French jewelry brands

The world of French jewelry is recognized worldwide for its artisanal expertise and cultural heritage. Paris, and in particular Place Vendôme is the historic heart of world fine jewelry, bringing together houses as legendary as they are popular, even international. Here's an overview of the iconic brands that have shaped the jewelry industry in France.

Historic jewelers

Mellerio dits Meller: royal and historic jewelry

Founded in 1613, Mellerio said Meller is the oldest maison of French jewelry still in operation. This maison family business, of Italian origin, has managed to cross the centuries by perpetuating its exceptional know-how. Established on rue de la Paix in Paris since 1815, it is famous for having been the jeweler of the royal and imperial courts, notably that of Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon I and the Empress Joséphine. Its unique creations blend tradition and innovation, with iconic pieces such as royal tiaras and nature-inspired jewelry. These vintage collections feature Graphic And The Annel, and for its contemporary creations: Monterosa, Maglia, Giardino, M Cut...

Chaumet : imperial elegance

Created in 1780 by Marie-Étienne Nitot, Chaumet was the official jeweler of Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine of Beauharnais.  Located in Place Vendôme, the Maison is famous for its tiaras and creations inspired by love and history. The brand is also known for its iconic collections like Joséphine, Liens And Bee My Love, which reflect his expertise and elegance.

Arthus Bertrand: heritage revisited

Founded in 1803, Arthus Bertrand is a maison known for its exceptional expertise in the manufacture of official medals and insignia for the French State, notably the Grand Collier de la Légion d'Honneur. Drawing on its Napoleonic heritage, it has evolved towards contemporary jewelry by creating pieces with simple, clean lines, often inspired by historical or religious motifs. Produced in its Saumur workshops, its hand-engraved medals have become modern talismans illuminated by precious or semi-precious stones. Today, Arthus Bertrand combines tradition and modernity to offer timeless creations steeped in history.

Mauboussin : creative fantasy

Created in 1827 by Monsieur Rocher, the Maison Mauboussin has been located in Place Vendôme since 1955. maison Mauboussin grew rapidly thanks to a family line of visionary entrepreneurs, including Jean-Baptiste Noury at the workshop who distinguished himself at the 1878 World's Fair, as well as Georges Mauboussin, who took over the management of the Maison in 1883 and gave it its name. Over the course of two hundred years of history, Mauboussin establishes itself as a jeweler who has constantly renewed designs inspired by Art Nouveau,Art Deco or the upheavals of 1968 to differentiate themselves and capture emotion. Since 2020, the Maison is an official partner of Miss France, creating the crown worn by the lucky winner each year. Its iconic collections include: Chance of Love Or Divine Star.

Cartier : the king of jewelers

Founded in 1847 in Paris by Louis-François Cartier, Cartier is a maison a must-see that embodies French luxury. In 1899, it opened on Rue de la Paix, in the heart of the fine jewelry district.  There maison is famous for its iconic motifs, notably the panther, from the 1910s with Jeanne Toussaint, then her collections Love, a timeless symbol of love, Trinity with its three rings, Juste un Clou or even the watch Tank, an icon of clock design, inspired by vintage tanks. A regular supplier to European royal courts, Edward VII of England nicknamed Cartier “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelersToday, his collections continue to seduce with their elegance and originality.

Boucheron : Parisian audacity

Founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron, this maison was the first to settle in Place Vendôme in 1893. Boucheron stands out for its creative boldness and its expertise in working with precious stones, where it excels in the art of fine jewelry, with unique pieces and historic orders such as that of the Maharajah of Patiala and other great royal families. Among its iconic pieces are Serpent Bohème And Quatre, mixed circular jewelry of four rings, each evoking a know-how of the Maison.

