René Boivin was born in February 1864 in Paris. An excellent designer and engraver, he began a career in jewellery at a young age. During the 1890s he purchased several workshops and established himself at rue St. Anastase. In 1893 he married Jeanne Poiret, sister of the famous couturier Jean Poiret. They worked together to create some of the most bold and daring fashions of the early 1900s. After Boivin’s death in 1917, Jeanne decided to assume control of the firm and established herself in the avenue de l’Opéra alongside her daughter Germaine Boivin, and designer Juliette Moutard. The three worked together for forty years, joined between 1921 and 1932 by Suzanne Belperron, creating such signature pieces as the Starfish (1936). Their jewels, inspired by animals and nature, became well-known and even though they were only rarely signed, however the jewellery was distinctive enough to be recognized by educated consumers.
Lot 34 | A ruby ring, by Boivin | The oval cabochon ruby, set within a tapered gold band with reeded shoulders, maker's mark RB, French assay mark | Ring size: L | £6,000 - £8,000 + fees
Boivin’s clients included artists, intellectuals, and exuberant socialites like Sigmund Freud, Edgar Degas, and Louise de Vilmorin, as well as film stars and royalty. We are delighted to include these stunning pieces by Boivin in our forthcoming auction of Select Jewellery & Watches taking place live online on Thursday 22nd October.