With “Palace Voyages”, jeweller Boghossian unveils its ambitions

Swiss jeweler Boghossian has set the bar very high this summer. Its new collection of 28 sets, each one a unique masterpiece, is inspired by 14 palaces around the world. The collection, a journey from East to West, is designed by Albert Boghossian and Edmond Chin to cater to a clientele of connoisseurs and royal families seeking one-of-a-kind jewelry.

In 2020, the businessman and world traveler decided to create a collection in homage to his ancestors, who were passionate about diamonds and precious stones. Boghossian is, first and foremost, a family story, with Ovaness Boghossian as the founding father in 1868. Since then, the company has been passed down through the generations and across continents. It is now headed by Albert Boghossian, who runs the company alongside his nephews Roberto, Ralph and his daughter Dalia.

After opening its first flagship shop on Rue du Rhône in Geneva in 2008, followed by a second in London in 2013, Boghossian has extended its network internationally, with other points of sale in London, New York, Hong Kong, Monaco, and Gstaad—strategic locations to meet the expectations of a very wealthy clientele. The family has made a name worldwide for its knowledge of rare stones and ancient techniques, including the Art of the Inlay, the Kissing technique, and the patented Merveilles design. Like its one-off pieces, Boghossian jewelry is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. The prices of Boghossian jewelry have sometimes reached world records at auction.

With "Palace Voyages," Albert Boghossian entrusted Edmond Chin, the company's artistic director for many years, with the task of transcribing his most beautiful journeys into fine jewelry. The result is an ode to the soul of the house. As exceptional places, unique to their times and situations, palaces represent for him what is most precious in a culture or historical period. The journey begins in Beijing, at the Qianlong Palace, where the set consists of a cuff and a necklace. The mix of diamonds, white jade, and green jadeite that makes up the "Bamboo Blossom" cuff reflects the fine marquetry work that can be admired in the palace, as do the contrasts between the dark wood latticework and the silk panels. As for the 'Tranquil Magnolia' necklace, the jadeite links symbolize the geometric shapes of the bamboo marquetry, while the central flower carved in mother-of-pearl is inspired by the classical Chinese symbol of the flowering branch.

The journey then continues across the continents, taking in Indonesia (Taman Sari Palace), Thailand (Bangkok Grand Palace), India (Jaipur City Palace and Ambas Villas Palace), Iran (Persepolis and Golestan Palace), Egypt (Northern Palace), Morocco (Bahia Palace), Spain (Alhambra Palace), Germany (Sanssouci), France (Versailles) and finally England (Brighton Pavilion). Overall, 28 unique sets make up this collection, showcasing Boghossian's techniques.

To keep a timeless record of this journey, Boghossian has created an account book, "La Voyageuse," which includes the 14 destinations in the form of account extracts.