Paris is undoubtedly the spiritual home of jewellery, as this quartet of new releases from brands all founded in the city attests. Boucheron dates from the 19th century while Chaumet goes back to the 18th. The least well known, Mellerio, is in fact the oldest, with over 400 years of heritage behind it.
While the youngster Chanel (born 1910) is of course best known as a fashion brand. Whatever lies in the past, each brand continues to show its relevance with creativity and craftsmanship in equal measure. 1.
Boucheron Question Mark necklace The Question Mark necklace was ahead of its time. First unveiled by Boucheron founder Frédéric Boucheron in 1879, the clasp-free high jewellery stands out for its sinuous shape, which echoes – what else – a question mark. Today the house is revisiting it with a reversible version.
It comes in three colour variations with different stones on each side: blue tanzanite, red rubellite and green tourmaline on the front, while the back is embellished with rock crystals and diamonds, for a completely different look. 2. Mellerio high jewellery Mellerio is one of the oldest and most prestigious jewellers you’ve likely never heard of.
Established in Paris in 1613, the house is still located at 9, Rue de la Paix, a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme, and has been in the hands of the founding family for 15 generations. Now helmed by president and artistic director Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, the maison is a well-kept secret among jewellery connoisseurs, who recognise its signature ovoid motif. Its high jewellery workshops, still located at the same address on Rue de la Paix, are behind these elegant and striking creations that combine the maison’s Parisian heritage and the family’s Italian origins with modern flair.
3. Chanel Première Sound watch Fans of Chanel’s Première watch, one of the house’s signature timepieces, are going to love this new, limited edition version that combines modern technology with timeless elegance. The Première Sound transforms into a necklace that connects to a smartphone or any audio device.
It also comes with double C-emblazoned headphones equipped with a microphone and remote control to adjust the volume, control audio and video playback, and receive phone calls. 4. Chaumet Bee My Love collection Chaumet’s Bee My Love collection pays homage to the hardworking insect that was an emblem of Napoleon, the French emperor and one of the jeweller’s historic clients.
The honeycomb-inspired range now also includes a stunning bib necklace – made of polished rose gold and brilliant-cut diamonds – and more new pieces, ranging from pendants evoking the sun to cord bracelets and earcuffs. All founded in Paris, these prestigious houses have centuries of heritage between them – not to mention today’s A-listers as ambassadors Lily-Rose Depp fronts Chanel’s new campaign, whose striking Première Sound watch is also a necklace – with a microphone and earphones to take and make phone calls or listen to music.
