A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Boston’s MFA Acquires René Boivin Starfish Brooch
Purchased from Lee Siegelson, the gold, ruby and amethyst jewel tells a fascinating story of several women.
Boston—The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is well known among jewelry lovers for its curation and collections, and the museum is reminding us exactly why with a recent acquisition.
The MFA recently acquired a gold, ruby and amethyst starfish brooch made in 1937 by Parisian house René Boivin. The piece, purchased from gem and jewelry dealer Lee Siegelson, is iconic not only for its workmanship and rarity but also because it
The jewel was actually created under Jeanne Boivin, who took over her husband’s namesake company after his death in 1917, making her the first woman to direct a French jewelry house.
She insisted on being known professionally as Madame René Boivin, according to the museum, and worked with jewelry designers Juliette Moutard and Suzanne Belperron to establish jewelry’s avant-garde side.
Moutard designed the starfish brooch for René Boivin in 1935.
The piece features 71 cabochon rubies, faceted amethysts and 18-karat gold, and is fully articulated on each arm to allow the piece lifelike movement that mimics a starfish crawling along. It is also the same size as a real starfish.
French-born, American-raised Broadway and film actress Claudette Colbert bought the brooch from Boivin in 1937, two years after she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “It Happened One Night.”
As Hollywood’s highest-paid actress at the time, her sartorial choices—including pinning the Boivin starfish brooch to a coat shoulder or dress collar—were closely followed by both film and fashion publications, as seen in the inset photo.
The piece acquired by the MFA is the first of four known ruby-and-amethyst versions produced under Boivin and Moutard’s direction, according to the museum.
The starfish are also the subject of a 2018 book, “Diving for Starfish: The Jeweler, the Actress, the Heiress, and One of the World's Most Alluring Pieces of Jewelry” by Cherie Burns, chronicling the story of the pieces and the women who wore them.
“We’re thrilled to acquire one of the most important jewels that the house René Boivin ever produced,” said Emily Stoehrer, the MFA’s Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator of Jewelry. “This brooch tells a fascinating story of design in the early 20th century, including the central role played by women designers such as Juliette Moutard.”
The Latest
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.