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

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

×

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