FOUQUET

Founded in 1860 by Alphonse Fouquet, and later managed by his son Georges, Fouquet was recognised as one of the leading 19th and early 20th century Paris jewellers.

Georges' son Jean later joined the business and was very innovative. Alphonse created pieces decorated with delicate interlaced motifs and set with gems, miniatures and cameos. He also used painting on enamel. Later he produced pieces of onyx set with rose diamonds, turquoise and pearls. In his later work he used mythical animals in his designs.

Georges Fouquet designed unusual jewels. He did not imitate nature but used it for inspiration in his stylised creations, including a famous serpent bracelet set with opal mosaics, enamel, diamonds and rubies which he made for Sarah Bernhardt.

Jean Fouquet designed pieces of marked originality. He liked pieces with bold designs and favoured white gold. He believed you should be able to see a piece of jewellery from a distance and therefore it must be a bold design.

In 1936 the shop was forced into bankruptcy and had to close, but the Fouquets held an important position in Paris from 1878 to 1930 and Jean Fouquet continued to take private commissions into the 1950s.