Boucheron Acquires High Jewelry Workshop in Paris
The workshop is comprised of four companies: Blondeau, Belter, Chanson & Cie, and FG Développement.
Paris—Several months after LVMH took a majority stake in Platinum Invest Group, rival Kering has made a move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities.
On Monday, Kering-owned brand Boucheron announced the acquisition of an atelier that specializes in manufacturing high jewelry, all working out of a single facility not far from the brand’s longstanding workshop at 26 Place Vendôme in Paris.
French entrepreneur Cédric Gangemi, a jeweler by training, founded the group, which is comprised of four companies: Blondeau, Belter, Chanson & Cie, and FG Développement.
According to WWD, Gangemi worked at Chanson & Cie (established 1961) and Blondeau (established 1978) before taking them over.
He combined the two workshops under a single roof in 2017, with Belter and FG Développement later joining the atelier.
Boucheron CEO Hélène Poulit-Duquesne called the acquisition of this high jewelry workshop a “new chapter” in the company’s history, bolstering a segment of the business that parent company Kering recently called out as a strong performer in an otherwise subdued quarter.
“[This acquisition] will reinforce the production capacity of Boucheron’s historical workshop on Place Vendôme, enabling us to meet the increasing demand of our clients while maintaining the excellence of our craftsmanship,” Poulit-Duquesne said.
Together, the four companies employ about 60 artisans, a mix of CAD designers, jewelers, lapidaries, stone setters, and polishers.
Financial terms of the deal, which was finalized Oct. 31, were not disclosed, though Boucheron confirmed it will keep all the workshop’s employees, and they will continue to work out of the same location in Paris.
Frédéric Boucheron founded his eponymous jewelry brand in 1858. The Gucci Group acquired the company in 2000, and Kering upped its ownership in Gucci to a majority stake in 2003 and 2004.
Today, Boucheron has more than 50 stores worldwide.
The Latest
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.