![Boucheron History and Facts - Jack Weir & Sons](http://jackweirandsons.com/cdn/shop/articles/bc7bee13336773ca046f2207f61cad6c-594538_{width}x.jpg?v=1699573287)
Now that we’ve covered the main jewelry eras and precious gemstones, it’s time for us to dive into famous, world-recognized jewelry designers. Signed jewelry has always been desirable due to its credibility, top quality materials, and exquisite craftsmanship. The industry's famous jewelry names include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co, Bvlgari, David Webb, Graff and many others. This week we will be discussing the oldest jewelry Maison in Place Vendôme - Boucheron.
In this blog post you will learn:
- Boucheron History
- Interesting Facts
- Vintage Boucheron Jewelry
![Boucheron History](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/boucheron-1858-big-0_480x480.jpg?v=1613592024)
Boucheron History
Frédéric Boucheron, founded the Maison Boucheron in 1858. To this day, the Boucheron jewelry house is known for its intricate, free spirited style. Boucheron’s designs are always creative and display outstanding French craftsmanship and characterful stones. Frédéric Boucheron opened his first boutique in the Galerie de Valois, under the arcades of the Palais Royal which was the epitome of Parisian luxury trade at the time.
In 1866, The Maison Boucheron created a workshop to educate and teach other goldsmiths the signature Boucheron style of craftsmanship.
![Maison Boucheron workshop](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/boucheron-1866-big-0.jpg?v=1613592354)
Interesting Facts
![Kashmir Sapphire Necklace](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/89a3d4769d42ccb562ed2bc612bbf628.jpg?v=1613592570)
Mrs Mackay - this name appeared 102 times in Boucheron’s Special Orders book between 1876-1902. Marie-Louise Mackay was a wealthy American woman. To impress the love of his life, her husband asked Frédéric Boucheron to secretly seek out the most exceptional sapphire to match the intense color of her deep blue eyes. Boucheron finally found a 159 carat blue sapphire from Kashmir that he had set onto a necklace. Kashmir sapphires are extremely rare and display a vivid cornflower blue color.
The Russian Imperial Family - From 1860, and lasting for almost 40 years, Russia’s Imperial Family became one of Boucheron's major clients. The Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, the Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, Alexander III and the grand Duke Alexei all visited Boucheron’s Paris flagship store every time they found themselves in France. His name became synonymous with luxury within the Russian court. In 1897, Frédéric Boucheron opened his first international shop in Moscow. In 1921 Boucheron created an outstanding diadem for Queen Mother Elizabeth and it became one of her favorites.
![Boucheron Store in Russia](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/boucheron-1897-big-0.jpg?v=1613592895)
![The Grand-Duc Wladimir Boucheron Scarf](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/17momentB_delilah_2.png?v=1613592808)
![Le Point D’Interrogation](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/image-asset.jpg?v=1613593217)
The most extraordinary order - In 1928 Maharajah of Patiala arrived at Place Vendôme, escorted by servants carrying six boxes full of precious stones, including 7571 diamonds and 1432 emeralds. He ordered luxurious sets of jewelry made using gemstones from his treasury. To this day, it's the most outstanding jewelry order placed at Boucheron.
![Cat Wladimir Boucheron](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0944/1720/files/Screen_Shot_2021-02-15_at_2.19.44_PM.png?v=1613593971)
Vintage Boucheron Jewelry
In 1962, Gérard’s son Alain took control of the firm. Under his control the firm incorporated rock crystal quartz, wood, coral and turquoise. Typical for the period, in the 1970s and 1980s, Boucheron incorporated these materials with diamonds and other precious gemstones to create large, and bold statement pieces.
Here are some vintage Boucheron pieces that we currently have for sale at Jack Weir & Sons. Click on the item for more information.
The Bottom Line
Favored by the royal families, and true appreciators of French Classicism Boucheron has established themselves as a pillar of the jewelry world. Highest quality craftsmanship, intricate designs, and exquisite metalwork, Boucheron will always be at the heart of the jewelry world.
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