Suzanne Belperron (1900–83) may not be a household name, but anyone who knows jewelry will recognize her as one of the industry’s 20th-century greats. She was born Suzanne Vuillerme in Saint-Claude, France, a center of the French diamond-cutting industry. Displaying an early talent for design, Belperron studied at the Besançon École des Beaux-Arts before moving to Paris and landing her first job as a model-maker and designer at French jewelry house Boivin when she was 19. Within a few years, she was named codirector — a meteoric rise that would jump-start her legacy.
In 1932, Belperron left Boivin to partner with gemstone and natural pearl dealer Bernard Herz, with whom she would develop her distinct avant-garde aesthetic. Unlike most jewelry designers of the day, Belperron decided against signing her works, feeling so confident in her uniqueness that she declared, “My style is my signature.” Her exceptionally dramatic works were nothing like the angular Art Deco pieces that were popular at the time, taking on large-scale sculptural forms and featuring various design motifs from cultures around the world. The designer was a favorite of couturier Elsa Schiaparelli, who modeled her Belperron jewelry in Vogue in 1933. (Belperron jewels would grace the cover of Vogue Paris in 1934.) She would also count Diana Vreeland and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, among her fans.
World War II changed everything. When the Germans occupied Paris, the Jewish Herz transferred the company to Belperron in order to preserve the business. Both would later be arrested by the Nazis. Belperron was released; Herz was sent to the Drancy internment camp. He later died at Auschwitz, despite Belperron’s best efforts to get him released.
Belperron kept the firm going during the war and after its end Herz’s son, Jean — a released prisoner of war — became Belperron’s equal partner per Bernard Herz’s final wishes. The two would work together under the name Jean Herz-Suzanne Belperron for the rest of her career. In 1963, Belperron was awarded the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, and she quietly retired in 1974.
In 1987, there was a resurgence of interest in Belperron’s work, thanks to the auction of the Duchess of Windsor’s personal collection, which included at least 16 pieces by the designer. In 1999, Ward Landrigan of Verdura acquired both the rights to the Belperron name as well as a design archive of thousands of drawings, leading to the relaunch of the brand in 2015 with a new salon on Fifth Avenue in New York.
Find Suzanne Belperron rings, brooches and other jewelry on 1stDibs today.
Suzanne Belperron Ring of Rock Crystal and Diamonds
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant and rare Suzanne Belperron Ring of Rock Crystal and Diamonds from the 1930's. Iconic design of hand carved rock crystal of bombe form with an inserted panel of bright pave di...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum, 18k Gold
Belperron Mid-Century Gold Emerald Diamond "Bourrelets" Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
The bold 18kt yellow gold ring centering three stones set horizontally, an octagonal-cut emerald weighing app. 2.50 carats flanked by two old European-cut diamonds weighing app. 1.95...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 K White and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds & Emeralds, Sapphire
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18 K WHITE AND YELLOW Gold Cocktail RING WITH DIAMONDS & EMERALDS, SAPPHIRE , inspired by De Grisogono overlaying with multi colours 18K White and Yellow Gold - 16.53gm 20 EMERALDS...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring
By Dover Jewelry
Located in Miami, FL
Dover Jewelry Present this Stunning Square Colombian Emerald Diamonds handcrafted is solid platinum. Displaying vibrancy and elegance, it is centered with 1 genuine square cut Emerald extremely fine in color and clarity, weighing approx. 5.81carats, measuring 10.78mm X 10.23mm X 8.53mm, GIA certified set in claw prongs. This rare Colombian emerald Flanked in between 2 genuine triangular cut Diamonds approx. 1.90 carats, F-G color, VS1 clarity, Set in prong. This classic Ring is in New condition. Weighs: 8.3 Grams Measures: 11mm x 19mm, 9mm high Accompanied by its original GIA Gem...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Certified 2.42 Carat Genuine Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Hand made in the Emilio Jewelry Factory, A gorgeous deep green Certified Emerald cut Zambian Genuine Emerald 1.79 Carats set in the center. The emerald is very clean and completely e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
6.45 Carat Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set with 6.45 carats emerald & .80 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond Rutilated Rock Crystal Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
An eye catching and unusual dinner ring featuring a huge dome of rutilated quartz. it looks like threads floating through vodka or gin, and in fact, it's threads of rutile needle i...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Gold
Emilio Jewelry 5.46 Carat Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a round cut 4.21ct Genuine Emerald certified by C.Dunaigre as Colombian. Based on emerald grading methodology the clarity of the emerald is Internally flawless-vvs1 with n...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,826Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald sapphires white gold engagement ring
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Engagement ring showcasing a beautiful emerald with 2 sapphires set in 9 karat white gold. The emerald size is 10,40 x 8,60 mm - 0.4094 x 0.3385 inches. US finger size is 7 1/2, Fren...
