Vintage Ring Designers Part 3 – Marcel Boucher

Marcel and Sandra Boucher were another of the top jewelry designers of this era. They designed a very high quality line of vintage rings and other jewelry.

The company was originally started by Boucher and his partner Arthur Halberstadt in 1937. Halberstadt didn’t remain long with the company and Boucher’s future wife Sandra came to work with him.

Before starting his own company, Boucher apprenticed with the famous jewelry designer Cartier. He left that company when it was downsized after the 1929 Wall Street Crash. He found employment with other jewelers until the launching of his own firm in 1937.

Venturing away from the bold and rather loud designs of the Art Deco period, Boucher decided to design a much more chic and elegant line of vintage rings and jewelry. White metals were commonly used until it became scarce and then sterling was substituted. A pave setting for the rhinestones was also very common. Boucher designs were very naturalistic and often included element such as birds, flowers, fruits and insects. His hummingbird and bird of paradise designs are the most famous, and were mostly created on brooches or clips.

Boucher was a costume jewelry designer but his pieces were of such good quality most could not tell them from the real thing. Most Boucher pieces are signed and carry an inventory number. Some examples that you might find if you are searching for a Boucher style vintage ring or other jewelry are, MB Sterling, Phrygian cap, and Boucher with a copyright symbol.

Boucher’s enamel works are some of the most popular collectors’ items in his line. The soft, almost translucent colors have made them a particular favorite. A bright enameled Christmas pin is actually one of the most searched for collector’s item.

Rings were not a large part of the Boucher line, so a vintage ring by Boucher may be difficult to find. Should you happen to find one, however, it would be well worth the effort to have one in your collection.