Mauboussin is a storied French luxury jewelry house founded in 1827 in Paris. Originally a modest workshop, it evolved into a global symbol of high jewelry, particularly celebrated for its mastery of Art Deco designs and bold use of vibrant gemstones. Since 2002, the company has pivoted to an "accessible luxury" strategy, expanding its offerings to include watches, perfumes, and eyewear while maintaining its historical prestige.
Core Business & Products
High & Fine Jewelry:
Specializes in engagement rings, bracelets, and necklaces using noble materials like gold, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
Watches & Timepieces:
Designs luxury watches for both men and women, often featuring intricate details.
Fragrances:
Produces a range of perfumes, such as the Mauboussin Homme line.
Eyewear:
Offers jewel-like frames and sunglasses engraved with French poetry.
Historical Milestones
Founding:
Established in 1827 by M. Rocher on Rue Greneta in Paris.
Art Deco Era:
Achieved international acclaim in the 1920s, winning the Grand Prix at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs.
Global Expansion:
Opened branches in New York, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro by 1929.
Prestigious Clients:
Served Hollywood legends like Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Audrey Hepburn, and royalty such as the Maharajah of Indore.
Location Shift:
In 2015, the house moved its flagship boutique from the iconic Place Vendôme to 15 rue de la Paix.
Strategic Evolution & Ownership
Strategic Pivot:
Under the leadership of Alain Némarq (starting around 2002), the brand shifted away from ultra-exclusive positioning to embrace accessible luxury. This included displaying prices in advertising and relocating some production to France to improve agility.
Current Ownership:
The Galeries Lafayette Group is the principal and majority shareholder of Mauboussin.
Global Reach:
As of 2024, the brand operates over 120 stores worldwide, with a presence in Europe, Asia (Singapore, Japan), and North Africa (Algeria).
Signature Design Philosophy
Mauboussin is known for its "four-pointed star" motif and a focus on capturing emotions through jewelry. Notable collections include:
"Chance of Love":
A popular collection featuring floral and heart motifs.
"Le Premier Jour":
Designs inspired by the beginning of a love affair.
Gemstone Focus:
The brand frequently uses daring combinations, such as emeralds with rubies or sapphires with diamonds, and explores lesser-known gems like tanzanite.