Meet The Maker | Lepagón

Architect by training, sculptor at heart — Gema Palacio brings an artist’s eye and a maker’s hands to her jewellery line, Lepagón. From childhood bead-stringing sessions to her current practice in lost wax casting, Gema has always found joy in creating objects that tell a story. Inspired by architecture, art, and the quiet poetry of form, her pieces feel like small sculptures — wearable, tactile, and deeply considered. We spoke with Gema about her creative roots, the importance of craftsmanship, and why every design starts with someone in mind.

To offer a glimpse into her process, Gema filmed herself crafting one of her striking bone rings — you’ll find the video at the end of this post.

 

When did you realise you were creative and had a passion for jewellery?

I have always been creative, even as a child. I used to make clothes and houses for my dolls and loved creating my own jewellery with beads I bought. I spent my summer holidays making bracelets to sell to my family and my mother's friends. I was fascinated by precious stones, and all the treasures of my grandma's jewellery box.

Where do you find inspiration for your jewellery?

My inspiration comes mainly from my profession. I am an architect specialising in museums and exhibitions, so I am constantly surrounded by art. Architecture has taught me how to handle proportion, structure and form.  Sometimes I see a person and wonder, 'what jewellery would they wear?' That thought often sparks a new design.

Could you talk us through your creative process? 

I created Lepagón to make mini sculptures — that’s how I see my pieces. I focus on both the front and back; I try to avoid having a clear 'front' or 'back' side. Everything must be considered as a beautiful, unified volume. That’s why I work with brass — it allows me to create large, solid forms. I love how a solid piece changes temperature as you wear it. It feels like a private language.

What is lost wax casting and where did you learn to do this?

In simple terms, lost wax casting is a process where wax models are made by injecting wax into a mould of a prototype. These are assembled into a tree-like structure. Then a negative mould is made using a special plaster that can withstand high heat. The wax is melted out in a furnace (the 'lost wax' part), and molten metal is injected into the empty space. That’s how you get a metal version of your wax tree.

Fortunately, there are amazing Spanish artisans who are masters of this technique, and I’ve learned so much from them. I love designing, and they’ve taught me how to think practically to bring designs to life. I had to learn what makes a good prototype — not everything can be cast or moulded. I initially took a few hobby courses, but I’ve learned the most valuable lessons from my suppliers.

Do you wear your own designs?

Yes! Every design is something I want to have in my own jewellery box. I especially love rings and necklaces. I enjoy seeing the rings on my hands while I work.

Who has inspired/informed your artistic practice?

I always design with this question in mind: If Charlotte Perriand, Carl Auböck, and Brancusi could see my work right now, would they say, 'I like it, girl — good job'? If the answer is yes, then the design is approved.

How has being a woman affected your work or the pieces you make?

I’m not sure. What’s influenced me the most is actually architecture. It completely changes the way you think and see the world. There’s a definite 'before and after' once you’ve studied architecture.

If you could choose one jewellery design from the 20th century, which one would it be? 

Any of Antonio Pineda’s big sterling silver bracelets.

What made you decide to partner with Maze?

Maze is a really interesting place to be part of. It has strong values and gives independent brands a place to shine. It feels like home — and that’s important. It’s not just about selling a product, but about telling and sharing deep stories and discovering truly beautiful, meaningful things.

What are you reading and watching?

I’m reading El Collar del Neandertal (The Neanderthal’s Necklace) by Juan Luis Arsuaga, a Spanish paleo-anthropologist. It’s about how symbolic thinking began in early humans and how objects started to be used for spiritual or magical purposes beyond mere survival.

I am also watching Twin Peaks — amazing!

How would your friends describe you in three words?

I asked one of my best friends and she said: spiritual, curious and spontaneous.

What do you eat for breakfast?

A big latte and toast with honey and cottage cheese.

What’s the best — and not-so-best — thing about running your own business?

The best part is that you’re on your own — you decide what you want, how you want it, and when. But that’s also the hardest part: you’re alone, and that can be very difficult sometimes.

Biscuits or Cake?

Cake.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffeeeee!

What is the favourite piece you’ve ever created?

I think the thin (and perfect :) bracelet 32/24. The simpler the design, the more difficult it is to get right. I shaped it directly from brass over three days, like a sculptor.

How do you relax?

I enjoy going to gym and walking in nature.

Best life advice?

I’ll borrow a beautiful quote from Ruth Asawa:

'You can’t force a plant to bloom. It has a cycle. You have to tend it and care for it and wait for the bloom to happen. If you don’t take care of it, it dies. The more experiences you have like this, the more you begin to understand your own cycle.'

Finally, could you tell us what led you to calling your brand Lepagon?

I decided to start Lepagón after a beautiful trip through Occitanie. That’s when I finally decided to create beautiful objects — something I’d always wanted to do! The name has a French touch to reflect that moment. 'Lepagón' comes from Le monde Pagón — Pagón being part of my surname. So, Lepagón is a piece of me.

Gema’s work reminds us that jewellery can be more than adornment — it can be a form of quiet expression, a piece of memory, a sculptural echo of the everyday. Through Lepagón, she invites us to slow down, notice the details, and choose pieces that speak not just to style, but to substance. Each design carries her signature balance of strength and sensitivity — and a story worth wearing.

 Shop the full collection here.