Boucheron Powder Case

As the oldest high-end jewelry boutique on the legendary Place Vendôme in Paris, dating to 1893, Boucheron stands for history, sensuality and avant-garde style. The French fine jewelry house has created iconic rings, necklaces and other adornments over its more than 160-year history for royalty like the Russian imperial family, the Maharaja of Patiala and Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It has also received popular acclaim for its modern designs and playful motifs such as serpents and cats.

Since its founding in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron with a boutique at the Palais Royal arcades, the maison has sought to create unforgettably unique pieces, push the boundaries of innovations in jewelry design and celebrate the opulence of gold. Many of its pieces are sculpted in gold by expert goldsmiths so that the material becomes a design element in its own right.

At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron. Later, Frédéric’s son Louis became especially interested in the Art Deco style as well as accessories like cigarette holders, bags and belts.

Boucheron is most famously known for its sources of inspiration: nature, animals and the earth. Its iconic Serpent Bohème collection, introduced in 1968, references the curves and scales of the animal with pear-shaped motifs and coiled accents adorned with diamonds and other precious stones like turquoise, lapis lazuli and malachite. (A 1960s-era Boucheron brooch featuring a lavish mound of artfully assembled round and baguette diamonds set in platinum is a dinner-party conversation starter from any angle.)

Frédéric Boucheron gave a serpent necklace to his wife as a symbol of love and protection. Leopards, hummingbirds, deer and hedgehogs are referenced in the Animaux de Collection, while high-end 3D technology in the Nature Triomphante meticulously re-creates flower petals, ivy branches and other organic forms.

Boucheron also pays homage to Paris, the city where it was founded. The octagonal shape of the Place Vendôme is translated into the geometric Liseré pieces, and the Clou de Paris motif — which is integral to the house's Quatre series — is inspired by the cobblestones on its streets. Since 1859, when Boucheron introduced a collection of pocket watches, the maison has also regularly created timepieces with the same elegance and refinement as its jewelry.

Despite having such a long legacy, Boucheron has always been ahead of its time. Its creative collections and bold jewelry remain coveted and cherished. In 2018, its flagship in the Place Vendôme reopened after a restoration under its current owner Kering.

Find antique and vintage Boucheron jewelry on 1stDibs.

Antique and vintage boxes and cases are sought-after pieces that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. ​​The craft of making boxes dates back thousands of years to some of the earliest known wooden structures. There are now as many types of boxes and cases as there are artists.

Whether they’re pillboxes, pouches, trinket boxes, Victorian-era cigarette cases or another variety, boxes and cases can be eye-catching additions to home decor. Some of the most valuable antique boxes and cases are made from silver or gold. Over time, skilled artisans have experimented with adding varying layers of ornament to these objects, sometimes studding them with gemstones such as rubies or diamonds. Giving your desk an upgrade? While functional, a box or case can amount to the perfect finishing touch, adding a bit of class and sophistication to any room of a house or office.

Intricate pillboxes or sapphire cases from various periods are prime examples of boxes that can elevate a space. Smaller pillboxes, vintage jewelry boxes and cosmetic pieces can make an Art Deco dresser or cherished wood vanity look more luxurious. Slightly larger boxes, however, can keep personal belongings hidden from sight while adding interest to tabletops and shelves. When styling your home library, for example, don’t be afraid to integrate antique boxes and decorative objects or sculptures with your treasured art books.

Browse the collection of antique and vintage boxes and cases today on 1stDibs.