Over 150 years ago, Frédéric Boucheron was the very first jeweller to set up shop on Place Vendôme . Its special order book was a roll-call of the wealthiest and most celebrated people in the world. Among his clients, there were Tsar Nicholas II, the Maharajah of Patiala, the Shah of Iran and the Countess of Castiglione who was close with the Emperor Napoleon III. And later, Joséphine Baker, Sarah Bernhardt, Edith Piaf, Grace Kelly, Kristin Scott Thomas, Julianne Moore, Gwen Stefani, Charlotte Rampling and Ava Gardner (who inspired an entire line of Boucheron jewels).
Stars, aristocrats and crowned heads sought out Boucheron‘s craftsmanship.
Boucheron’s early pieces were very ornate, and consisted of designs including flowery garlands, quivers, arrows, knots and intertwining ribbons. The Maison enjoyed experimenting with new techniques, such as enamel, and was the first jeweler to engrave diamonds. Frédéric Boucheron was very interested in combining new materials and re – working earlier forms to create his new and striking pieces. Inspired by Egyptian and Asian art, Boucheron was among the first to use formerly unheard-of stone combinations, such as diamonds and onyx, bordered in coral and colored stones, as well as combinations of gold, ivory, and bronze. Boucheron’s utilisation of simple materials with rare, precious stones enriched the Art Deco jewellery repertoire.
His son Louis continued to design and produce quality pieces that focused on innovative design and beautiful, fine quality stones. Like his father, he became well-known for experimenting with new techniques, especially those pertaining to stones. Louis incorporated rare stones, such as solid blocks of onyx, lapis-lazuli, malachite, turquoise, amber, coral, and jade into his work to create different and striking combinations. He also experimented with new ways to cut stones. This greatly expanded his ability to create contemporary designs.
Boucheron-lovers have included among others who’ve been captivated by this jewellery name.