explore our shared inspirations and distinct paths that define our contributions to New Orleans’ rich artistic heritage. I intend to honor the creativity and respect that thrives among us, enriching our community and shaping our collective legacy.
Mignon Faget
From my earliest days as an inspiring designer, Mignon Faget has been a radiant presence. At 15, while experimenting with my first designs, I was inspired by the way her pieces adorned my teachers, friends, and their mothers. Mignon wasn't just a designer; she was, and remains, a cornerstone of New Orleans' artistic heritage.
She was the first designer I ever really aspired to.
Growing up in my family’s French Quarter jewelry store, I absorbed the craft of jewelry design from a unique vantage point—my parents sourced stunning pieces from global artisans, and my mother taught me the nuances of beading. It was against this rich backdrop that I crafted my own creations, drawing on the elegance and spirit of Mignon’s work. Using sterling silver Fleur de Lis pendants and Japanese freshwater pearls, I fashioned necklaces that echoed her style, sparking curiosity from my classmates.
Mignon Faget is a New Orleans icon—an irreplaceable force in the world of design since 1969. Her work not only inspired my own journey into jewelry making but also helped me discover my unique expression as a designer—an expression that blends my Hispanic-American heritage with my New Orleans upbringing, celebrating our community’s vibrant culture.
To be mentioned alongside Mignon Faget is an immense honor, a nod to the bridges we build in our craft between the past and the present, between tradition and innovation.
Common Inspirations
Creativity flows through New Orleans like the Mississippi River, and just as the river touches all it passes, so too does inspiration touch each of us differently. It is no surprise that Mignon and I share thematic inspirations, such as her Voodoo Doll pendant and My Juju Voodoo Doll Pendant, or her Crescent Fleur de Lis Amulet and my Fleur de Crescent pendant.
Mignon Faget’s Voodoo Doll pendant. Photo credit: Mignon Faget, Ltd.
These parallels are not about imitation but rather a testament to the shared muses that dance through our city’s streets and our collective imaginations. Like local artists each painting their vision of a New Orleans streetcar, Mignon and I craft our interpretations of the symbols that resonate with our community.
Jose Balli
Jose Balli’s brand is another beacon of creativity, shining brightly since the early 1990s in our local market. Having navigated the complexities of a family business myself, as I shared in A True Story of a Rebel Founder, I hold deep respect and admiration for the Balli family's ability to harmonize their talents in managing every aspect of their business—from design and production to marketing and retail operations.
Balli’s commitment to craftsmanship is nothing short of inspiring. Each piece they create is born in their own studio, where Jose and his daughter, Sarah Balli, engage in the meticulous process of carving their own waxes and overseeing the lost wax casting process. This hands-on approach imbues their collections with a personal touch that’s palpable in each finished piece.
Their collaborative dynamic is a testament to the power of family in the creative process. Watching them work side-by-side, as captured in their recent Facebook video, offers a glimpse into the heart of their operation. It’s a reminder of how deeply personal and intergenerational the craft of jewelry making is for them. Their synergy not only enhances their designs but also strengthens the very fabric of their brand.
Their expression of authentic Louisiana living shines brilliantly in collections like the Spanish Moss Collection, which beautifully captures the essence of Louisiana’s landscapes. Sarah Balli continues her father’s legacy, infusing the market with vibrant new designs such as her Mardi Gras Throw necklace & bracelet, the Sweet Iced Tea Collection, and Taffy candy designs.
Bravo to the Balli family.
Their dedication to in-house craftsmanship contrasts with my own approach. My role is more akin to that of a conductor, orchestrating the talents of skilled artisans to bring my visions to life. While I do not carve my own waxes, I collaborate closely with skilled artisans who help bring my sketches to life, ensuring that every piece of jewelry not only meets my creative vision but also holds true to the high standards of craftsmanship I have always upheld.
My passion lies in designing and conceptualizing jewelry that resonates with wearers, and in building a brand that is truly beloved by the New Orleans community and beyond.
Common Inspirations
Jose and I also share a wavelength of inspiration, evident in designs like his Celtic Fleur de Lis pendant and my Fleur de Love Knot pendant. Both draw on the intricate patterns of Celtic knotwork, a testament to our shared appreciation for melding cultural motifs with local flair. Others include his Catchet Bracelet to my Fleur de Love Knot Chain Bracelet; and his Banana Leaf Ring to my Banana Leaf Ring.
Jose Balli’s Celtic Fleur de Lis pendant. Photo credit: Jose Balli Jewelry
Celebrating Diversity in Design
In writing about Mignon Faget and Jose Balli, my aim goes beyond merely celebrating my competitors; it's an opportunity to honor their influence and articulate our unique space within the vibrant New Orleans jewelry scene. While we share inspirations and a deep commitment to our craft, our approaches to design and the audiences we captivate are distinctly varied.
Mignon Faget’s creations, with their polished elegance, cater to those who appreciate a refined aesthetic and the prestige it brings. Jose Balli’s designs authentically embody the spirit and lifestyle of Louisiana, resonating deeply with a grassroots audience that values genuine, local storytelling. In contrast, my brand carves out a niche for those drawn to the philosophical and the metaphysical—those who find beauty in the exploration of life’s deeper meanings.
My collections are not just about adorning the body but also about sparking the imagination, daring to be different, and perhaps even a little rebellious. They feature elements like skulls to remind us of life's fleeting nature and incorporate themes that invite wearers to ponder their place in the universe. This approach appeals to those who see themselves as unique, and who seek to express their individuality and existential reflections through what they wear. By sharing my perspective, I not only acknowledge the substantial legacies of my competitors but also clearly define the philosophical and aesthetic ethos that sets my work apart.
Here, competition is not a battleground but a fertile ground for growth, respect, and mutual admiration—principles that guide us all as artisans and contributors to our beloved community’s rich cultural mosaic.
About the Author
Cristy Cali, a globally recognized designer with roots in Guatemala and New Orleans, hails from an immigrant family of entrepreneurs.
Her journey began amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when she immersed herself in her family's French Quarter jewelry business.
By 21, she had successfully launched her jewelry line. Armed with an international business degree and jewelry design expertise, she founded her company shortly after graduating from Loyola University in 2012.
Today, Cristy's company melds global and local craftsmanship with precious gems, and a superstar team to carry out the mission of high-quality, meaningful, and intentional jewelry designed with love in New Orleans.
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