Mauboussin

The rise of the Mauboussin house

The Mauboussin company was founded in 1827 and quickly gained immense recognition thanks to its participation in the Exposition Universelle in Paris in the 1930s. This jeweler drew inspiration from the Art Deco trend of its time, imposing its jewelry adorned with multiple colors. In fact, the house even held three exhibitions on this theme, from 1928 to 1931, only increasing its renown further. Marlène Dietrich was thus won over by Mauboussin and became an ambassador for their jewelry, notably wearing it in her film Femme ou Démon. However, the war indirectly affected Mauboussin, and the gold shortage forced the house to adopt new working techniques. Nevertheless, success returned once again, and it was thus that Mauboussin decided to assert itself as a prestige jeweler by establishing itself on Place Vendôme in 1955. Always mindful of following the trends of its time, the Mauboussin house then adopted a more whimsical and asymmetrical style typical of the 1970s. Moreover, for many years, Mauboussin secured its funding through the substantial orders from Prince Jefri, which represented 80% of its revenue. However, this collaboration ended in 1998, and it was then the Swiss financier Dominique Frémont who came to the house’s rescue by acquiring 70% of the company’s shares in 2002, then the entirety in 2005.

Mauboussin’s boldness

The change was then radical for Mauboussin, and the house set out to democratize the wearing of jewelry. It was thus the first to offer an affordable range, a sort of ready-to-wear collection of high jewelry. Naturally, this did not fail to raise eyebrows on Place Vendôme! Moreover, the astonishment was even greater in 2005, when Mauboussin introduced a mass-market solitaire. Although this caused quite a stir, success indeed followed. Thus, Mauboussin can now look forward to a much more serene future in jewelry. In parallel, the brand also ventured, starting in 2000, into the creation of perfumes. These are the perfect echo of all their other products. They are at once noble, refined, intense, and slightly whimsical. They are designed like jewels to enhance the personality and presence of those who wear them.

Today, numerous Mauboussin boutiques are flourishing all around the world, on the grandest avenues of Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Moreover, Mauboussin continues to expand its business and now also offers a range of pens and sunglasses.