Since 1858, Boucheron has been crafting exceptional jewellery. What began as a family dynasty was set in motion by Frédéric Prudent Boucheron, whose vision and craftsmanship paved the way for the House’s enduring success.
From opening his first shop in the iconic Galerie de Valois, at Palais-Royal to later becoming the first jeweller to open a boutique on the Place Vendôme, choosing no. 26 which still today holds the epicentre of the Boucheron style.
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Boucheron has paved the way with its designs from intrigue to pure desire over the decades, a principle example of this is their necklace without a clasp; during the time period of this piece women often felt constrained by outfits and societal views which were quite restricting of women’s bodies, this piece enabled women to feel less constrained and limited.
This innovative creation became the symbol of a High Jewellery, its peculiarity earned the name ‘Point d’Interrogation’ which translates to the question mark. More than 140 years after its creation, it still remains symbolic to the Boucheron house today.
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The ‘Point d’Interrogation’ was awarded the Grand Prix at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition which was a prominent achievement for the house, at this time the workshop only produced around thirty pieces, but quickly gained international clientele, from the Russian Imperial family to the great American industrial dynasties.
Frédéric Boucheron was a true gemmologist, one of his true passions was traveling the world to find truly exceptional stones from rubies in Burma to sapphires from Kashmir, these stones have become prevalent in jewellery history.
Boucheron holds many a tale, from royalty, aristocracy and Hollywood Celebrities. A notable example would be the Maharajah of Patiala creating the largest order ever placed at Place Vendôme.
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Another remarkable chapter in the House’s history tells of Boucheron being the only French jeweller invited to the Louvre to take part in the auction of the French Crown Jewels, an honour in itself. There, he acquired several extraordinary stones, among them the legendary Grand Mazarin, a historic diamond once owned by Cardinal Mazarin.
The gem had previously adorned a tiara belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Frédéric purchased the diamond as a gift for his own wife, Gabrielle, a deeply personal gesture symbolising enduring love.
To this day, Boucheron’s foundation rests on pushing boundaries, championing innovation, and honouring its rich heritage.
