Serpent Bohéme: Boucheron presents novelty through love story

Founded in 1858, Maison Boucheron was the first French luxury jeweler to establish its home in the opulent Place Vendôme next to the Hôtel Ritz. Until recently, Boucheron was the only Maison whose ateliers looked out onto the grand square.

True to this culture of elegance, modernity and savoir-faire, Boucheron has been established as the jeweler of light, in the City of Light for over 160 years.

A hopeless romantic, its founder Frédéric Boucheron, would travel to the ends of the earth in search of the most beautiful, rare stones. Mr. Boucheron’s love and adoration for his wife was a powerful force in his quest for the perfect jewels. Innovation and excellence define the visionary approach to the maison’s exquisite designs. The love story between Frédéric and his beautiful wife Gabrielle play a defining role in the stunning pieces and the story behind them.

In 1888 it was the couple’s crystal wedding anniversary. Frédèric went often on adventurour trips, to go on his way to find precious stones, the stones that are responsible for the fame of the now iconic jewelry house.

One night before Frédéric left on one of his many adventurous trips he gave Gabrielle a necklace in the shape of a serpent as a token of his love. He vowed it would protect her while he was away.

The evening before his departure, he says goodbye to his beloved wife Gabrielle and dedicates her a very special gift full of symbolism: a flashy necklace depicting a snake dotted with diamonds. He vowed it would protect her while he was away.

The necklace was a thoughtful choice. As a protecting animal, the snake was supposed to protect Gabrielle in her husband’s absence. Frédéric Boucheron was inspired by his wife’s free and assertive personality and created for her this bold gem, which at the time was strikingly modern to extravagant.

The serpent gracefully protected Gabrielle’s neck in a style that would become iconic to the house.

Not long after, in a beautiful tribute to Gabrielle, the first Serpent collection was born in 1968. As a protective talisman and a symbol of eternal love, the snake became an iconic element and inspiration. The Maison presented a collection designed for independent and unbridled women, such as Gabrielle – a collection called Serpent Bohéme.

The idea of protection created by Frédéréc Boucherone is reflected in every part of the collection: gold precisely processed into a form of fine scales resembling snake skin, face drops symbolizing the head of a snake, and a fine gemstone in the heart drops perfectly reflecting the brightness and light of the entire jewel. In a few decades, Serpent Bohéme became one of the most famous collections of the French Maison.

It celebrates the Bohemian lifestyle, showcasing jewels that voyage across time and borders, just like Frédéric Boucheron and his many expeditions. The craftsmanship and artistry in each piece can be seen through the precision of the sculpted gold. The twinkling of each diamond is illuminated through the lustrous gold. 

Inspired by this iconic jewellery collection and its rich history, the Boucheron family is enhanced with a new gem that takes over all the essential elements of Serpent Bohemia jewelry. A scent of the same name is created designed for a confident, courageous woman… as a tribute to the beloved, independent Gabrielle.

In creating serpent bohéme, perfumer Anne Flipo followed the creative spirit of the collection, but at the same time was influenced by the freedom and assertive personality of the women for which Frédéric Boucheron created the most daring jewelry.

Serpent Bohème embodies free spirit, independence and elegance without conventions and dictatorships. It celebrates everyday life, guided by beauty and dream. The rebirth of a symbolic snake as a renewed adable of happiness.

Anne Flipo offers this freedom of movement, thought and enjoy life through a unique composition of floral, musk and chypre tones. Serpent Bohéme gleefully opens with an explosion of vibrant mandarin tones and black fish.

The floral heart reveals the quality properties of a rose. The lush Mallow desert rose blends in with the essence of the Turkish rose to create a sensual combination. Then the iconic Jasmine Sambac pours into the scent like a ray of sunlight and perfectly complements this addictive composition.

Top notes: mandarin, black currant
Heart: Turkish rose, sambac jasmine, desert rose
Base: labdanum, patchouli, white musk, sandalwood

The basic tone dukes white musk flowers in conjunction with the chords of roses. The warm tones of the cistus labdanum plant leave the skin feeling like after kissing through the sun. Sandalwood and Patchouli lends the whole composition naturalness.

