Upon his triumphant return to Paris, he made the revolutionary decision to open a manufacturing facility where he opened the doors to elite members of society. By allowing prestigious clientele and members of the worlds’ courts to lounge around workbenches and witness the production of exquisite and sumptuous gems, to become part of the design process, he democratized jewelry fabrication. He was also among the first to care about his employees’ well-being and to industrialize manufacturing techniques.

These orchestrated disruptions sparked increased interest in the artform and earned Rouvenat several high-profile commissions. He was considered one of the most intelligent and talented French jewelers of his era, both artistically and socially, and he joined many French contemporaries with his contributions to the regime of progress, which ushered in advancements in science, art, architecture, fashion, business and industry. After his death, with no heir to whom he could pass the reigns, Rouvenat’s business disappeared, and with it, his designs.

The mystery of these missing archives persisted until, in 2022, when more than 3,000 period gouaches preserved in 12, leather-bound notebooks were discovered in an antique shop. Following their discovery, with 22 years of luxury industry executive experience, Marie Berthelon embarked on a quest to bring the brand’s incredible legacy back to life.

Serving as Rouvenat’s CEO, Berthelon runs the brand with pride and reverence, her passion for gemstones and jewelry and her commitment to sustainable development evident in her approach. Entrusting designer Sandrine de Laage with the creative direction of the designs, together they work to ensure the circularity of the brand and to embody the pioneering spirit of its founder.

Utilizing only gemstones that are “extracted from chests, never from mines,” they ensure transparency through the implementation of blockchain to trace their materials. de Laage’s contemporary interpretations of Rouvenat’s original designs pay homage beyond aesthetics, as with the brand’s iconic and innovative Bolt pendant, which was designed to embrace the idea of metamorphosis and allows for infinite combinations of chains and pendants to dangle from its four padlock-shaped scrolls.

Geometric patterns and themes of treasures from the past are common motifs throughout their collections, and by encouraging collectors to bring their own stones to be incorporated into bespoke designs, they continue its founder’s traditions further.

Inspired by the rich and inviting luminous glass roof of the original 19^th century Rouvenat manufacturing facility at 62 rue d’Hauteville, they balance a state-of-the-art virtual world with the warmth of a space focused on meeting and sharing, their “jewel box” at 416 Saint Honoré. Featuring a charming courtyard, they receive clients behind magnificent period windows, where a glass roof is nestled in a little wink to history.