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.

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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.

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