René Boivin (1864 - 1917)

René Boivin

Jules René Boivin was a French jeweller, born in Paris in 1864. He began his career as a jeweller as an apprentice to his brother Victor, and soon excelled in creating small boxes and inlaid metalwork. His talent was not limited to craftsmanship - he had a unique sense of design and excelled at drawing on both paper and metal.

In 1890, Boivin decided to set up his own business and acquired several workshops. He became in demand with jewellery houses but also worked with private clients, creating unusual jewellery inspired by nature, from real animals to mythological creatures. In 1900 he moved to new premises and began trading in antique jewellery. Sadly, his life was cut short at the front in 1917 when he was just 53 years old.