Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A pair of sapphire and rock crystal cufflinks by René Boivin, circa 1935, double-sided, each faceted rock crystal plaque set with four calibré-cut sapphires, mounted in platinum, maker’s mark and French assay marks, plaque diameter 11mm. £3,000-£4,000

Accompanied by a letter of authentication from Jean-Norbert Salit, 4, Rue du Faubourg Poinssonnière, 75010, Paris, confirming the cufflinks to be ‘Un travail de René Boivin. Années 1935’, dated 7 February 2022.

Born into a family of Parisian jewellers in 1864, René Boivin joined the family firm at the age of seventeen. In 1893 he married Jeanne Poiret, sister to the famous French couturier Paul Poiret, and together they produced some of the most daring designs of the early 20th century. Upon her husband’s death in 1917, Jeanne assumed control of the company and established one of the first all female design companies in Paris. In 1919 Jeanne hired the young Suzanne Belperron and was later joined by her daughter, Germaine Boivin, and designer Juliette Moutard. The house became known for their unique geometrical and sculptural pieces, innovating the combination of coloured gemstones, textures, and dimensions.