A GOLD BROOCH, BY HERMÈS, CIRCA 1965 Of...
A GOLD BROOCH, BY HERMÈS, CIRCA 1965
Of floral design with polished and textured gold leaves, in 18K gold, signed Hermès Paris, with maker's mark 'CF' for Cristofol, French assay marks, scratched inventory number, length 5.2cm
Cristofol was established in 1830 and is the oldest high jewellery workshop in Paris. The workshop has worked for Hermès, Cartier, René Boivin, JAR, Fred, M. Gérard, Marchak amongst many others.
Hermès, a brand whose name is now synonymous with high-end fashion, began its journey with a slightly different product. Hermès was established as a leather shop in 1837 by Thierry Hermès and specialised in harnesses for horses. Filled with ambition, Thierry wished to create the finest leather pieces for the carriage trade and his dedication led to huge success. By 1855, the company was awarded first prize at the Paris Exposition and, just under ten years later, Hermès was again recognised, this time at the Exposition Universelle.
In the late 1870s, Thierry's son and successor, Charles Emile Hermès, decided to expand the company's range and incorporated the manufacture of saddles into its booming business. He also opened at a new location near the Palais de l'Elysee and sought to supply a complete range of leather goods to the equinely inclined.
In keeping with tradition, Charles' sons assumed control following his retirement. Adolphe and Emile-Maurice were now at the head of an international business, with their goods selling to the rich of Russia and Asia. To highlight their new partnership, the name was altered to Hermès Frères.
They continued to nurture the brand and Emile-Maurice was the first man to introduce the zipper to France. He obtained exclusive rights to use it in leather, bringing out innovative clothing designs and accessories. 1922 saw the first Hermès handbags luxuriously gracing the shelves and, in 1929, the first collection of ladies' clothing was launched. Quick on its heels was the now infamous Hermès scarf, which was received with great acclaim.
In 1938, Robert Dumas, also a member of the Hermès family, decided the time had come to dip into jewellery design. Inspired by the bold and sturdy form of a ship's anchor, the Chaîne d'Ancre bracelet was born, along with the future of Hermès jewellery. With the death of Emile-Maurice in 1951, leadership passed to Robert and he continued to expand the jewellery line.
The 1970s celebrated the vast expansion of Hermès, with stores opening globally throughout Europe, Japan and the USA. Starting from a few stores, the brand now has over three hundred outlets worldwide.
With over 180 years in business, Hermès ability to foresee the needs and desires of its customers has established it as one the leading French retailers, an item from Hermès never failing to evoke admiration.
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A GOLD BROOCH, BY HERMÈS, CIRCA 1965
Of floral design with polished and textured gold leaves, in 18K gold, signed Hermès Paris, with maker's mark 'CF' for Cristofol, French assay marks, scratched inventory number, length 5.2cm
Cristofol was established in 1830 and is the oldest high jewellery workshop in Paris. The workshop has worked for Hermès, Cartier, René Boivin, JAR, Fred, M. Gérard, Marchak amongst many others.
Hermès, a brand whose name is now synonymous with high-end fashion, began its journey with a slightly different product. Hermès was established as a leather shop in 1837 by Thierry Hermès and specialised in harnesses for horses. Filled with ambition, Thierry wished to create the finest leather pieces for the carriage trade and his dedication led to huge success. By 1855, the company was awarded first prize at the Paris Exposition and, just under ten years later, Hermès was again recognised, this time at the Exposition Universelle.
In the late 1870s, Thierry's son and successor, Charles Emile Hermès, decided to expand the company's range and incorporated the manufacture of saddles into its booming business. He also opened at a new location near the Palais de l'Elysee and sought to supply a complete range of leather goods to the equinely inclined.
In keeping with tradition, Charles' sons assumed control following his retirement. Adolphe and Emile-Maurice were now at the head of an international business, with their goods selling to the rich of Russia and Asia. To highlight their new partnership, the name was altered to Hermès Frères.
They continued to nurture the brand and Emile-Maurice was the first man to introduce the zipper to France. He obtained exclusive rights to use it in leather, bringing out innovative clothing designs and accessories. 1922 saw the first Hermès handbags luxuriously gracing the shelves and, in 1929, the first collection of ladies' clothing was launched. Quick on its heels was the now infamous Hermès scarf, which was received with great acclaim.
In 1938, Robert Dumas, also a member of the Hermès family, decided the time had come to dip into jewellery design. Inspired by the bold and sturdy form of a ship's anchor, the Chaîne d'Ancre bracelet was born, along with the future of Hermès jewellery. With the death of Emile-Maurice in 1951, leadership passed to Robert and he continued to expand the jewellery line.
The 1970s celebrated the vast expansion of Hermès, with stores opening globally throughout Europe, Japan and the USA. Starting from a few stores, the brand now has over three hundred outlets worldwide.
With over 180 years in business, Hermès ability to foresee the needs and desires of its customers has established it as one the leading French retailers, an item from Hermès never failing to evoke admiration.
