WeddingLight Events – Elope to Paris

Tag: Cartier

  • Top 5: Where to Buy your Wedding Bands in Paris

    We bring you our selection of the top spots to buy your wedding rings in Paris. There’s no more special way to remember your big day in Paris than buying your wedding bands on your trip. Especially since France is renowned for fashion and jewelry design worldwide. Whether you want a classic ring designer, unique boutique or antique piece we have the answers.

    1. Cartier

    The French standard

    The epitome of luxury French jewelry design, Cartier has to be top of any French jewelry design list.   There is nothing more classic or timeless than a Cartier wedding ring, and your friends will be stunned by its benchmark of quality. The house has a rich and royal background, with many exhibitions held under its famous name. It was founded in Paris in 1847 originally as a family company. They became most recognised for their pocket watches and symbolised by their panther, but it is their rings which stole the heart of diamond loving romantics worldwide. A name which has become truly synonymous with romance and excess. The only thing more special than a Cartier wedding band, is a Cartier wedding band purchased in Paris.

    Cartier

    17 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008 Paris

    2. Paulette à Bicyclette

    Ethical Jewelry and Design Workshops

    The number one spot for any bohemian couple Paulette à Bicyclette is founded on the principal of ethical jewelry, and specialises in wedding pieces. She loves working on rings which represent a couples love and happiness! In this artisan jeweller everything is made from recycled materials in an eco-responsible fashion. They have even been certified by Fairmined. She works to order so you can personalise your piece as you wish, and all her work is precious and poetic in style.  Her wedding bands focus on using texture in their design. This is the best place in Paris for wedding rings made with love.

    Paulette à Bicyclette

    She also offers courses in jewelry making for both weddings and every-day wear so you can learn to create your own rings.  This builds the perfect combination of ethical and remarkable wedding rings. There is no more special symbol of your love than making your own unique band in a Parisian workshop. It is important to order your jewelry here as far in  advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

    2 Place de Guignier 75020 Paris

    3. Dary’s

    High End Antique Specialists

    If you want an antique ring then Dary’s is the number one address to go to. Specialising in ancient jewelry and contemporary 18th   and 19th century high end pieces, this is an amazing place if you want something not only beautiful, but also something with its own history and story to tell.  They are truly experts in their field and authenticity is 100% guaranteed. Consultations are free so you can benefit from their knowledge before committing.

    Although still pricey you will save 30% on the original price of the rings if they were first hand, so this is the perfect way to get your hands on the must have Cartier or Van Cleef on a tighter budget. Unique and timeless this is the must visit store for any vintage bride.

     

    Dary’s

    362 Rue Saint Honoré 75001 Paris

    4. Boucheron

    The original on Place Vendôme

    Boucheron was the first jeweler to open its doors on Place Vendôme, the heart of France’s luxury jewelry market, and one of Paris’s founding ring makers. They stand alongside Cartier as trail blazers of the French luxury jewellery market. Clients have included tsars, princesses and maharajahs. Boucheron set out to find the best stones which are then worked on by the best craftsmen, controlling quality of raw materials and workmanship at all levels.

    Boucheron

    26 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris

    5. Chanel Fine Jewelry

    High Fashion Meets Bridal Elegance

    The fashionistas choice, Chanel entered the jewelry market with her first collection in 1932 . Originally developing a niche with designer costume jewelry, mixing real and fake stones Chanel changed the jewelry market as she had the fashion industry. The houses wedding pieces are however of course all about the diamonds.

    “If I have chosen diamonds, it is because they represent the highest value in the smallest volume” Coco Chanel.

    Diamonds symbolise the elegance and sophistication which embodies Chanel.  Classic cuts and the best chosen pieces are the basis of the jewelry line. We love this gorgeous ribbon ring in 18k white gold and diamond.

    Chanel

    Their store on Place Vendôme now also has a workshop upstairs, making special orders on site. 

    18 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris

    Hopefully you find your perfect wedding band from one of the boutiques on our list! If you’re coming to Paris for your engagement then be sure to also take a look at our Top 5 French Engagement Ring Designers.

    Happy ring shopping!

     

  • Top 5 French Wedding Ring Designers

    What a better way to say I love you and propose than with a French engagement ring?

    We ladies know that “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental but diamonds are a girl’s best friend…”  and wouldn’t we all want to be swept off our feet with a luxurious Cartier engagement ring?  Yes, please!

    Black and white wedding photo of bride and groom rings paris

    Today we wanted to continue with our TOP 5 PARIS picks and  talk about some of the major names in the French jewelry (specifically engagement and wedding rings) industry.  We’ve dug up some historical facts, recent news and thrown in a fun pronunciation guide that should  have you sounding like a true Parisian in no time!

    1. Cartier  (pronounced Car-tee-eh) 

    Louis-Francois Cartier founded this luxury jewelry company Cartier in 1847 after taking over the workshop of Adolphe Picard.  Established at 29, Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondisment of Paris, the headquarters are still in the city, with an address on the elegant Rue de la Paix.

    Since its beginning, Cartier has attracted high-profile clientele and royalty. The jewelry house became the official purveyor to the kings and heads of state of England, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Belgium, Serbia, and Siam.

    Evalyn Walsh McLean wearing the now famous HOPE diamond

     

    Cartier is also the maker of the famous Blue Hope Diamond, sold to American mining heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1910. Harry Winston later purchased the necklace from Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1949 and donated to the Smithsonian Institution on November 10, 1958.

    The creation of the Trinity in 1924, a “three-band ring and bracelet combining gold in three colors,” brought fame to Cartier once again.  The style became very popular in Parisian society after Jean Cocteau adopted the design and is still one of the most popular statement of understated luxury.

    Cartier store front at place vendome paris

    Cartier’s history allows it to have an elaborate spread of stores around the world, plus historic collections of the pieces that are in metropolises like Paris, London, and New York.  Their survival through world wars and economic crises have guaranteed them a place in the jewelry market forever, plus some of the best real estate in the city.  One of their most famous boutiques is located at Place Vendome, a boutique they have had since 1899, which shares the plaza with the Ritz Paris (link back to other article), a Chanel boutique, Dior Jewelry, and Van Cleef & Arpels, another top French ring designer, two of which also made it to our list of Top French Wedding Ring Designers.

    Cartier is the French power player in the jewelry world, whose elegance and style are matched by few.

    2. Van Cleef & Arpels ( pronounced Von cleef eh Ar – pel) 

    Messieurs Alfred Van Cleef and Charles Arpels founded their namesake company, Van Cleef & Arpels, in 1896, opening their first store a decade later in the famed place Vendome in Paris.  While Cartier has a patent on the “invisible mount,” Van Cleef & Arpels pioneered their own gem-setting technique, christened the “Mystery Setting.” The firm is known for their remarkable work with rare stones; their designs strive to enhance the gems themselves.

    Those looking for an engagement ring from Paris, look no further.

    Jackie Kennedys Engagement Ring by Van cleef et Arpels

    One of their standout pieces include the engagement ring John F. Kennedy presented to Jacqueline Bouvier: one 2.88 carat diamond mounted next to a 2.84 carat cut emerald with tapered baguettes.

     

    jackie o engagment green wedding ring

    Van Cleef & Arpels boasts not only sophistication, like its neighbor Cartier, but also revolutionary designs and techniques.

    Not to mention they are a staple on every single red carpet. Who remembers that green emerald necklace by Ginnifer Goodwin?

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