René Boivin

Suzanne Belperron was hired by Jeanne Boivin in 1921 as a young and relatively untested designer. During the time they worked together, Madame Boivin encouraged Belperron to be creative, pushing her to set trends rather than follow them. During this time, Belperron experimented with organic forms and new materials, creating bold, sculptural jewelry that contrasted starkly with the linear designs of the Art Deco period, as evidenced in the sinuous seashell design and lustrous natural pearls of lot 301. The freedom that Madame Boivin granted her designers allowed Belperron the confidence to create the modern designs that she became known for when she formed her own brand. She eventually became the co-director of Maison Boivin, developing her talent via incredibly detailed gouache sketches which scholars now use as a window into her creative mind. Belperron’s innovative and non-traditional use of seemingly opposite materials and fascination with volume, geometry and color, enabled her to create truly exceptional pieces of wearable art.