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Boucheron : The Pioneer of Place Vendôme

by Julie MIALET 23 Sep 2025

Founded by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858, Boucheron is one of the pillars of French fine jewellery.

The brand initially specialised in watches. Frédéric Boucheron created the first wristwatch. He also developed the GP 4000 self-winding movement in collaboration with Girard-Perregaux.

In 1867, the company won major awards at the Paris World's Fair for the Feuillage necklace, commissioned by Marie-Louise MacKay, an American heiress.

Foliage necklace, white gold, diamonds, sapphires, Boucheron.

Initially based at the Palais-Royal, he was the first jeweller to open a boutique on Place Vendôme in 1893, at number 26, in the residence of the Countess of Castiglione.

After winning more awards at various world fairs and enjoying growing success, Boucheron opened several boutiques around the world at the beginning of the 20th century, notably in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, London and New York.

His son, Louis Boucheron, took over the family business and helped other jewellers get started, such as Pierre Sterlé, who worked in the company's workshops.

Boucheron bracelet and ring in ivory, yellow gold and chrysoprase, circa 1965

In 2000, the company was acquired by the Kering Group (Pinault). Today, the brand has 55 boutiques worldwide. In 2011, Claire Choisne became the artistic director.

MYTHICAL PIECES FROM THE HOUSE BOUCHERON

The Question Mark and the Peacock Feather :

The Question Mark Necklace, created in 1879, won a Grand Prix at the Paris World Fair. This model is still sold today, but in a limited edition for fine jewellery.

This motif can also be found in their permanent collections, renamed Plume de Paon (Peacock Feather) and available in the form of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. The general shape remains the same, but the coloured stones and the treatment of the gold vary from one edition to another...

Example of a Question Mark Necklace,Boucheron

Delilah, the jewel of the House of Boucheron:

The Delilah collection is another icon of the House of Boucheron. Composed of tie necklaces and scarves in yellow gold woven like very fine fabrics, it mimics the soft suppleness of fabric. Its two fringes can be tied or adjusted as desired thanks to a bar entirely paved with diamonds. A hand-sewn piece of jewellery?

Delilah necklace in yellow gold set with diamonds.

Let There Be Light:

The Cape of Light is a piece made entirely of yellow gold and set with an 81-carat citrine. This piece straddles the line between jewellery and clothing. It is a tribute to Frédéric Boucheron's parents, who were drapers.

Cape of Light,Boucheron, 2016

Boucheron's Collectible Animals :

Finally, how can we talk about Boucheron without mentioning its collectible animals? This bestiary came to life in 1866, in the heart of the house's workshops, with the birth of a collection of fantastical animals crafted by expert hands. Each woman can choose the one that reveals her true nature and expresses her style. Hopi the Hummingbird, Hans the Hedgehog, Wladimir the Cat, Zarafah the Giraffe, Fussy the Leopard Cat, Meisa the Titmouse, Chinha the Eagle... Each one has its own little name.

Nara the Fown, in rose gold, diamonds, black sapphires and onyx


SUCCESSFUL JEWELLERY COLLECTIONS

One, Two, Three and... Four:

The Quatre ring is one of Boucheron's greatest successes. It features four stacked bands in yellow, white and rose gold. The engraved motifs can vary, as can the number of diamond-paved bands.

Quatre Ring,Boucheron 

A Golden Serpent:

The Serpent Bohème collection is one of the brand's historic signatures. Created in 1968, Serpent Bohème has been reissued many times and remains one of the house's must-have pieces, available in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. The collection is also very colourful, adorned with various stones such as diamonds, rhodolite garnets, mother-of-pearl, malachite, rose quartz, aquaprase, coral, onyx, lapis lazuli, turquoise and carnelian.

Left: Toi & Moi Bohemian Snake Ring, rose gold, garnets,Boucheron
Right: Bohemian Snake Ring, Yellow gold, malachite,Boucheron

A Reflet Watch in Paris:

In terms of watchmaking, Boucheron is not to be outdone with its highly acclaimed Reflet collection. Launched in 1947 during the post-war years, this model features modern gadroon motifs that symbolise Boucheron's alliance with the French capital. The watch was particularly popular with singer Edith Piaf, who owned around twenty of them.

Boucheron Reflet Small watch in yellow gold

If you are interested in Boucheron jewellery, don't hesitate to discover what Les Pierres de Julie has to offer in store...

We are also available to provide a free appraisal of your Boucheron jewellery. To request this service, please send an email with photos of your items tocontact@lespierresdejulie.com.

Whether you are interested in purchasing jewellery or gemstones, obtaining a free appraisal, or reselling them, Pierres de Julie welcomes you to its boutique nestled in the heart of Paris, atVillage Suisse, a stone's throw from the military school and the Esplanade des Invalides.

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