Emerald, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K White Gold Rock Crystal and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
David Webb domed ring composed of 18K white gold and platinum with carved rock crystal accented by 31 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds total 1.20 carats, F-G color and VVS...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Crystal, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
$17,600Sale Price|20% Off
Gübelin Rock Crystal and GIA Certified Fancy Colored Diamond Ring
By Gubelin
Located in Lucerne, CH
A spectacular rock crystal and diamond ring in platinum 950. Bombe carved, high quality, fully eye clean rock crystal. Surrounding a GIA certified, oval shape, fancy yellow diamond o...
Yellow Diamond, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Crystal, Diamond, Platinum
Rock Crystal Quartz and Diamond Dome Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautifully hand crafted Rock Crystal Quartz and Diamond Dome Ring. Securely hand set with a 22.2 Carat Rock Crystal Quartz, accented by Diamonds, approx. 0.05tcw. Approx. Dimensions: 1.3” x 1.05” x 0.92”. wide; split double shank...
Crystal, Diamond, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
René Boivin Art Deco Diamond Pavé 18K White Gold Ring c.1935 Suzanne Belperron
By René Boivin
Located in Monaco, MC
Among the most compelling jewels of the Art Deco period, this René Boivin ring stands as a testament to one of the most visionary design partnerships ...
Diamond, White Gold
Suzanne Belperron Mid-Century Ruby Diamond Platinum Concave Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in Greenwich, CT
Ahead of the curve. This sensual Suzanne Belperron mid-century ruby, diamond, and platinum concave ring has curves in all the right places. Circa 1945-55. Ruby total weight approx...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron Mid-Century Ruby Diamond Platinum Concave Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in Greenwich, CT
Ahead of the curve. This sensual Suzanne Belperron mid-century ruby, diamond, and platinum concave ring has curves in all the right places. Circa 1945-55. Ruby total weight approx...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron Paris Mid-Century Diamond Platinum Gold Dome Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in Greenwich, CT
Innately stately this mid-century Suzanne Belperron Paris 18 karat yellow gold dome ring features a lozenge-shaped platinum pattern pave-set wi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron 18 Carat Yellow Gold 'Torsade' Ring, circa 1950s
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
A bold and stylish 18 Carat Gold 'Torsade' ring by Suzanne Belperron c.1950, designed as a bombe style dome of twisted form tapering to a plain band 18ct yellow gold with French ass...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Suzanne Belperron Modèle à Pois Diamond Sapphire Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
A Retro 'Modelè À Pois' Sapphire And Diamond Ring By Suzanne Belperron c.1945 The striking ring of bombé shape and 'Modèle à pois' or ‘polka dot’ design centred on a beautiful ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron Citrine Diamond Gold "Modele Facette" Demi-Parure
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
Yellow gold brooch & ring each modeled as a series of facets radiating from a central citrine, a hexagonal cut in the brooch & an emerald cut in the ring, the diamonds each burnished...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Fantastic Sapphire Diamond Modele a Pois Ring by Suzanne Belperron
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
Striking 'Modèle à pois' bombé ring mounted in platinum, decorated with an emerald-cut sapphire and pavé-set diamonds studded with cabochon sapphires, Suzanne Belperron, Paris, c1945...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold ring with emerald and diamonds by Suzanne Belperron. The ring centers on a very fine modified cushion-cut emerald with a weight of 7.62 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
BELPERRON Bombé design rock crystal, emerald & diamond ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
Bombé design ring with a central cabochon emerald inbetween two pear-shape diamonds set in platinum collets into a carved rock crystal shank Suzanne Belperron, Paris circa 1935 Si...
Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Platinum
SUZANNE BELPERRON Gold and Diamond Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold ring set with two old mine diamonds in a juxtaposed swirled design, in 18k and platinum. By Suzanne Belperron, France. Accompanied by Letter of Authenticity from Preside...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum