A Glittering Affair

EVERY OTHER SEPTEMBER, LEGENDARY JEWELLERY HOUSES REVEAL THEIR MOST EXCEPTIONAL PIECES AT THE BIENNALE DES ANTIQUAIRES, WRITES Emilie Yabut-razon

Running from September 11 to 21 in Paris, the Biennale des Antiquaires is a must-visit event for jewel aficionados. The show has become one of the most important fixtures in the jewellery calendar, where the maisons present their most exceptional creations. As France’s oldest art fair, the show also brings together the biggest names in art and antiquities. The number of exhibitors has increased significantly over the years, with the 2012 biennale playing host to 150, nearly double the 86 present at the 2010 event.

The Grand Palais in Paris has been home to the biennale since 1962. This year, Syndicat National des Antiquaires president Christian Deydier has called upon the internationally acclaimed interior designer Jacques Grange to recreate the Versailles Gardens in the Grand Palais, with the help of gardeners from Chateau de Versailles and Trianon.

The fine jewellery brands showcasing their work at the 27th edition of the biennale are Alexandre Reza, Boucheron, Bulgari, Chanel, Cartier, Chaumet, Dior, Giampiero Bodino, Graff Diamonds, Piaget, Siegelson, Van Cleef & Arpels and Wallace Chan.

GRAND DESIGNS CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: A STATEMENT NECKLACE FROM CARTIER USING DIAMONDS AND A 15- CARAT RUBY FROM MOZAMBIQUE; BOOTHS DESIGNED BY JACQUES GRANGE; EARRINGS BY CHANEL; NECKLACE MOCK- UPS AT BULGARI