There is a love that never dies. One that Frederic Boucheron, founder of haute-jeweller Boucheron, would have us believe is based on desire itself. Historically the lady longs for a string of gems and the gentleman indulges; a simple equation that has fuelled Boucheron’s century-long romance with the Middle East. That and peerless stones gorgeously set in jaw-dropping designs, crafted quite obviously with a lot of heart.
When Frederic Boucheron first opened his shop at chic Place Vendôme in Paris back in 1858, he wanted to dress in jewels the world’s richest and most powerful people – a vision that would be handed down through four generations of Boucheron men. His son, Louis expanded the craft to Moscow where Tsars Alexander III and Nicolas II were avid clients. Other stops included London and New York where a slew of devotees like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers would request Boucheron’s glamorous sets of emerald, conch pearl and diamond studded apparels. Belle Époque creations so unique and so timeless, they coquettishly still defy fashion trends with the surefootedness of a master. Louis was succeeded by his sons Fred a
nd Gerard Boucheron and later Alain Boucheron in 1980.The jeweller sold to Schweizerhall in 1994, the Gucci Group in 2000 and is currently owned by global retailers PPR.
Boucheron’s first formal foray into the region was, predictably, regal. In 1930, Iran’s Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi commissioned the jewellers to appraise the country’s vast national treasure. The collections were extravagant, comprising of two of the world largest pink diamonds. Taking an oath never to reveal the collection’s worth, Louis Boucheron took the secret to his grave. So impressed was the fussy Shah with Boucheron’s dedication, discretion and perfectionism that he requested the company create a wedding crown for his second wife Soraya Esfandari in 1950.
The connection to Middle East royals does not stop there. Among many a private client, the jewellers have designed and fitted a sumptuous necklace of pear-shaped diamonds for Queen Farida of Egypt as early as 1937. Seven decades later, an emerald encrusted ivy tiara would be worn by Queen Rania of Jordan. The love affair continues.
Contact
Boucheron
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai, UAE
Tel + 9714 341 0039
HYPERLINK "http://www.boucheron.com" www.boucheron.com
Not Bourgeois Collection: Pre-Raphaelite inspired emerald-encrusted ivy leaf tiara worn by Queen Rania of Jordan.
Peacock Feather Necklace: A contemporary take on Frederic Boucheron’s original 1889 design, the necklace is paved with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds on blackened gold.
Turtle Ring: Boucheron selects its mascot animals for their discrete and talismanic traits. This enchanting gold ring is set with diamonds and pink quartz.
Beauté Dangereuse Collection: The grand Lapérouse emerald ring inspired by Boucheron’s close ties to India dating back to 1902.
Salomé Diamond Cuff: Inspired by painter Gustav Moreau’s 1876 masterpiece ‘Salomé Dancing Before Herod’, the bracelet also pays homage to Boucheron’s Art Deco orientalist tradition.
Beauté Dangereuse Collection: Boucheron’s iconic serpent has seamlessly made the transition from collection to collection for over a century. Representing Adam, this diamond serpent bracelet is tantalizingly diabolical.
Little Japanese Boy Sculpture: To cement Asia’s influence on the jewellery house, Paul Legrand designed this 1877 sculpture of a Japanese boy painting. It is crafted from exquisite silver, enamel and crystal.
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Boucheron moves to swanky 26 Place Vendôme, the former residence of the notorious Countess of Castiglione, mistress to Napoleon III. It is the largest boutique on the square.
One-hundred-and-fourteen years later, Boucheron remains one of the most visited shops in the square. The only real cosmetic change is a column built from melted-down cannons salvaged from Napoleonic fields replacing a statue of King Louis XIV.
Born in 1830, Frederic Boucheron was an apprentice under master-jeweller Jules Chaize. He founded Boucheron in 1858 at the young age of 28-years-old. Ingenious artistry, impeccable craftsmanship and a head for numbers resulted in a successful business.
Of regal stature, Boucheron often dressed Kings and Queens with its unparalleled designs and peerless stones. This tiara originally belonged to Lady Greville in 1921; it was later given to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
* Something considered outstanding.
