Boucheron: The French jeweler of Place Vendôme
Parisian by birth, the jeweler Boucheron is an atypical player in Place Vendôme in the capital. While its creator, Frédéric Boucheron, opened his first boutique at the Palais Royal during the second half of the 19th century, the range of his first necklaces was awarded a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition ten years after its opening. Boucheron made a name for itself and continually fascinated the general public by delivering increasingly impressive necklaces. The French company continued its development and collected awards at various Universal Exhibitions. It had clients from all over the world who became aware of its creations, including a 159-carat necklace sold in 1878.
At the end of the century, Boucheron settled permanently in Paris with its boutique in Place Vendôme. The founder took the opportunity to diversify his jewelry business and expanded internationally to Moscow and New York. The succession was ensured from the beginning of the 20th century by his sons and grandsons who would subsequently guide the company in a direction unknown at the time of the founder: sponsorship. This is how Boucheron jewelry sponsored the creations of Pierre Sterlé, who made other jewelry for the company.
Boucheron, however, would lose its family monopoly. In the 1990s, Gucci became its owner; today, it is the Kering company that holds its capital. The famous French company is established in luxury and accessories; it is the second largest group worldwide behind another luxury player, LVMH. Boucheron would benefit from this notoriety to export to East Asia. The Boucheron company allied with Interparfums: a partnership that allows it to offer its perfumery to the general public.