Crystal was discovered in England in 1751 and France perfected the craft twenty years later. Soon, the concentric paperweights were the staple of crystal production and quite available in the

19th century. The year 1845 marked the beginning of an economic crisis and crystal production leaned towards small and less expensive necessities. In the 20th century, numbered series were the

norm with manufacturers such as Saint Louis and Baccarat. These utilitarian or decorative concentric paper weights were a synopsis of their (...) Read more

What is the link between the engagement parure given to Grace Kelly by Prince Rainier III in 1955 and the Ocean diadem offered for the wedding of Charlene Wittstock by

Prince Albert II of Monaco?  Answer: the prestigious jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, official supplier of the Principality since 1956. After 115 years of existence, Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous

with luxury and quality, and deserves intense focus on its history and legendary jewelry. Alfred Van Cleef, Estelle Arpels and their families Everything (...) Read more

            C’est à travers cet accessoire de mode de la fin du XVIIIe siècle, qu’Expertissim aborde le thème des pastorales, des scènesgalanteset des histoires d’alcôve en lien étroit avec cet

éventail !   Pouvoir et luxe, un vent nouveau !             Au cours du XVIIIe siècle, l’un des plus luxuriants, les arts décoratifs et ceux liés à la mode sont à l’origine de vogues permettant

d’affirmer le prestige social d’une personne. L’éventail créait chez celle qui le porte et qui se « ventile » une contenance et une (...) Read more

Glassware Daum glassware, a family business established in Nancy in 1878, has been producing for  fifty years collaborative works with renowned contemporary artists and designers.  In 1968, they began a

creative partnership with Dalí that continued until the artist’s death. Le Désir Hyperrationnel by Dalí, presented by Expertissim, is a pâte de verre and gilded bronze sculpture, dated 1984. It was

produced in 300 copies. Expertissim offers for sale a copy numbered 27/300. This sculpture recalls the Venus de Milo.  Dalí was already (...) Read more

« …  Chatelaine  Oh what do you dream? » "     The insignia of the hostess It appeared in the 17th centuryoriginating with keychains and dress clasps from the 14th century.  Worn around

the waist, the chatelaine consisted of a hook and several chains hanging with charms, a watch, scissors and other sewing instruments. It was often offered as a wedding gift and

then used to hang sewing tools or keys. Symbol of the hostess’s role, this stylish  and useful object became during the (...) Read more