Van Cleef & Arpels: the artist of the mysterious

Born from the marriage of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, the Maison was founded in 1906 in Place Vendôme in Paris, marking the beginning of a jewelry destiny. Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its creations imbued with poetry and technical ingenuity, such as the famous animal clips or floral motifs. In addition, the Maison also patented the “S” techniquemysterious erti" in 1933, a setting that allows precious stones to be fixed without visible prongs, giving the jewelry an incomparable fluidity and brilliance, where the metal seems invisible. Its iconic collections include Alhambra, inspired by the lucky clover and Perlée, with its delicate lines and volumes with pearl finishes. It is also very renowned for its Haute Joaillerie and Horlogerie creations, notably with its series of watches The Lovers' Bridge, combining mechanical expertise, precious materials and craftsmanship to bring each dial to life with a story, that of two lovers (representing the hands) who meet at midnight.

Fred : the solar spirit

Founded in 1936 by Fred Samuel, this maison Parisian stands out for its modern and bright style. Fred is famous for its exceptional precious stones such as the yellow Soleil d'Or diamond or the Blue Moon sapphire. Maison became known for his collection Force 10, inspired by nautical cables, combinesbraided steel with a gold shackle, symbolizing perseverance and courage. Fred is also famous for its collection Pain de Sucre, in which we find his love for light and color with cabochon cut stones.

New French entrants in jewelry

Poiray: Parisian audacity

Founded in 1975 by François Hérail and Michel Ermelin, the Maison Poiray has established itself as a bold and modern jewelry store on the prestigious Place Vendôme. It is revolutionizing the world of luxury by incorporating fine stones into its creations, in addition to traditional precious stones. A symbol of femininity and freedom, Poiray plays with figurative motifs such as the Cœur Entrelacé, which has become an emblem of the maison. Other collections, such as The Catcher in the Rye And Lolita, celebrate color and the joy of living. 

Dinh Van : minimalism and freedom

Created in 1965 by Jean Dinh Van, former craftsman at Cartier, this maison Parisian revolutionizes jewelry with its refined and functional designs. Dinh Van is famous for its unisex creations like Menottes, symbol of love and freedom, Pulse, openwork jewelry that takes on the aesthetic of targets, or even Seventies, which pays homage to the vibrant and offbeat aesthetic of the 70s!

Messika: the diamond reinvented

Messika is a maison French company founded in 2005 by Valerie Messika, daughter of the famous diamond merchant André Messika. The brand stands out for its desire to modernize the diamond, creating elegant, bold and refined jewelry suitable for everyday wear. Its iconic collection is called Move, with its moving diamonds symbolizing freedom and movement, has become an emblem. 

When fashion and leather goods become tainted with jewelry

Hermès : craftsmanship at the service of elegance

Since its beginnings in 1837, Hermès has established itself as a maison iconic luxury, blending tradition and innovation. In jewelry, Hermès offers creations that reflect its artisanal know-how and its daring spirit. Among its iconic pieces are the collection Kelly, inspired by the famous bag, the Dog Collar, which revisits the equestrian world with a bold design, as well as the motif Chaîne d'Ancre.

Louis Vuitton: contemporary elegance

Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton is world-renowned for its luxury trunks and accessories. For several years, the maison ventured into fine jewelry with sophisticated creations combining modernity and craftsmanship. Its collections include iconic pieces such as the Nails, inspired by the nails of historic trunks, Footprints, And Blossom.

Chanel : feminine elegance

Since 1932, Chanel Jewelry embodies the essence of luxury through creations that combine simplicity and sophistication. Gabrielle Chanel introduced a modern vision of jewelry with its first collection Diamond Jewelry, featuring celestial motifs such as stars and comets. Today, the maison continues to innovate under the artistic direction of Patrice Leguéreau, with iconic collections such as Camélia, inspired by Mademoiselle's favorite flower Chanel, Coco Crush, which revisits the motif matelassé expensive to the brand, or even Ultra.

Dior: nature's jewelry

Since 1998, Dior Jewelry, under the direction of Victory of Castellane, has established itself as a maison avant-garde in the world of fine jewelry. Inspired by the couture universe of Christian Dior, it offers exuberant and colorful creations that blend historical influences and modernity. Its flagship collections include Rose des Vents, a tribute to the designer's lucky star, and Mimioui, minimalist and delicate. 

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