‘Snakeskin’ as the base of serpent bohemia’s first iconic jewelry collection covers the entire back of the flacon of this new fragrance. The precisive engraving and the game with light perfectly undersmned the gentle and transparent appearance of the flacon. At the front of the flacon is a decently stamped gold plaque with the name of the scent. A black satin ribbon around the neck gives the flacon an elegant look.

The new perfume is conceived as a balanced and fluid whole, made just like a jewel carefully wrapped in gold.

On screen, the Maison Boucheron called French top model Joséphine le Tutour, winner of the Elite Model Look competition to embody the fragrance. With her frank and direct gaze, she perfectly embodies the liberated personality of Serpent Bohème. Dressed in a white blouse revealing necklace Serpent Bohèm, It expresses a natural elegance as do the jewelry in the collection.

Boucheron Serpent Bohème is available as a 30, 50 and 90ml Eau de Parfum at selected stores worldwide. Come into the amazing world of Boucheron.

Boucheron Fleurs

Founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron in Paris at the Place Vendôme, the first perfume of the Boucheron jewelry house had its premiere in 1988. Its floral-oriental fragrance with strong character became the symbol of a generation of women. The iconic ‘ring’ flacon was designed by Joel Desgrippes, a shape inspired of the Maison’s cabochon ring.

This Spring the French Maison launches a new contemporary interpretation of their iconic Boucheron Femme, called Boucheron Fleurs. This fragrant bouquet is dedicated to the heirs of the style and aura of those who wore and loved the original.

Boucheron Femme Parfum ad, 1988

A timeless perfume now turns into a new pleasant floral fragrance with a softer aroma highlighted by a nice bouquet of flowers. Created by famous perfumers Quentin Bisch and Nathalie Gracia-Cetto – creators of other fragrances of the Maison – the new version perfume characterizes the modern woman, infused with a pleasant oriental/floral aroma

Top notes: Lemon, Mandarin, Pear
Heart notes: Orange blossom, Frangipani, Petalia
Base notes: Benzoin, Vanilla

Boucheron Fleurs has a delightful scent made of precious notes, crafted and designed just like its precious jewelry. It opens with fresh citrusy accords of bergamot, lemon, pear along with orange blossom, petalia, and frangipani. The base settles down with sweet vanilla and benzoin notes.

Boucheron Fleurs Perfume preserves the same flacon shape as the Boucheron Femme flacon, yet Fleurs is sealed in a beautiful massive crystal flacon crushed in waves filled with a nice lovely blue sky color and also adorned with a royal blue ‘sapphire’ stopper.

Boucheron Fleurs Perfume is available as 100ml Eau de Parfum. 

 

 

 

 

Boucheron Opens Its Second Concept Boutique In Singapore

The jewelry house sets up shop on Orchard Road once again, with a luminous new boutique. French high jeweller, Boucheron has opened its second concept boutique in Singapore at Takashimaya Department Store.

 

Timeless elegance for men and women: Boucheron Reflet

Located at the heart of Singapore’s busy retail hub, Orchard Road is French Maison Boucheron’s new concept boutique. The store is found at the Takashimaya Department store and it is the second boutique to open in Singapore, with the current one being at Marina Bay Sands. Beyond the stunning jewelry and watches that Boucheron is well known for, the boutique will also have a dedicated showcase for their perfumes and their comprehensive eyewear range.

One of the focal points of this new boutique is its luminous setting. Inspired by light, the store design looks back at the modern Hôtel Particulier of the Maison Boucheron, with its light marble façade a representation of the 26 Place Vendôme boutique – which location Frédéric Boucheron chosen back in 1893 to open a boutique at because of how the sun rays made the diamonds sparkled from day to night. Taking that idea and applying it to a contemporary setting, the new one is swathed all over with white as its predominant color, and uses tastefully modern angular box-lightings for the ceiling, hung over the glass cases.

