A Dazzling Spectacle at the Grand Palais

The Biennale des Antiquaires, which began as a fair for antique furniture and art, now also features new haute joaillerie creations, making it even more spectacular. This year, the interior was designed to evoke the Palace of Versailles, with a large fountain at the entrance to the Grand Palais. The setup invited visitors to stroll with a glass of champagne amidst radiating green plantings, peeking into jewelry booths.

Cartier's "Royal" Theme

Directly ahead, beyond the fountain, stood Cartier. The theme for their new collection was "Royal." Tiaras adorned with pearls inherited from the British royal family, and pieces featuring rare stones obtainable only by the King of Jewelers, were on display.



Chanel was located at the far right. New pieces were added to the "Café Society" high jewelry collection, first unveiled during the July Haute Couture Collection. Inspired by the glamorous era of the 1920s, iconic motifs such as camellias, comets, and Place Vendôme were presented. Pieces inspired by the four seasons and cities included Spring-Venice, Summer-New York, Autumn-Shanghai, and Winter-France.


Winter in France featured pearls and sapphires inspired by the seaside. It evoked the winter sea of Deauville, where Mademoiselle Chanel spent her time. While Mademoiselle was known as an avant-garde designer who paired haute couture with costume jewelry, diamonds were actually her favorite stone.

Close-Up Views of the Exquisite Craftsmanship of Esteemed Jewelers

To the left, at the far end, was Bulgari. The interior evoked their Rome flagship store, with vibrant colors immediately catching the eye, characteristic of Italian jewelry. From the 60.5-carat emerald necklace Elizabeth Taylor received from Richard Burton to fringed necklaces, the brand showcased its mastery in manipulating colored stones.



Van Cleef & Arpels' delicate dragonfly and dancer motif jewelry resembled art pieces. At the Biennale, necklaces featuring large, boldly colored stones, rarely seen otherwise, were also on display.


Piaget presented jewelry and watches that reinterpreted its 1960s-70s collections, a period of blossoming creativity.



Dior's booth, in true couture maison style, displayed miniature dresses inspired by Monsieur Dior's couture gowns.


The stones and techniques used in every piece of jewelry were of unparalleled, highest quality. Beyond the value of the stones, the designs themselves commanded attention. New creations were designed by tracing the maison's history. Many were already sold. Women universally love sparkle. The answer to 'What is authentic?' could be found at the Biennale.