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.
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
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
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
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
$2,924Sale Price|35% Off
3.04 Carat Emerald & Diamond Ring 18Karat White Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Magnificent Emerald ring. Emerald & Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold Emerald - 3.04 Carat Diamond - 0.29 Carat 18 Karat Gold Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Cu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,878Sale 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
Emilio Jewelry 12.27 Carat Certified Genuine Emerald Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Video available upon request! Hand made in the Emilio Jewelry Factory, A gorgeous deep green very clean Cushion Zambian Emerald 11.22 Carats set in the center. The emerald is very cl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Certified 17.03 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing an emerald cut 16.14ct Genuine Emerald certified by C.Dunaigre as intense Green color. Based on emerald grading methodology the clarity of the emerald is Internally flawle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Certified Vivid Green 17.08 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Emilio Jewelry Certified Vivid Green 17.08 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring Showcasing a gorgeous Emerald cut Genuine Emerald Certified by C.Dunaigre. ...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry 17.37 Carat Vivid Green Oval Emerald Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Emilio Jewelry 17.37 Carat Vivid Green Oval Emerald Diamond Ring This amazing ring is unique and well thought out before Emilio designed it!...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-Century Modern Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful and finely detailed White Gold Cocktail Ring, center Hand set with a securely nestled 2.75 Carat Emerald-cut Emerald, Amazing color! Surrounded by round Diamonds, we...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold