From Paris with Love: Boucheron

Visiting Begum Om Habibeh at Yakymour one day, she had a nice present for my mother. Because my mother had a few special occasions in that time, some parties and a wedding, Om Habibeh gave her this great purse, including it’s original sterling silver, 18k and ruby Vanity Case. All handmade by the famous French jeweller Boucheron..

In the 1930’s, jewellers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Boucheron, Mauboussin and  Tiffany & Co, began producing minaudières,  silver, gold or platinum evening bags or vanity cases, carried on a metal or silk cord that contained a compact powder plus space for a few other small items, like lipstick. Many were inlaid with jewels or personalised, or made by order.

Handbag/Vanity Case by Boucheron, Paris, owned by Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan III (private collection) (Click photo for larger size)

Vanity Case by Boucheron, Paris, owned by Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan III (private collection) (Click photo for larger size)

Vanity Case by Boucheron, Paris, owned by Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan III (private collection) (Click photo for larger size)

Handbag/Vanity Case by Boucheron, Paris, owned by Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan III (private collection) (Click photo for larger size)

Because it’s a pitty to keep it in the dark, sometimes I put it out of it’s box, at very special moments. For a friend of mine, when she has a special occasion and needs to shine…… Always handy to have a friend with accessories!

by Jean Amr