 

Boucheron Quatre ring in white gold

To celebrate their opening, the brand will also be holding an exhibition at the end of this month at Ngee Ann City. At the exhibition, visitors will be able to learn more about the Maison’s remarkable 158-year heritage, which showcases its French origins and Parisian style. Boucheron’s iconic Quatre collection will be displayed alongside a selection of high jewellery pieces specially flown in for the exhibition.

Within those glass cases contains all of the iconic jewelry creations made with Boucheron’s design finesse. The sculptural Quatre, for example is one of those pieces taking center stage, as well as Boucheron’s collection of jeweled animals, and the symbolic serpentine jewelry – the Serpent Bohème. Other than jewelry, Boucheron’s exquisite timepieces feature too, like the iconic Reflet watch and the new collection: Epure.

 

Boucheron Epure Automatic Watch

Overall, the mixture of the luminous atmosphere and the glow of the jewelry work in tandem to create for a calm and graceful purchasing experience. Indeed, Boucheron has been renowned over the years for its hospitality towards its customers, gaining the support of countless illustrious clientele. In keeping with that, a special order service will also be offered to keep with clients needs and desires.

The Maison Boucheron Exhibition will be open from 22 July to 31 July 2016 at Ngee Ann City, Level 1 atrium. Come into the world of Boucheron.

 

 

 

French Maison Boucheron celebrates upcoming anniversary with a striking new campaign

With every passing year, French Maison Boucheron never misses a chance to prove its creativity in the world of jewelry. Yes, in 2018, the house will be celebrating its 160th anniversary and in a very modern, yet sophisticated way. After all, being the first jeweler of the Place Vendôme is a very distinctive fact and deserves a special celebration.

As Boucheron gears up to celebrate its 160th anniversary next year, the luxury French brand has released a new campaign to celebrate some of its most iconic pieces.

Graphic lines make this campaign an eye-catching marvel. It reflects through the contrast between minerals and precious materials the house’s bold style. The ultra-contemporary visuals turn the bronze of the Place’s columns into color and the Paris stone and the green marble that form the arcade of the historical boutique’s façade at No. 26 into graphic patterns. This strongly modern ad campaign perfectly embodies the vision of Frédéric Boucheron introduced in 1858.

It’s not all about the graphic feel of this campaign, as the latter is also a setting where the marvels of the Maison are highlighted in all their creativity. From the iconic Quatre to the Serpent Bohème and other high jewelry creations such as the Lierre de Paris, Boucheron’s most stunning pieces star in the campaign’s visuals.

It’s by combining the efforts of Les Graphicants graphic design studio and photographer Sébastien Coindre that the Parisian jewelry house brings this campaign alive and we must admit that there couldn’t be a more wonderful way to celebrate this history of creativity.

The jewels, for men and women, are distinctive, daring and deliver excellence with striking combinations of golds and textures. Boucheron’s Quatre and Serpent Bohéme collections are available at Boucheron boutiques and selected stores worldwide.

Come into the beautiful world of Boucheron.

 

 

 

 

Drape perfectly: Boucheron Cape de Lumière

With parents who were both drapers, Frédéric Boucheron spent his childhood with all kinds of fabric and materials around him. Thus, here in this chapter Haute Couture and High jewellery come together and fuse into one. Have a look at extraordinary Cape de Lumière, which looks like both a mantle and a jewellery piece.

When a cape is priced at HK$5.53 million, it’s worth a second (and maybe third or fourth) look. Boucheron’s Cape de Lumière – Cape of Light – from the new Boucheron Haute Joaillerie 26 Vendôme collection is a work of art, and worth its hefty price tag due to the fact that the piece is not stitched from fabric, but rather, is made of gold and diamonds.

The cape was one of the most challenging developments of the 26 Vendôme collection, likening the production process to haute couture fashion. The idea was to create a piece that would be a jewel and a garment. It’s a whole new challenge, a way of reinventing the work of the jeweller by creating the jewellery of tomorrow.

