RENE BOIVIN PURCHASED BY JOAILLIER
Byline: Katherine Weisman
PARIS — Renowned jeweler Rene Boivin is returning to French ownership.
After seven years as part of the U.K.’s Asprey & Garrard company, Rene Boivin has been acquired by French jeweler Poiray Joaillier for an undisclosed sum.
“This sale completes the restructuring program which commenced in 1998 under the direction of the then Asprey Group chief executive Ian Dahl,” said Guy Salter, the managing director of Asprey & Garrard. “The aim of this strategy was to concentrate the group’s resources on developing the Asprey & Garrard name. We wish Poiray Joaillier every success with this historical French name in jewelry design.”
Rene Boivin opened his jewelry concern in 1893. Upon Boivin’s death, his wife, Jeanne Boivin, took over the house and her designs became internationally famous.
The Boivin purchase has been a longtime dream of Poiray chairwoman Nathalie Choay, according to a spokeswoman.
“In buying Rene Boivin, Madame Nathalie Choay plans to revive the creative spirit of Jeanne Boivin, the mythical designer from the first half of this century whose masterpieces are fought over by collectors,” said the house of Poiray in a statement. Poiray assured that both jewelers would maintain their independent creative styles.