High jewelry is set to light up the 27th Biennale Antiques Fair in Paris

The Biennale des Antiquaires, France’s biannual antiques fair, is back at home at the heart of the Grand Palais in Paris for its 27^th edition from September 11 to 21, 2014. Every two years this cultural highlight of fall in Paris brings together art crafts and antiques professionals from all over the world in the most exquisite of settings. Lovers of precious stones and diamonds gather to discover the latest collections of high-end jewelry from the most prestigious Maisons from France and around the world, all under one roof.

In 2014, once again, the Biennale des Antiquaires will cast its spell over fans of the art who will marvel over the exceptional pieces presented by the biggest names in high jewelry. Whilst the highest ranking merchants of the trade—hand-picked by the SNA who organizes the event—come to present their master-pieces, it’s the high-end jewelers who shall, as ever, come out on top. Each of the Maisons will reveal its latest collection to the public, professionals and amateurs alike, and in this way celebrate with their counterparts, the talent and skill of the art’s craftsmen, as well as the virtuosity of the fine jewelry.

Interior designer Jacques Grange, following on from Karl Lagerfeld in 2012, has been chosen to dress the Grand Palais and create a setting worthy of the antiques and high-jewelry pieces, bathed in the light from the hall’s glass-domed roof. To meet the challenge, the world-famous designer sought his inspiration in the gardens of the Versailles palace.

This year’s attendees will include: Alexandre Reza, Boucheron Paris, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel Fine Jewelry, Chaumet, David Morris, Dior Jewelry, Giampiero Bodino, Graff Diamonds, Piaget, Siegelson, Van Cleef & Arpels and Wallace Chan. Though Harry Winston will be sadly missed, an ever increasing number of high jewelry houses will be in attendance.

The Biennale offers the chance we have been longing for to see the top secret Giampiero Bodino collection — named after its designer. Ordinarily, the collection from this new Italian name (founded in 2014) from Richemont, the second biggest luxury goods group, can only be viewed by appointment at the Villa de Mozart in Milan…

Cartier is set to reveal over a hundred new creations using “exceptional stones“. Perhaps you will have the chance to admire the two latest acquisitions of the Cartier Collection: Barbara Hutton’s Jadeite necklace (with 27 beads)* or the royal pear shaped pearl that is said to have belonged to Queen Mary of England (see the article in French in Madame Figaro).

Chanel Fine Jewelry, will be exhibiting Café Society, its new collection with audacious, geometric lines, as presented in July this year.  18 original pieces will be on show at the Biennale, such as the Autumn in Shanghai and Winter in France necklaces, where diamonds provide the setting for jewels and compositions that transport you.

Last but not least, the incredible Van Cleef & Arpels collection is worth the detour to admire how it brings together the themes held dear by the Maison and the technical prowess that defines it. The “Peau d’Âne raconté par Van Cleef & Arpels” collection, which draws its inspiration from the French fairy tale Donkeyskin and the film by Jacques Demy, wends its way between fantasy nature and enchantment. A story told over three chapters—Childhood in the Castle, The Enchanted Forest and The Happy Wedding—where the magic of the stones and the compositions reveal the love story and the ambiance of the tale. Fairy or dress clips, feminine figures whose faces are formed by pink cut diamonds, a necklace with several tiers reminding us of the Maison’s history; the uniquely colored camaieux of Pierres de Caractère^TM, which sketch out nuances where the gems are set in subtle harmony.

Jean Bienaymé**, Marketing and Communications Director at Van Cleef & Arpels, is thrilled at the opportunity to meet and talk with the public at the Biennale des Antiquaires: “This is a very prestigious fair, which is interesting from a French heritage aspect. The Biennale brings together collectors, fans of the art, and also lovers of beautiful objects. For a jewelry Maison such as ours, a Maison with a long history, with tales to tell, that loves face to face meetings, it is important to be there…”

* The necklace is on display at Cartier at the Rue de la Paix flagship, between September 9th to 20th.

** Read our article on the “Peau d’Âne raconté par Van Cleef & Arpels” collection and the interview with Jean Bienaymé.

Pictures, copyright : Cartier (frontpage and poster), Dior Joaillerie, Chanel Joaillerie, Van Cleef & Arpels.