The 149-piece collection called “Histoire de Style: New Maharajahs” features some of the most luxurious arrays of diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and gold, which was inspired by the fairytale-like story that started it all for Boucheron.
According to Claire Choisne, collection designer and creative director, Boucheron "This commission by the Maharajah of Patiala seemed like a fairytale, it is the stuff of dreams".
According to history, in 1929, Indian royalty Bhupinder Sing arrived at the Place Vendôme maison of Louis Boucheron, followed by royal guards carrying several large iron chests containing precious stones. The royal party were said to have come from the Ritz Paris where the Maharajah, along with all his royal guards and staff, occupied 35 suites.
The party was greeted by Louis’ son, Frederic, and inspected all pieces that were brought to the maison. After going through the massive stash, Boucheron selected 7,571 diamonds, 1,432 emeralds, and more than a thousand other gemstones for the Maharajah’s special order.
Louis conceptualised 149 designs combining Indian and art deco styles which included diamond and emerald collars, pearl necklaces with multiple strands and belts decked with gemstones, among others.
“In our archives, we have kept the 149 original designs from which I got my inspiration for this collection,” Choisne said, adding that she wanted to “transpose these designs into the 21st century, and to reinvent them for today’s Maharanis and Maharajahs.”
Established in 1858, Boucheron is based in Paris and is a subsidiary of the Kering group.
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Histoire de Style: New Maharajahs
Image: Boucheron |
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THE CONSECRATION OF EMERALDS Nine Colombian emeralds totalling 40-carats compose the central motif - the centrepiece can also be worn as a brooch. Once transformed, the necklace becomes a collar, lined with baguette-cut emeralds. Boucheron has also replaced the green gemstones in 1928 by diamonds.
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Image: Boucheron |
MAJESTIC LOTUS A celebration of the lotus, this choker is made of white gold and imitates 'diamond lace' on the skin. A 4,08ct cushion diamond sits in the center. This convertible necklace is available as a ribbon version or as a choker.
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Image: Boucheron |
NEW MAHARONI MOTHER OF PEARL NECKLACE A 5.178 Japanese pearl-cascade springs from this statement necklace and is complemented by melon-cut rock crystal beads and diamond paving. The lotus flower, chiseled in mother of pearl, is the central motif of this neckpiece which offers seven different looks.
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Image: Boucheron |
SUBTLE HARMONY Worn by women when they get married, these “Churiyan” bracelets are considered tokens of protection. Boucheron revisited these traditional ornaments in white gold set with diamonds, mother of pearl and pearls. These bangles offer a subtle palette of shades and textures on the wrist.
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