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
Suzanne Belperron 4.86 carat diamond ring, French, 1970-1974.
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in London, GB
Suzanne Belperron 4.86 carat diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape old mine diamond, J colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 4.86 carats in an open back claw setting, to an exceptio...
Diamond, Yellow 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
Tiffany & Co. GIA 2.86 Carat E VS2 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Tiffany & Co. platinum six-prong solitaire is the epitome of timeless elegance. At its center is a magnificent 2.86 carat round brilliant diamond, certified by GIA as...
Diamond, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
TIFFANY & CO. Halo 2.86 Ct. Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
TIFFANY & CO. CUSTOM HALO 2.86 CARAT DIAMOND RING — ONE-OF-A-KIND MASTERPIECE Presenting a truly unique Tiffany & Co. creation — an extraordinary custom Brilliant Round Diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Stunning 3.95 Carat Rose de France Diamond Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful solitaire ring featuring a 3.95 carat oval facet-cut Rose de France; enhanced with a diamond in each corner; 4x's 1.8mm diamonds approx. .10tc...
Amethyst, Diamond
4.86 Carat Bezel Set Emerald Cut Eternity Band
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique ring boasts 15 emerald cut diamonds weighing a total of 4.86 carats. Bezel set in platinum, this ring is beautifully crafted and very comfortable - perfect for everyday w...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Ring in White Gold 18 Karat and Ceylon Sapphire 4.86 Carat
Located in Paris, FR
18 Carat White Gold Ring with Diamonds and Ceylon Sapphire 4.86 Carats Ring in 18 Carat white Gold setting in its Center a large Sapphire set with Claws weighing 4.86 Carats surrounded by a paving of Diamond set with Grain. The Ring of the Ring is paved with Grain-set Diamonds. Total Weight of Diamonds: 0.85 Carat. Certificate n ° 12. Ceylon heated...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
Sevan Bıçakçı 18k gold, silver, rock crystal and diamond cocktail ring
By SEVAN BICAKCI
Located in London, GB
This is an impressive cocktail ring by Sevan Bıçakçı centered around a large rock crystal engraved with the signature of the Ottoman Sultan. The four corners of the ring hold 4 minia...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Checkerboard Rock Crystal Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind David Webb octagonal rock crystal and diamond ring made in 18k yellow gold with diamond accents on north south east west framing bars. Ring size 6.5. Overall about 1 i...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
4.86 Carats Peridot Pink Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.86 Carats Peridot Pink Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This Peridot and Diamond Ring has a 4.10 Carat Emerald Cut Peridot and is surrounded by 14 Pink Sapphire...
Diamond, Peridot, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 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 blue ...
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