Claire Choisne, Boucheron Creative Director

The claim is hardly an exaggeration. The template for the cape involves 70 hours of work, while the time for crafting the many exquisite details ultimately totals 925 hours. The piece is so named for its shimmering effect when worn, produced by the peacock feather motif, which radiates across the design, and by the many different textures of gold used throughout – matte surfaces paired with twisted chains resembling the ribbed Gros Grain pattern – not to mention all the inset diamonds.

The cape, that took more than 925 hours to create, consists of 850 round diamonds totalling 5.26cts, with an 81.62ct citrine stone holding the cape together at the centre. Now that would be the kind of weight we would like to have on our shoulders.

The idea behind this piece was to create something that would function as both a jewel and a garment. The maison’s artisan-jewellers work from the initial sketch, drawn based on the idea that the cape should mimic the soft train of a peacock, enveloping the shoulders of the wearer.

The whole production process is carried out on a Stockman dummy, ensuring that the metal work will be supple enough to fit and drape perfectly on human shoulders. The craftsmen give the same attention to detail with this piece as they do with an haute couture clothing piece. The template alone requires 70 hours of work.

The elements of the cape are interconnected by a mesh woven of golden thread, in a modern interpretation of the classic peacock feather motif. The pattern is meticulously hand-threaded by the maison’s artisan-jewellers.

The precise chiselling of the cape gives it a remarkable suppleness and fluidity, so that it moves and sits on the wearer’s skin like fabric. Upon closer inspection, the delicately twisted chains are inset with diamonds, for a subtle but luxurious shimmer as the cape moves in the light.

Boucheron’s Claire Choisne draws a comparison between the creation of this cape and haute couture clothing, and it’s easy to see why with the production process. Each peacock feather feature has to be adjusted according to the curve and shape of the wearer’s body. The interconnectedness of the features means that if one element is adjusted, the elements to its left and right have to be tweaked accordingly.

Frédéric Boucheron’s favourite inspiration the peacock feather., the largest ‘feathers’ go in the front of the cape, and the artisans set diamonds on the two shapes in a pattern that mimics the effect of light reflection, emphasised by the lines engraved under the central citrine stone. This final touch is what gives the jewellery piece its name – the Cape of Light.

 

 

Boucheron Epure Bleu de Jodhpur

Launched in 2013, the Epure Collection by Boucheron boasts a timelessly modern designer aesthetic that plays on contrasts that accentuate the sophistication of its clean, strong lines. Each watch case has Frédéric Boucheron’s maxim ‘Je ne sonne que les heures heureses’ (‘I only sound joyful hours’) engraved on its back.

Epure revisits other emblematic codes of Boucheron, including a signature blue cabochon in sapphire, double gadroons and Clous de Paris that lend a contrast effect to the gleaming black dial. The 9 and 3 o’clock indexes are given prominence as a tribute to the year 1893, when Boucheron was established on Place Vendôme in Paris.

Special Edition Boucheron Epure Bleu de Jodhpur. The case, in stainless steel, measures 42mm x 10.5mm. It has an AR-coated sapphire crystal, a sapphire display back, and it is water resistant to 50 meters. It has double gadroons (inverted flutings) on the side and beveled horns. The crown features a blue sapphire cabochon.

Movement is the Swiss automatic Sellita caliber SW300 with 25 jewels, 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 42 hours. The bridges have pearl and snailed finishings, the rotor is engraved and features ‘Côtes de Genève’ decoration.

The dial is blue or white, with polished and silvered double gadroons, blue or white ‘Clous de Paris’ centre, with Arabic numerals and silver stick hands. It comes on a black alligator leather strap with large square scales and stitches and a steel triple folding clasp.

Another special edition of the Boucheron Epure is the Epure Cypris. The Epure Cypris comes in two versions: (above left) Epure Cypris in black, a limited edition engraved to 8 pieces. Made of white gold and diamonds. The dial is made of handcut black Tahiti mother-of-pearl, sculpted in swan shape.

