For over a century, Boucheron has embodied the fusion of tradition and innovation in high jewellery. In 2004, the Parisian maison introduced its Quatre collection, a groundbreaking design that artfully captured more than a century of heritage while embracing the future. Named after the French word for “four,” Quatre has since evolved into an icon of craftsmanship and creativity.
A Fusion of Heritage and Modern Design
The Quatre ring is a clever mix of Boucheron’s signature house codes, combining four distinct bands of gold, each uniquely crafted and finished. One band is adorned with a fluted grosgrain pattern, inspired by the ribbed texture of silk ribbons—a nod to Boucheron’s founder’s roots as the son of a draper. Next, a band of diamonds set using Boucheron’s patented mirror setting technique, where the base and prongs that hold the diamonds are polished to reflect light. Another band features Clou de Paris, a textured gold motif evoking the cobblestones of Paris, introduced by the brand in 1911. Finally, the design is completed with a double godron, two rings fused together to symbolize binding love and union—a technique Boucheron pioneered in the 1860s.
The bands are pressed together with such precision that there is no soldering or glueing. Instead, they are carefully assembled until a soft “click” sound signals that the Quatre design is complete. The innovative approach to construction is a testament to Boucheron’s exceptional savoir-faire.
The Evolution of Quatre: A Modern Icon
What started as a single ring has expanded into a full-fledged collection, offering a diverse range of jewellery over the past two decades. Quatre now includes over seven different “editions,” each exploring new materials and design elements. Some iterations feature Hyceram, a high-tech ceramic, replacing the brown PVD-coated gold on the Clou de Paris band, introducing bold colours like red, white, and blue.
Quatre’s appeal is not limited to rings. The collection has been expanded to include pendants, necklaces, hoop earrings, ear cuffs, and even hair jewellery, allowing wearers to experience the brand’s signature design in new and unexpected ways.
New Horizons: Quatre Novelties for 2024
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Boucheron has introduced a range of exciting novelties that push the boundaries of the Quatre design. The Classique ring has been reinterpreted into an array of bracelets, available in two sizes. Some of these feature the full four-band design, while others, dubbed 2-Code, simplify the look by incorporating just the Clou de Paris and double godron bands.
For those seeking a more flexible, lightweight design, Boucheron offers a wire-style bracelet crafted from titanium, a material known for its flexibility and strength, featuring mini Quatre motifs at the ends.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking addition to the Quatre collection is its ribbon design. Here, the four-band motif is broken down into hundreds of parts that are manually assembled and linked, creating an elegantly flowing, articulated design. This innovative approach has been applied to seven different pieces, including two necklaces, three bracelets, a belt, and even a hair jewel.
Pushing Boundaries: Quatre’s Bold New Look
In celebration of the collection’s 20th anniversary, Boucheron has gone further than ever before, exploring the full potential of its iconic design. New necklaces and body jewellery have been created with the Quatre motif repeated in graphic patterns. One necklace features 50 Quatre rings, while a stunning body piece combines 315 rings into an armour-like structure.
However, the most coveted pieces of this collection are a trio of intensely gem-set creations: a ring, bracelet, and choker necklace. These pieces stay true to the original Quatre design, but with the grosgrain and double godron bands now fully set with yellow sapphires and spessartite garnets. This exceptional feat took years for Boucheron’s gemstone department to achieve, as the sapphires and garnets had to be sourced in perfectly matched colours and intensity, elevating the bands to a new level of sophistication.
A New Chapter for a Modern Icon
With these new innovations, the Quatre collection proves once again why it remains one of Boucheron’s most beloved creations. A true blend of past and present, the collection continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of design while remaining faithful to the maison’s legacy of luxury and craftsmanship. The Quatre collection is not only a momentous anniversary for Boucheron, but also a timeless statement of modern jewellery.
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