21 Place Vendome, a former hotel particulier Fontpertuis, since 1981 has become Les Salons of Alexandre Reza, undoubtedly the greatest gem collector and  maitre joaillier of modern times. When entering the salons, from the first glance, the solemn silence gives us the unique atmosphere of the 18th century, which reigns there. Splendour, elegance, luxuriousness, grandeur are distinguishing traits of A. Reza. Notable are the harmoniously decorated rooms, delicately showcasing unique, awe-inspiring in quality gems and jaw-dropping jewelry.

Every single item features an ever-growing appeal, whether it could be a breathtaking ring featuring an impressive oval cabochon Colombian emerald of 17.83cts(Ebony faceted ring), or a show-stopping cuff bracelet set on sand blasted and polished pink gold with two pear-shaped diamond and 152 brilliant cut diamonds, weighing 31.48cts (Dune cuff), or stunning earrings featuring round-cut sapphires of 4,41cts and brilliants of 6,86cts(Ruban saphir earrings).

Russian-born, Paris –based jeweler of Iranian origin A.Reza was surprisingly little known outside of the jewellery industry. For many years he has worked brilliantly creating a generous amount of one-of-a-kind jewellery for his neighbours on Place Vendome as well as supplying exceptional gems to the brands like Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Gerard, VCA and Harry Winston. Simultaneously he expanded his own unique collection of precious gems, which have no equal worldwide: purest emeralds, dazzling white or coloured diamonds, luscious rubies, deep sea sapphires.

Gradually he managed to build his own high jewellery Maison, having clients-hotes de marque such as entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., American socialite Florence Gould and Sultan of Brunei.

Being inspired by the history and art of Renaissance and the 18th century, Alexandre Reza has recreated an exact replica of a necklace Francis I, (the king of France from 1515 to 1547) offered to his wife. Gold, natural pearl and diamond “Le Carcan” necklace set with 11 variously cut dimonds of 37,11cts, the intricate goldwork delicately alternated by 154 natural pearls, 1983.

The spectacular Nina ring featuring an unheated oval-shaped Burmese sapphire weighing 52.31 carats, supported by a double bombé mounting set with 101 oval-shaped diamonds weighing 28.02 carats, 1975.

Alexandre Reza highly appreciated “trembleur”, a jewelry making technique typical from the 18th and 19th centuries, where certain parts of the jewel shake.

The exceptional and expertly executed “Trembleur” emerald suite, the necklace features 3 emerald-cut emeralds of 8.24 carats, 30 D color, Internally Flawless pear-shaped diamonds of 36.25 carats, and 135 additional round brilliant, pear-shaped and navette-shaped diamonds weighing 21.66 carats.  Bracelet is composed of an emerald-cut emerald of 3.12 carats, along with 10 predominantly D color, Internally Flawless pear-shaped diamonds of 11.22 carats, and completed by 95 pear-shaped diamonds weighing 23.62 carats.  The earrings feature 4 emerald-cut emeralds weighing a total of 6.37 carats surrounded by 20 predominantly D color, Internally Flawless pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 16.19 carats, further accented by 42 round brilliant, pear-shaped and navette-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 6.48 carats, 1979.

These one-of-a-kind pieces and other 22 wondruous jewels were showcased at the exhibition at Sotheby’s  New York in 2013 named the “Extraordinary Jewelry of Alexandre Reza”, to evoke Reza’s unrivalled expertise and passion for gems.

His works have been featured in books such as “Alexandre Reza: Dreams of Yesterday, Realities of Today”, 1985 and “Alexandre Reza: Stones of Light”, 1991.

Assouline published a monumental edition in 2012 entitled “Alexandre Reza”, presenting more than 100 rare pieces of Reza’s creations and a history of the famed gem house in archival documents and vintage photography .

Today Reza’s son, Olivier, has headed the family business, showcasing sophisticated and rarefied jewels, encompassing both his father’s work and his own contemporary designs in a sumptuous, by-appointment-only  Place Vendome Salons and recently opened gallery boutique at the Ritz Paris.

“Our passion for connecting high quality crafsmanship with superb raw material, combined with impeccable design, will forever remain the cornerstone of our house”, emphasized Olivier Reza.

20 July 2016/Lusine Chilingarian

Photo Courtesy of Maison Alexandre Reza

www.alexandrereza.com