Parisian Jewelry Charm
Paris is often regarded as the capital of fashion. But it is also one of the world’s jewelry capitals. This emergence is particularly evident in the development of a particular area in the 1st Arrondissement.
Place Vendôme, completed in 1699 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, was a blend of symmetry and symbolism. At its center stood a statue of Louis XIV surrounded, not by a traditional square, but by a perfect octagon. The clean lines of sandstone facades and neoclassical townhouses framed the open space, which was meant to embody his political power. Yet, this original vision did not last.
In 1792, Napoleon Bonaparte dismantled the statue of Louis XIV, replacing it with the now-iconic bronze column forged from 1,200 enemy cannons. This act redefined Place Vendôme’s purpose. Instead of being a site to honor political power, it soon became a gathering place for the elite. Bonaparte embraced jewelry as a symbol of authority. His wife, Empress Joséphine, became the muse of Chaumet, which was established as the official jeweler of the imperial court.
The Empress set trends among the elite with her love of tiaras, which subsequently became an essential accessory for women of the court. Her influence inspired a wave of jewelry workshops to flourish across Paris in the 19th century. As a result, Place Vendôme and its adjoining Rue de la Paix emerged as the epicenter of the growing demand for fine jewelry.
It took time for Place Vendôme to attract the major players in fine jewelry. The turning point came in 1893 when that year, the first great jewelry brand was established. Shortly after, in 1898, César Ritz opened the Hôtel Ritz Paris at number 15 Pl. Vendôme, and Frédéric Boucheron established his boutique at number 26.
From there, the growth was remarkable: Cartier arrived in 1898, followed by Chaumet in 1902, Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906, and Chanel in 1997. More recently, Louis Vuitton claimed number 2 in 2017. Gucci and the Chinese jeweler Qeelin joined in 2019. Thus, Place Vendôme continually welcomes the world’s most prestigious jewelry players.
These names might not be immediately recognizable, but the iconic pieces created in Place Vendôme likely are. Cartier created its Trinity ring, Boucheron its Quatre ring, Chaumet its tiaras and Van Cleef & Arpels designed its Zip necklace, all within the walls of their workshops in Place Vendôme.
The price points of these luxury brands can be quite steep, especially for college students. However, the glitz and glamour of Place Vendôme have undoubtedly influenced the surrounding Parisian streets. As a result, more affordable Parisian brands have emerged, capturing the essence of the Place Vendôme allure. Here are two brands that fit more within a college budget, if you partake in a bit of saving:
Mara Paris
Besides the luxurious boutiques lining Place Vendôme, the area’s glamour is also rooted in the architectural aspects of Hardouin-Mansart. Similarly, the allure of Mara Paris can be traced back to its founder, the Turkish-French architect Ayça Özbank Taskan.
Each collection blends art, beauty and architecture to create timeless pieces designed to be passed down through generations. These high-quality, ethically crafted pieces are made in their Parisian boutique. While fine jewelry can often feel overwhelming, Mara Paris centers its focus on the wearer. The pieces, subtly inspired by architecture, allow the customer to shine, as each design molds to their unique aesthetic.
For celebrity enthusiasts, wearing Mara Paris means joining the ranks of icons like Lily Collins, Katie Holmes, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Halle Berry, Aya Nakamura and Kylie Jenner.
The best part about Mara Paris is its pricing. Pieces start at around the mid-100s but can reach into the thousands. For those truly invested in owning quality jewelry that embodies the luxury of Place Vendôme, a bit of saving can make select pieces from Mara Paris’s collections accessible.
My favorite collection is the M Collection. It is both functional and elegant. The organic curves of the rings mold perfectly onto the fingers. The Ocean Dream Ring in sterling silver retails for 145 Euros.
Monsieur Paris
The neighborhood of Le Marais boasts a long history of jewelry making. Atelier Monsieur calls it home, where each product is being assembled, hammered, welded, filed, enameled and engraved within one kilometer of their main workshop. Artisans collaborate to craft jewelry inspired by the elegance of Art Deco.
But there is no Monsieur behind it. It was Nadia Azoug who founded the brand in January 2010. Her purpose: "A brand made by a woman for women." Specifically, she wanted to make the pieces more "accessible than those found at Place Vendôme."
My favorite piece is their Tila, a vermeil gold necklace with a heart that costs 220 Euros. However, there are other options available.
It is, of course, more expensive than typical brands, as it is crafted with authentic materials and quality stones. For that reason, I recommend saving up to splurge on their Doress necklace, a dainty yellow gold necklace with a pink tourmaline gem. The price: 1,040 Euros.
Place Vendôme established Paris as the capital of fine jewelry. However, in recent years, smaller brands have gained market share by catering to customers who cannot splurge on Cartier and its peers. As a result, the same quality found in the boutiques of Place Vendôme is now accessible in other parts of Paris.
