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30 September 2009  |  Jewelry & Watches   |  Article

A Diamond and Ruby Flower Brooch by René Boivin

The House of Boivin was founded in Paris by René Boivin (1864–1917) during the 1890s. Since the firm’s inception, the talented designer created objects that were both ahead of their time and remarkably timeless, making their vintage styles widely sought-after by today’s discerning collector.

Partners in Innovation
In 1893, Boivin married Jeanne Poiret, sister of famous Parisian couturier Paul Poiret. Together, the Boivins cultivated a creative vision of expertly crafted designs and eclectic style, emphasizing signature elements such as elegant lines, twists, and trembling components. Favorite themes included flowers, fruit and animals.

Upon René’s death in 1917, Jeanne assumed control of the firm—a rare accomplishment in an otherwise male-centric industry. Alongside her daughter Germaine, Juliette Moutard, and several other female designers, Jeanne established the jewelry maison on the prestigious avenue de l’Opéra. Similar to her husband, Jeanne was drawn to colored stones, using imaginative color combinations to create magnificent jewelry sought after by Europe’s cultural elite. Under Jeanne Boivin, Maison Boivin produced innovative jewelry with astounding movements and textures that appealed not only to the eye but also to the touch.

Fashionable Florals
Today, the House of Boivin is perhaps most celebrated for its superb floral jewelry. This extraordinary diamond and ruby flower brooch exemplifies Boivin’s singular talent in this area. René was an ardent botanist with a particular fondness for orchids, and under his leadership flowers became a theme in the house’s design repertoire—one that would continue to thrive throughout the century.


Related Sale
Sale 2211
Jewels: The New York Sale & The Annenberg Diamond
21 Oct 2009
New York, Rockefeller Plaza

Related Departments
Jewelry

Related Artists
Rene Boivin

Keywords
Jewelry
Rene Boivin
brooch
diamond
ruby

Lot 145, Sale 2211
A DIAMOND AND RUBY FLOWER BROOCH, BY RENE BOIVIN

Price Realized: $68,500