Classics around the Parisian Place Vendôme - The heart of Parisian Haute Joaillerie
Boucheron – 26 Place Vendôme since 1893.
Maison Boucheron was founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron in the Galerie de Valois at the Palais-Royal. Thirty-five years later, in 1893, he became the first major jeweler to choose a new address on Place Vendôme, in the Hôtel de Noce. This building was notable for its perfect natural light, which enhanced the brilliance of the jewelry. Since then, Boucheron has become one of the leading Parisian jewelers, known for its striking designs, materials, and penchant for animal and floral motifs. Iconic collections include the ‘Serpent Bohème’ and the ‘Quatre’ ring.
Lot number 250: Boucheron, 18-karat white gold ring. Model: Serpent Bohème
Cartier – 13 Rue de la Paix since 1899
Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. The house quickly became an icon in the world of jewelry. In 1899, Cartier opened its now-legendary boutique on Rue de la Paix, near Place Vendôme. Since 1975, Cartier has also been located at 23 Place Vendôme. Cartier is known for its timeless and daring creations. Iconic designs such as the Trinity ring, the Love bracelet, and the Panthère collection reflect both elegance and innovation. This combination firmly established Cartier as a “world leader” in haute joaillerie. The house also quickly made a name for itself with innovative watches. The first major model, the Santos, was designed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont. This was one of the first wristwatches specifically designed for men. In 1917, the iconic Tank watch followed. Since then, Cartier has combined timeless elegance with technical precision in models like the Ballon Bleu and Pasha. Cartier remains a leading name in haute horlogerie to this day, beloved by collectors and celebrities worldwide.
Charles Holl was a leading French goldsmith of the early 20th century, known for his exquisite Art Deco jewelry. His workshop, founded in 1917 in Paris (later also in Strasbourg and New York), often collaborated with prestigious houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Holl excelled in working platinum and vibrant gemstones, and his bracelets, necklaces, and minaudières are today rare collectors’ items that regularly fetch high prices at auction.
Lot 103: Cartier, 18 carat gold box, 1920s-30s. Signed Cartier Paris, Made in France. Maker’s mark Charles Holl
Lot 251: Cartier, 18 carat gold stud earrings, 1980s. Model Trinity. Maker’s mark Gay Frères
Lot 630: Cartier, 18 carat gold wristwatch, 1970s. Model Cristallor Fabergé Jumbo Ref. Lot number 78096, signed Cartier en Paris.
Lot number 625: Must de Cartier, gold-plated silver watch. Tank model, dated 1981.
Lot number 627: Cartier, steel wristwatch and ballpoint pen. Santos Ronde watch model, 8191, ballpoint pen, Les Must De Cartier, Vendôme Trinity.
Hèrmes – 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré since 1880
Hermès was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a workshop specializing in saddles and other horse tack. Located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, it was just a stone’s throw from the chic Place Vendôme. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the house expanded into clothing, accessories, watches, and jewelry. Hermès jewelry is often inspired by its origins: stirrups, girths, and other equestrian gear. Anchor chains from ships along the Normandy coast also form a key theme. The Hermès Luna Park bracelet is inspired by the iconic Hermès Luna Park scarf, designed by Joachim Metz in 1993 and based on a merry-go-round with classic horses. Due to its limited production and unique design, the Luna Park bracelet is highly sought after by collectors of Hermès jewelry and accessories.
Lot number 248: Hermès, silver bracelet. Luna Park model.
Lot number 252: Hermès, gold stud earrings. Loop earrings. In the shape of a toggle clasp.
Van Cleef & Arpels – 22 Place Vendôme since 1906
Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1906 by Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels. The house established itself at Place Vendôme, initially at number 22, and quickly expanded to number 24. In 2016, number 20 was added, creating an impressive salon. In 2020, the entire building was thoroughly renovated, combining the historic atmosphere of 18th-century Vendôme with modern elegance. Van Cleef & Arpels creates enchanting creations inspired by nature, fairy tales, and haute couture, and is known for its technical masterpieces such as the “Mystery Set” in 1933, in which stones are set so that no metal is visible, giving the whole an almost velvety appearance. In the 1920s, the house also began manufacturing watches. These were primarily elegant jewelry watches that combined aesthetics and mechanics.
Lot number 629: Van Cleef & Arpels, 18-carat gold wristwatch. Classique model, pavé set with diamonds.
Bulgari – 23 Place Vendôme since 1996
Italian jewelry house Bulgari opened its first Parisian store in 1979 at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, later establishing its flagship store at 23 Place Vendôme. Bulgari is known for its exuberant and dynamic creations, with a particular focus on colorful and imposing gemstones. Iconic collections like Serpenti, inspired by the serpent, and Tubogas are opulent and elegant, while the clean lines of B.Zero, inspired by the curves of the Colosseum, offer a simpler, modern contrast.
Lot number 274 – Bulgari, 18 kt gold ring. Model B-Zero