(above right) Epure Cypris in white, also a limited edition engraved to 8 pieces. Made of white gold, diamonds and white mother-of-pearl: the dial in white mother-of-pearl, handsculpted in swan shape. The Cypris’ contours are delicately highlighted with diamonds. Total number of stones: 128.

The Boucheron Epure collection is available at Boucheron boutiques and selected stores worldwide. The Boucheron Epure Cypris is exclusiv available at Boucheron boutiques. Come into the beautiful world of Boucheron.

Boucheron Unleashes Its Latest Natural Beauties

In 1888, before embarking on a long trip, Frédéric Boucheron created a serpent necklace for his wife to wear as a talisman, inaugurating his interest in animal-themed pieces. This year, the French ‘Haute Joaillier’ Boucheron is revisiting that theme with seven new animal motifs, including the Cypris swan bracelets shown here; one features diamonds, the other black sapphires, and both are set in 18-karat white gold (prices upon request). A playful rose-gold hedgehog cuff and a radiant sapphire cockatoo ring are among the collection’s other bejeweled beasts, all of which are handcrafted in the 158-year-old jewelry house’s workshop on Paris’s Place Vendôme.

 

Come into the world of Boucheron …

 

 

 

 

Boucheron’s Épure now in steel

 

Founded in 1893, the Boucheron style is the finest expression of elegance and creativity. Today, after more than 150 years, the French Maison continues to craft the classics of tomorrow through a precious collection fine jewellery and watches. With the Reflet, Carrée and Épure collections, Maison Boucheron becomes an architect of time. With its strong lines, and classic esthetic, the Parisian jeweller plays on contrasts that come together in a celebration of simplicity, this promising a new and timeless elegance.

More than just a timepiece, Épure is a philosophy of life: It preserves only the essential to brighten life’s most joyful hours.

Following the launch of the first versions in gold two years ago, the Épure collection is now introducing 6 steel models for an even more contemporary look. Beneath the Épure Acier’s cleverly simple round case lies a highly complex design and a creative esthetic that enhances Boucheron’s iconic motifs more than ever before.

 

More than just a timepiece, the Épure represents a philosophy of life and embodies Frédéric Boucheron’s vision of time by preserving only the essential to light up life’s most joyful hours.

Je ne Sonne que les Heures Heureuses

With a steel or alligator leather strap, the Épure combines the classic elegance of the polished stainless steel 38mm round case. Available with a black or white dial, it has a blue sapphire cabochon at the dial, numeral 3 and 9 markers, and a date window at 6 o’clock. The Épure Acier has a mechanical movement with automatic winding. ‘Je ne Sonne que les Heures Heureuses’ is engraved case-back.

 

The Cabochon

Electric blue in colour, it has a subtle glow that is unique to the intimate savoir-faire of the Jeweler of Lights. Known as the ‘oracle stone’ in antiquity, this polished sapphire is positioned at the top of the winding crown and of the dial, drawing attention to this iconic Maison Boucheron motif more than ever before.

The Double Gadroon

Placed together, these two rings of polished gold symbolise the eternal love between two beings who are forever bound to one another. The double gadroon is one of the Maison’s oldest motifs.

Paris Cobblestones

A true hallmark of the French capital, the clous de Paris motif reflects the city and its architecture. It is used in many creations (including the legendary Quatre) and creates light effects that are contrasted with the brilliance of the Epure dial.

1893

The oversize 3 and 9 markers are a tribute to the year 1893, when the Boucheron boutique opened at 26 Place Vendôme. Frédéric Boucheron was the first jeweler to set up a boutique in this famous Parisian square and chose the location for its exceptional light.

