Boivin Jewelry: Vintage Inspired Exquisite Jewelry
Jewelry creations by the Boivin house are genuine representations of vintage jewelry. This Parisian house is recognized through its genuineness and the inestimable expertise of its founder, René Boivin, and his heirs.
This wondrous story of success started in the late 1880s when René Boivin chose to bond with his brother, a highly gifted goldsmith and craftsman, as an apprentice following the demise of their parents.
In 1890, this ambitious jeweler initiated his own business, purchasing three workshops on Saint-Anastase Street. After three years, René got married to Jeanne Poiret and shifted his business to Rue de Turbigo. Jeanne was the sister of the fashion designer Paul Poiret. The couple joined forces and led the house to prosperity. The house’s creations got their inspiration from antique jewelry; being distinguished from olden days jewelry by its impeccable designs. Initially, his creations were for renowned jewelry houses like Mellerio and Boucheron. However, René made jewelry on orders placed by a few of his private clients as well.
Inherited motivation
His untimely death at the age of 53 years, in 1917, which was shortly followed by the death of his only son, Pierre, could have led to the closure of the Maison Boivin. The fact that it didn’t was due to his wife’s courage and determination. She took over her husband’s legacy transforming it into an extraordinary venture.
Following the death of René Boivin, his wife and daughter, Germaine, took control of the house, moving the business to Avenue de l’Opera. Suzanne Belperron, having just graduated from the Beaux-Arts, now collaborated with the house as a designer; giving Boivin jewelry creations a touch of delicacy and sensuality.
History of Boivin
In 1931, Juliette Moutard, a former worker of Boivin, arrived on the scene. She helped maintain the house’s working style through close collaboration with both Madame Boivin and her talented daughter, Germaine. These three women worked effortlessly and, for many years, used their various strengths and expertise to create some of the most fascinating jewelry of the 20th century.
Boivin jewelry now took inspiration from nature, creating pendants, Boivin brooches, rings and other jewelry pieces that were replicas of fruits, flowers or animals. In 1959, control of the house moved to Louis Girard and then, in 1991, was purchased by the Asprey group. The beautiful story of Boivin may have ended here but that of their captivating jewelry will last forever. This is the reason why second-hand Boivin jewelry is extremely popular amongst collectors.