Maison Arthus Bertrand infuses jewellery with modernity, combining our passion for old-world, exquisite craftsmanship with vibrant, creativity.
Since 2018, the Artistic Director Camille Toupet has been creating collections in step with the times – creating fresh, contemporary designs inspired by the star, ribbon, or laurel leaf – to rejuvenate the extraordinary history of our Maison, founded in 1803. Arthus Bertrand jewellery, which has always shared a loyal bond with the women who wear it, is now moving into a new chapter. Could modernity inspired by craftsmanship and excellence be the new elegance?
A tradition of expertise
All our designs are made in France, at our two workshops in Saumur and Palaiseau. At both locations, nearly 90 artisans strive to bring our designs to life at the various steps along the way, including design, jewelling, toolmaking – yes, we make our own tools – stamping, polishing, sculpting, engraving, assembly, electroplating, enamelling, stone setting, and quality control.
Traditional skills such as bas-relief, stamping, grand feu enamelling, and engraving have remained an integral part of our workshops since the beginning. Painstakingly maintained and passed down through generations of artisans, these techniques are still used to craft Arthus Bertrand jewellery.
Stamping, from tradition to modernity
The ancestral technique of stamping – i.e., striking the medallion – reveals the finesse of the precious metal. The precision of the stamp creates a play of light and shadow, providing the exact texture on the surface of the metal that the engraver seeks to impart. This brings a uniquely detailed relief to the design, which appeals to our sense of touch to feel its artistry under our fingertips. Stamping requires great expertise, as only experience makes it possible to gauge the refinement of the final result, such as the texture and movement of a ribbon or the weightlessness of a star. The metal must be struck several times for the impression to be perfectly clear, and the medallion is fired between each strike. Lastly, finishing touches are carried out manually to enhance the handiwork.
At Arthus Bertrand, we have been using the same tried-and-tested stamping technique for the past 200 years. Our archives contain a treasure trove of 72,000 carefully safeguarded dies.
Grand feu enamelling is an increasingly rare form of artistic craftsmanship.
Grand feu enamelling: the subtlety of rich, delicate colours
Enamelling is both the embodiment of a traditional fine art as well as a source of light, and it can offer a variety of effects. Translucent enamel adds a subtly radiant glow. Matt enamel creates a discreet elegance. Plique-à-jour – applied within a framework with no backing – reveals the transparency of a miniature stained-glass window through which light softly filters. The enamel’s subtle, delightful undertones leap forth from the designs of modern medallions, whether streamlined and elaborate like high jewellery, or mixed-and-matched on a necklace or long chain.
Grand feu enamelling is a complex process, requiring several successive firings to achieve the desired shade. Today, only a handful of artisans – such as those working in Arthus Bertrand workshops – still master this time-honoured skill.
