A Dazzling Spectacle at the Grand Palais

The Antique Biennale, which began as a fair for antique furniture and artworks, now also features new haute joaillerie creations, making it even more spectacular. This year's interior was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, with a large fountain at the entrance of 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. I saw vintage pieces for the first time, such as a four-leaf clover brooch from the 1900s, an Art Deco desk clock, and a bag with a jewelry clasp. The new collection's theme was "Royal," featuring pieces like a tiara with royal pearls.





Chanel was located at the far right. New pieces were added to the "Café Society" high jewelry collection announced in July's couture collection. Inspired by the glamorous 1930s, icons such as Vendôme, Comète, and Camélia were displayed. The pieces, inspired by the four seasons and cities, represented Spring in Venice, Summer in New York, Autumn in Shanghai, and Winter in France.





The winter collection evoked the sea of Deauville, where Coco Chanel spent her winters, with pearls and sapphires. Although Coco Chanel was known as an avant-garde designer who paired couture with costume jewelry, diamonds were actually her favorite stone.

Witnessing the Exquisite Craftsmanship of Esteemed Jewelers Up Close

At the far left was Bulgari. The interior, inspired by Rome, immediately struck the eye with the vibrant colors characteristic of Italian jewelry. From the over-140-carat emerald earrings ordered by Elizabeth Taylor to necklaces with fringe details, the brand masterfully manipulates colored stones.





Van Cleef & Arpels' delicate jewelry, featuring motifs like dragonflies and dancers, resembled art pieces. At the Biennale, necklaces boldly incorporating large colored stones, rarely seen in public, were also on display.




Piaget showcased rose-motif jewelry and a reissue of a watch favored by Jackie Kennedy.





Dior's booth was a fitting tribute to the couture maison, displaying miniature dresses inspired by Monsieur Dior's couture gowns.





Every piece of jewelry showcased was of the highest caliber, in terms of both stones and craftsmanship, beyond compare. Beyond the value of the stones, the designs themselves commanded attention. Many new creations were designed by tracing the maison's history, and most were already sold. Women love sparkle. The Biennale offered an answer to the question: What is authenticity?