The Boucheron Épure Chronograph, a technological, masculine watch

 

With an alligator leather or steel strap, the Epure chronograph, also available with a black or white dial, combines the classic elegance of the polished stainless steel 43mm Épure case with a 25 Jewels, 28’800 bph, highly technical complication, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its blue hands add a touch of colour that is softened by the brilliance of the polished markers. The two pusher of the chronograph have been adorned with 2 blue sapphires, giving the watch a contemporary and asserted aesthetic.

A strong and sophisticated aesthetic, the Boucheron Épure watch is a delectable choice when updating your jewellery collection. The mechanical movement with automatic winding, the sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel round case work together to ensure you’re fashionably on time.

 

 

 

Boucheron’s birthday present to Lacoste

 

Happy birthday! French Maison Lacoste turns 80! For its 80th anniversary, Lacoste has invited nine French houses to join the festivities. Inspired by the crocodile, every brand has created an exclusive gift, reflecting their affectionate respect for the brand’s universe. These unique objects are symbols of the craftsmanship, expertise and know-how of some of the greatest names in French luxury, like Baccarat, Bernardaud, Christofle, Goyard, Hermès, S.T. Dupont, and Boucheron….

What began 80 years ago as one product defined by a crocodile – the iconic polo – has evolved into a lifestyle. In celebration of Lacoste’s milestone anniversary, the brand has teamed up with the nobility of French heritage maisons to produce Maisons Françaises, a collection of nine notable objets – all commemorating the crocodile.

In 2018, Maison Boucheron will be celebrating 160 years of design and creation. Founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron, it is the oldest jewelry Maison in Place Vendôme. Famous throughout the world for its bold, free style, Boucheron has conquered women’s hearts by offering ever more creative jewelry set with characterful stones.

For almost 160 years, Boucheron has been channeling its expertise into the materials it uses. Recognized as a great sculptor of gold, the Maison has always given priority to working this metal whose magnificence is revealed beneath the artisans’ hands. In the Serpent Bohème collection, the animal is not represented figuratively, but symbolically, making the work of the Maison’s goldsmiths all the more important.
To bring the material to life, the chasers push the metal into shape using hammers and chasing tools. In so doing, the jewelry itself comes to life.

 

For Lacoste’s 80th anniversary, Boucheron created two brooches inspired by the legendary crocodile. Our readers have seen them before here – together with the other ‘birthday items’ – but now I have some little more details of my favorite items of the collection I would like to share with you.

One made of emeralds and Ruby’s, and one of diamonds. They are a tribute to 80 years of unconventional chic, an extraordinary homage to Lacoste’s sense of innovation and excellence. These jewels are a modern interpretation of the Boucheron brooch René Lacoste gifted his wife, made by Boucheron.

The Boucheron brooches – plus the other Maisons Françaises notable objets, that includes crystalware, jewellery, sporting items, totes, and even eclairs – will be on display at Colette in Paris until June 15.

The selection from Boucheron, Christofle, Bernardaud, and S.T. Dupont will be available for order should you be interested in making one of the specialty items your own, while the Hermès, Goyard, Baccarat, and Veuve Clicquot, pieces will be kept in the Lacoste archives, hopefully appearing at the 80th-anniversary fete set for September.

Come into the beautiful worlds of Boucheron and Lacoste.

 

 

 

 

 

Boucheron Place Vendôme

French Haute Joaillier Boucheron launches a new thrilling, delightful and truly elegant perfume for women, Place Vendôme – inspired the Parisian square where Frédéric Boucheron opened his first jewelry store.

This perfume, as well as other Boucheron perfumes, adds grace and confidence to any woman. Boucheron Place Vendôme comes in an elegant, precious and transparent bottle with a golden stopper inspiring a priceless accessory.

 

Created by perfumers Oliver Cresp and Nathalie Lorson, Boucheron Place Vendôme is an oriental flowery/woody perfume. This fresh and wonderful perfume opens with pink pepper, delicate orange blossom notes and rosy accords along with jasmine petals, peony and creamy honey. The base softly calms with cedar and benzoin.

Boucheron Place Vendôme will be available as 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum.