Paul and Zulay Pogba

It all began a year and a half ago with a meeting... in Monaco, through a mutual friend. On one side, Elke Berr, a seasoned gemologist and founder of the eponymous house. On the other, Paul Pogba, an international football star, and his wife Zulay, a former model of Bolivian origin. The jeweler was returning from a trip to Asia. She showed them some precious stones purchased there and spoke of her passion for jewelry. For their part, the couple was going through a trying time. Paul Pogba had to deal with repeated injuries, a blackmail case, and, most importantly, an eighteen-month suspension for doping (recognized as involuntary by the Court of Arbitration for Sport). 

A nightmare that recently ended thanks to his recruitment by AS Monaco for two years. "To be honest, we suffered. It was a very difficult situation... Love is easy when everything is going well. It's the difficulties that test it and it's in these moments that we see the strength of a couple," says Zulay Pogba.

A collection symbolizing resilience

This strength forged by adversity became the collection's guiding principle. "I thought: here, there's a story to tell, a theme to work on," says Elke Berr. The project was launched. Together, they would give birth to a deeply symbolic collection, called Unbreakable. Zulay Pogba was involved in every creative step. Trained in architecture and design, she was largely involved in the sketches. "Designing jewelry isn't that far removed from architecture. You have to think about volumes, lines, comfort," she explains. The number 8, an allusion to infinity, is omnipresent. Paul Pogba's initials—the double P—are subtly found in the lines, and the thorns evoke the challenges he has faced. "We wanted jewelry that was elegant, supple, comfortable, and wearable for any occasion. Pieces that were both light and durable," describes the jeweler. Part of the collection is unisex. It is crafted from 18-carat gold, set with diamonds in some pieces; a capsule version in rhodium-plated silver is also available. The women's line, exclusively in gold, is available in three shades. While the collection is high-end, it also boasts a certain accessibility. "We didn't want large stones or ostentatious diamonds, but each piece is customizable, and it's possible to add more," explains Elke Berr.

A very Monegasque adventure

Monaco is now the Pogba couple's home port. An ideal setting for a new beginning. "We often came here when Paul played in Turin. We're going to stay in the Principality for at least two years, we found a house nearby, our children will go to the international school... I feel like I'm going to be able to feel at home. We particularly appreciate the feeling of security here," confides Zulay Pogba. Elke Berr, for her part, maintains a long-standing connection with the Principality. A partner of the Monaco Film Festival in 2022, a member of the Women of Monaco Club and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs de Monaco brotherhood, she has many friends there. While the collection is currently only available online and in a few Geneva jewelry stores, a showroom should soon be opened in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Diamonds.