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Marcel Boucher | Golden Leaf Brooch
Marcel Boucher | Golden Leaf Brooch
. . . . So Sophisticated!
Boucher
This is no doubt a quality brooch/pin. A golden fan of fern leaves
make up this lovely brooch with a beautiful gold-tone finish. Most certainly a classic design for
business or adding a touch of sophistication to casual wear. When you feel bling is too much for
work or a particular occasion this stylish brooch lends refinement to your ensemble. ID-286
Measurements:
Brooch - approximately 2⅝" tall by 1¾" (at widest point)
Boucher Jewelry History —
Marcel Boucher's work falls under many titles and names, such as Marboux, Cartier, Mazer, Avon of
Belleville. He was a prolific designer of costume jewelry and his names signify quality materials
and craftsmanship. There is great information on the Internet about Marcel Boucher, including short
biographies.
Marcel Boucher was born in Paris, France in 1898. His father died
when he was very young and raised by a single mother, who made her living as a seamstress. During
the First World War, Boucher volunteered for the Ambulanciers Corps Français, because he was the
only son of a widow and would not have been sent to the front lines in the Army.
When the War ended, Boucher went to work for Cartier. Already a long
established company of fine jewelry makers, Boucher worked as a mold-maker and apprentice. During the
early 1920s, he learned is craft from Pierre Cartier and moved to New York to continue his practice
and education. When the depression hit the United States in the late 20s, Boucher was out of work.
He began freelancing and designing Show buckles. He later began working for Mazer brothers. And in
1937, he opened his own company with a partner, Arthur Halbersatdt, who worked sales and the showroom.
They called the company; Marcel Boucher and Cie.
In 1936, Boucher designed his first line of costume jewelry and in 1939,
sold a collection of his designs to the New York City store Saks Fifth Avenue. From 1941 to 1945 he
lived and worked in Mexico City.
In 1949, Sandra Semensohn joined the Boucher Company as Boucher's assistant
replacing Halberstadt who had decided to leave the partnership. Boucher designed the Marboux line in the
early 1960s, which was less expensive and of lesser quality.
In October 1964, Sandra and Marcel were married. Six weeks later, Marcel
Boucher died. Boucher left his business to his wife Sandra. She continued to run Boucher and Cie, but
Sandra was a designer, not a businesswoman. She eventually sold the business to Davorn Industries in 1970.
Sandra designed watches for Davorn for the next 5 years and continued to mark them "Marcel Boucher" even
after the sale of Boucher and Cie. In 1979, the company was sold to D'Orlan Industries of Toronto, Canada.
The workmanship and details on the jewelry now being produced from the Boucher molds by D'Orlan is of high
quality but does not measure up to the older pieces produced by Marcel Boucher. The jewelry pieces have a
design inventory number and are now signed "D'Orlan." D'Orlan legitimately reproduces many of Boucher's
jewels. Their jewels are marked D'Orlan with Boucher's design inventory number because they use Boucher's
original molds.
Having trouble with the small sizes of
yesteryear? Well, most of us do!
The ladies were smaller than the women of today.
NO Problem, be sure to check out our necklace extenders.
The ladies were smaller than the women of today.
NO Problem, be sure to check out our necklace extenders.