Majors

Would You Pay $695K to Go Behind the Scenes at Boucheron?

MajorsOct 18, 2019

Would You Pay $695K to Go Behind the Scenes at Boucheron?

The experience is one of Neiman Marcus’ annual, over-the-top Fantasy Gifts. Here’s what it includes.

20191018_Boucheron-header.jpg
A shot of the Boucheron boutique and hotel at 26 Place Vendôme in Paris

New York—For jewelry lovers curious about the inner workings of a storied maison, one major retailer has the perfect holiday gift.

On Thursday, Neiman Marcus unveiled its annual offering of extravagant Fantasy Gifts, which includes a behind-the-scenes experience at Boucheron for $695,000.

The two-guest package includes a two-night stay at Le 26, the house’s new Place Vendôme apartment.

Boucheron added it during a recent refurbishment of the historic 26 Place Vendôme building, formerly known as Hôtel de Nocé and the brand’s home for more than a century. It offers, not surprisingly, a five-star treatment from start to finish.

During their stay, the two guests also will meet Boucheron Creative Director Claire Choisne and have exclusive access to its workshops and design studio for an up-close look at what goes into making each piece.

After learning about the history and design of one piece in particular—the Perle au Trésor, an objet d’art that opens to reveal a necklace, bracelet and two brooches—the lucky guests will receive one of their own.

The package’s price tag also includes roundtrip airfare to Paris and an additional two-night hotel stay separate from the Boucheron apartment.


The behind-the-scenes look at Boucheron includes two things: learning about the history and design of the Perle au Trésor, pictured at left, and a two-night stay at the house’s new Place Vendôme apartment, right.

With the purchase of the experience, $35,000 will be donated to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which benefits organizations that provide enriching art education and experiences to youth.

This is not the first time a fine jewelry experience has been included among Neiman Marcus’ Fantasy Gifts.

The 2017 offerings included a trip to the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia with Stephen Webster and a custom-designed piece of jewelry. In 2015, it featured a seven-day trip through Florence and Venice with jewelry designer Ippolita Rostagno.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts, so the retailer enlisted Emmy Award-winning actress Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) for a digital campaign to reveal them.


The 2019 list also includes something for watch lovers and James Bond fans alike.

For $700,007, the retailer is offering an Aston Martin DBS Superlegga designed by the most recent 007, Daniel Craig, as well as one of only seven limited-edition, all-platinum Seamaster Diver 300M Omega watches with a hand-engraved case back and tickets to
the world premiere of “No Time to Die,” the 25th installment in the Bond series.

There’s also a Fashion Week experience, a luxury pet house experience and an around-the-world travel experience.

The Fantasy Gifts come as part of Neiman Marcus’ Christmas Book, which features more than 800 special gift ideas at all prices and in all categories, from a $16 golden TV tray to a $35,000 Neiman Marcus-edition Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine to a $231,500 Picchiotti emerald and 18-karat white gold bracelet.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

Kate Spade Movado watches
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in Watches

The fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Harry Winston Rare Jewels of the World
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in Shanghai

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

SSEF logo
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education Scholarships

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

×

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