Boucheron is one of the most storied high jewelry houses worldwide. Image: Boucheron
French jeweler Boucheron is taking tighter control of its manufacturing process with the acquisition of a key high jewelry workshop that is located a stone’s throw from its Place Vendôme store in Paris.
The acquired workshop comprises Blondeau, Belter, Chanson and FG Développement – four companies that have worked together at the same address since 2017. Collectively, they account for nearly 60 CAD designers, jewelers, lapidaries, setters and polishers involved in each step of the process of making high jewelry.
“It will reinforce the production capacity of Boucheron’s historical workshop on Place Vendôme, enabling us to meet the increasing demand of our clients while maintaining the excellence of our craftsmanship,” said Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Maison Boucheron, in a statement.
The move also secures Boucheron's supply chain as it competes with French rival LVMH's high jewelry maisons such as Chaumet and Bulgari.
Boucheron is part of French luxury conglomerate Kering, which also owns brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Brioni, Creed, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga.
French entrepreneur Cédric Gangemi, himself a qualified jeweler, founded the workshop. He had worked for Chanson and Blondeau before taking over these companies and developing them.
These new teams joined Boucheron Oct. 31. They will work alongside Boucheron’s workshop at 26 Place Vendôme.