Collections

Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is a Sci-Fi Fantasy

CollectionsJul 22, 2021

Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is a Sci-Fi Fantasy

“Holographique” combines technical innovation with expert design.

20210721_Boucheron-header.jpg
The pièce de resistance of Boucheron’s new “Holographique” high jewelry collection is this collar with a 20.21-carat octagonal yellow Ceylon sapphire, holographic rock crystal, diamond pavè, and white gold. The holographic effect is achieved by spraying the rock crystal with precious metal microparticles at a high temperature.
Paris—Boucheron admits its latest collection isn’t very typical of Place Vendôme high jewelry, prioritizing innovation over traditional glamour.
 
However, innovation, the famed maison argues, is the Boucheron way, embodying the values of founder Frédéric Boucheron. 
 
“Holographique” is nothing if not original, an ode to light’s shifting hues as refracted through different materials and surfaces.
 
Creative director Claire Choisne digs into the root of the word holograph, citing its Greek origin, with holos meaning “whole” and graphein meaning “written,” interpreted as everything written or “to represent everything.”

Boucheron cited rainbows, artist Olafur Eliasson’s works that center on light and color, and architect Luis Barragan as touch points for Choisne’s journey into holograms, or three-dimensional images created by light, and their expansive colors.
                         
Interpreting this as jewelry led Choisne to incorporate lots of opals into the “Holographique” collection, the gemstone that arguably incorporates the widest variety of color into individual specimens. 
 
Ethiopian opals were the star of the elaborate “Opalescence” set, comprising a multi-strand beaded opal necklace with a clasp depicting an ethereal beta fish. The piece converts into a brooch and a single earring that wraps around the ear. 
 
Playing on the water theme, a more staid but no less spectacular opal and diamond necklace and hoop earrings set referenced the shimmer of light on water and was fittingly called “Ondes,” or “waves.” 

Three impressive “Illusion” cocktail rings showcase grand Australian and Ethiopian opal center stones and incorporate a variety of colored gemstones on the shanks to reflect their many-varied hues like a gem-laden reflection. 
 
Creating a collection that spans nine sets and 25 indiv­idual one-of-a-kind pieces, Choisne wasn’t satisfied to stop her musings on color and light with stones that play with the two naturally. Instead, the Boucheron workshop embarked on entirely new techniques to create a hologram ef­fect of its own.
 
Several jewels feature ceramic and rock crystal sprayed at high temperatures with precious metals, resulting in a unique holographic effect that couldn’t be pre-planned—and that will likely change over time.
 
Boucheron noted its team had to forfeit a certain measure of control over the jewels’ end result, as they appear distinctly different depending on the viewing angle and amount of available light. 

These holographic coatings bring new life to spectacular floral rings and a brooch, dubbed the “Chromatique” set, breathing new life into the nature motif beloved by the jewelry house. 
 
Peonies and pansies were scanned to form a realistic tribute to their floral inspirations, then molded into white ceramic before being sprayed at high temperature with precious metal microparticles.
 
The resulting sheen creates a complimentary interplay of color with the rings’ aquamarine and tourmaline center stones. 

The collection transitions from realistic to science fiction-worthy with the incorporation of rock crystal. 
 
While ceramic provides an opaque, porcelain-like backdrop for the holographic coating, rock crystal further diverts the light. 
 
Boucheron played up the futuristic aura with graphic shapes and angles. 
 
The “Faisceaux” brooch and bracelet set sees diamonds covered with a layer of rock crystal treated with the holographic coating, providing a dizzying array of light dimensions and sparkle.
 
The “Halo” set interprets a classic torque-style necklace and bracelet with Boucheron’s unique holographic fabrication, offering some of the most classic styles of the bunch that are still utterly novel for high jewelry. 
 
Choisne played with repeating angles in the three final “Holographique” sets.
 
A continuation of Boucheron’s “Serpent Bohème” pear-shape motif collection, the “Laser” set saw the jewelry house seek out the perfect stones to accentuate the holographic layer as applied to ceramic, rather than designing the jewel around the stones, as is custom for the house.
 
Boucheron found what it was looking for in aquamarine, which deftly complements the rainbow-esque holographic hues. 
 
The “Prisme” set sees the holographic rock crystal starring as the main material in a bracelet, earrings, and ring. Notches cut into the crystal’s pavilion provided even greater light reflection that differs from every vantage point. 
 
Finally, the full brilliance of Choisne’s holographic coating technique is on display in the “Holographique” set, which sees undulating crystal spheres outlined with diamonds in a necklace, bracelet, and ring. 
 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy