Belle Epoque

Van Cleef & Arpels, most well-known for their inspired designs, their revolutionary gem setting procedure known as the Mystery Setting and perfumes, was founded in 1906. Esther Arpels, daughter of a precious stones dealer, Soloman Arpels, married Alfred Van Cleef in 1886. Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law, Charles, founded a jewelry business, trademarked the name and opened their first boutique at 22 place Vendome in 1906. Esther’s brothers, Saloma,...

The first jewelry store for frontier Chicago and Elijah Peacock opened on February 9, 1937. It was considered a credible sign that Chicago was moving from “semi-savage conditions to civilization and refinement”. This revered Chicago jeweler was known not only for the making and repairing of watches but for its limited jewelry selection which included C. D. Peacock engagement rings as well. Charles learned the trade from his father Elijah....

Vacheron Constantin is considered by watch connoisseurs around the world as being the “best of the best” in time pieces along with other premier brands such as Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet. It employs 400 people world-wide in Geneva and Vallee de Jouz. It has 15 boutiques and sells in 80 countries. Previous clients have been Napolean Bonaparte, Pope Pius XI, the Duke of Windsor and President Harry Truman....

Most people think of Tiffany as being jewelry or Tiffany Studios lamps. When talking about the stunning stained glass lamps and windows, you would be thinking of Louis Comfort Tiffany who created and produced these items in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Louis Comfort Tiffany was born to an affluent family in New York on February 18, 1848. He was known to have created these beautiful pieces of art for...