FRANÇOISE CAILLES EXPERT IN BOIVIN

Françoise Cailles Expert at the jeweler Boivin
For this article, I would like to introduce you to the renowned Françoise Cailles, the expert on Jeweler Boivin. Also eAn expert in antique jewelry, she takes the time to talk to us about her passion for stones and jewelry. Also, I leave you with the opportunity to discover her journey.

Françoise, what is your favorite stone?

Without hesitation, the diamond !
Especially the beautiful materials and more specifically the Golconde diamonds !

Which jewel best represents you?

Definitely a pendant. Of course I wear rings, less often bracelets, but I really like pendants. Because I think they elongate the silhouette, and I don’t get tired of them.
Besides, I’m making a collection of them.

A jeweler you like?

Without hesitation Boivin, Cartier and Lalique.

What led you to your profession as an expert?

First of all, the taste for jewelry. It’s true that as a little girl I already liked stones.
Also, my grandfather had given me a quartz block that I couldn’t get tired of looking at.
But what led me to this profession as an expert is first and foremost my passion for history. When you look at a jewel in a museum, you realize that it is a reflection of the history of the moment. Then my studies led me to Science Po and then the’École du Louvre.

Finally, I became an expert somewhat by chance. Moreover, I would say that the trigger factor and that publisher who asked me to write a book about jewelry was how he liked my writing, appreciated my books, but was unfamiliar with the world of jewelry. So he left me the choice of the subject. So it was René Boivin because I liked this innovative jeweler. Unfortunately, that publisher passed away and never saw the end of this book. In fact, it was thanks to Editions of the Amateur that this book was able to see the light of day.

Which piece of jewelry best represents Boivin to you?

Probably the Four Corps ring. Moreover, this is the first piece of jewelry by René Boivin that I have seen.
I would also add the clip Star of the sea.

What do you like about your job?

Human contact through beautiful jewelry.
It should not be forgotten that a jewel is a reflection of a person and their story. Moreover, it is also a human contact. Indeed, during a succession, I am presented with jewels and I can then feel the personality of the woman who might have worn that ring or that necklace. In fact, we can quite know the owner by their choices.

A book you haven’t forgotten?

Kristin Lavransdatter of Sigrid Undset. It’s a real saga, a very beautiful story about a woman in the Middle Ages in beautiful writing where you can feel the density of the thought; I like the well-spoken and well-written language. It’s a book that follows me.

An exhibition?

For example, a beautiful exhibition in Brussels Ornaments of Power, Jewels of the European Courts. That was 2 or 3 years ago. It was very comprehensive; it was a treat, a beautiful presentation because it’s difficult to exhibit jewels.

A music you listen to?

Bach. I appreciate music. I learned to play the piano but I wasn’t fascinated, then the organ.
It must be said that the harpsichord was a revelation for me.
Moreover, it is a sophisticated, complex and polyphonic instrument.
The contact is different from the piano too; it doesn’t have the same personality. Without a doubt, the harpsichord is more sensual. When you pluck the string, you touch it; the sound is immediate, with great sensitivity.

What would you like to accomplish?

If you consider that I have already achieved a number of things.
So, just keep doing what I’m doing. Life guides us!

Thanks Françoise for this delightful encounter, between jewels and music.
It was a pleasure to discover your archives on this exceptional jeweler, Boivin.

Photos Credits Artcurial, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Tajan.