Marie-Antoinette’s bracelet, presented by Mellerio, the world’s oldest jeweler, is now on display in New York, reflecting the heritage of the renowned maison as it establishes itself in the global capital of luxury.
Worn by Marie-Antoinette, the famous Queen of France, the bracelet from the world’s oldest jeweler is now exhibited in New York, symbolizing their ambition to expand their presence in this international luxury hub, despite a slowing global market. This unique piece, composed of seven antique cameos mounted on a bracelet adorned with floral patterns in garnets and silver, is above all a historic jewel, explains Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, a representative of the 14th generation of the house founded in 1613.
According to an anecdote shared by Mme Mellerio, who is also the artistic director of the company, her ancestor Jean-Baptiste, then a teenager around 1780, managed to sell or give this famous bracelet to Marie-Antoinette. The queen, fascinated by Antiquity, kept the piece until her execution in 1793. Recovered by the family, the bracelet is now the centerpiece of their entry into the American market, symbolizing their establishment in New York, a global center for finance and the arts.
Christophe Mélard, the maison’s CEO, is delighted with this “Atlantic leap.” Based on Rue de la Paix, the high-end jewelry district of Paris, the house chose Manhattan to set up its first American outpost, in a prestigious neighborhood. Until the end of October, Marie-Antoinette’s bracelet is on display among other contemporary creations on the ground floor of a renowned New York department store.
Although they do not disclose their revenue, Mme Mellerio and M. Mélard confirm that Americans now represent the second-largest nationality among their foreign clientele, after the Japanese. Despite signs of a global luxury market slowdown, the outlook in New York remains promising, with sales projected to reach $82 billion by 2028.
With AFP
Comments