[Jewelry making - Article 00037] - Re: [Orchid] Places to go in Paris?

[Trevor F]

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>         We'll be visiting Paris shortly, our first trip, and I am
>     hoping that some of you more experienced travellers can point me in
>     the right direction to find jewelry shops, galleries, and any
>     museums that have particular focus on jewelry. 

    I hope you've got some time on your hands because Paris is a mecca
    for jewelry related field trips. 

    It is also a city of "quartiers" in that shops of a particular
    interest seem to clump together. So for good high-end shops and
    galleries you'll want to check out Place Vendome and the nearby
    streets. Boucheron (www.boucheron.com) is somewhat typical of what
    you'll find in this area. Astronomically priced and often quite
    stimulating from a craftsmanship point of view. Lots of
    experimentation in exotic alloys --black gold, "chocolate" gold,
    etc-- and gemstone cuts. Generally you'll see a lot of contemporary
    variations on "regal" designs: gem encrusted and heavy enough to
    choke a rapper! 

    A little to the West along Rue St. Honoré you'll find interesting,
    innovative and antique collections of jewelry, predominantly in
    gold. Great for seeing what is happening in the meld of ancient and
    contemporary designs. The quality of some of the work here is
    astounding!  Much less gemstone oriented than what you'll see in and
    around Place Vendome. 

    And of course there is the Marais --hard to be specific, it's an
    all-day walkabout kind of place-- for contemporary work in silver.
    Some of it is regular flea market fare but there are shops that have
    very hip and edgy designs. (Note that the majority of the Marais
    shops tend to offer a variety of goods, not just jewelry alone. So
    what looks at first like a clothes shop may in fact have quite an
    impressive collection of artisan jewelry. Like I said, it's that
    kind of place.) 

    The jewelry trade section of Paris is focused around Rue Temple and
    Rue Réaumur and isn't quite as interesting as one might expect. 

    As to the museums I highly recommend the Louvre's Egyptian, Greek,
    Roman, Etruscan and Mesopotamian sections if you're into the
    historical aspects of the art. I've spent hours photographing,
    studying and learning from the pieces and representations of jewelry
    scattered throughout the regular displays in these areas. I can't
    speak much of the other areas --terrible, I know-- but knowing the
    Louvre I'd bet that no matter where you go you'll find something of
    interest. 

    I've also found the Musée d'Armie very rewarding for their fine
    collections of gold, silver and even gemstone decorated arms and
    armour, much of it Napoleonic. Admittedly that might be a bit far
    afield for some but if your interests run into metalworking as much
    as jewelrymaking then you might be pleasantly surprised. 

    Enjoy your trip!  Paris is a gem in and of itself. 

Trevor F


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