Poiray Jewelry
Poiray Jewelry: Parisian audacity since 1975
Maison Poiray was founded in 1975 by Michel Ermelin, who envisioned a resolutely modern Parisian jewelry house. Located on Place Vendôme, the house cultivates the art of generous volume and assertive lines. Poiray jewelry is distinguished by its ability to transform classic designs into contemporary creations suitable for everyday wear.
At Castafiore, we seek out Poiray pieces that embody this unique vision. Some designs from the early collections feature bold proportions that current production has sometimes softened. These vintage creations allow you to express a personal style that transcends fleeting trends. Wearing an antique Poiray jewel is to reconnect with an era when jewelry dared to create uncompromisingly sculptural forms.
The Intertwined Heart: an iconic signature of Maison Poiray
The Intertwined Heart design has been the quintessential emblem of Poiray jewelry since its inception. This collection reinterprets the heart motif in a graphic way, where two lines intersect to form the universal symbol of love. The Poiray Intertwined Heart bracelet is the flagship piece of this line, instantly recognizable by its clean, minimalist silhouette.
The Poiray Interlaced Heart pendant offers a delicate alternative for those who prefer to wear this motif around their neck. Older versions of the Poiray Interlaced Heart sometimes have slightly different proportions than current models. Some Poiray Heart bracelets from the 1980s and 1990s have a more pronounced thickness, giving them a sculptural presence on the wrist.
The Poiray Intertwined Heart ring elegantly transposes this signature motif onto the ring finger. The Poiray Intertwined Heart necklace presents this iconic shape as a pendant suspended from a delicate chain. Poiray earrings also feature this recognizable design to complete the sets. The Poiray White Heart model combines white gold with diamonds for a precious version of the Intertwined Heart. The Poiray Pink Heart plays on the softness of rose gold for a feminine interpretation of this classic.
The Precious Braid: Poiray's technical virtuosity
The Poiray Tresse Précieuse collection showcases the technical mastery of the Maison's workshops. This line explores the braid motif in a jewelry interpretation where gold twists and intertwines to create a unique textural effect. The Poiray Tresse Blanc reinterprets this technique in white gold for a luminous and contemporary result.
The Poiray Tresse ring is a striking piece that generously adorns the finger. Vintage models in this collection sometimes feature tighter braiding than current versions. The Poiray Tresse bracelet wraps the wrist in a braided gold ribbon that catches the light from every angle.
Poiray Tresse Blanc jewelry combines white gold with diamonds to create sparkling pieces. This Blanc Poiray Tresse combination offers a unique brilliance suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. Some vintage designs blend yellow and white gold within the same braid for a two-tone effect that is now rare.
My Preference and the Poiray floral collections
The Ma Préférence collection marks a turning point in the history of Poiray jewelry by introducing stylized floral motifs. This line explores the daisy in a geometric version that departs from traditional naturalistic representations. The petals are depicted in flat gold blocks punctuated with precious or semi-precious stones.
Poiray's collections are gradually incorporating colored gemstones, enriching the house's chromatic palette. Designers play with pink sapphires, amethysts, and topaz to create vibrant compositions. These precious stones bring a colorful dimension to Poiray jewelry, complementing the brilliance of diamonds.
Vintage Poiray designs sometimes feature stone combinations no longer found in contemporary production. Some rings combine several sapphire colors in a single setting to create gradient effects. These vintage pieces allow for bold, unconventional stacking.
Recognizing and choosing your pre-owned Poiray jewelry
Poiray jewelry is distinguished by its maker's mark and engraved signature. Authentic pieces bear the "Poiray" mark along with the gold content. Poiray white gold models often feature rhodium plating, which can wear off over time and require repolishing.
The price of pre-owned Poiray jewelry varies depending on the style, condition, and the presence of precious stones. The Poiray Cœur Entrelacé bracelet is generally the most sought-after piece on the pre-owned market. Diamond-set versions command higher prices than models made of gold alone.
At Castafiore, every Poiray piece in our collection undergoes rigorous authentication. Our experts verify the hallmarks, examine the quality of craftsmanship, and ensure stylistic consistency with the Poiray archives. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that you will acquire an authentic creation that will retain its value over time. Antique Poiray jewelry offers the opportunity to wear generous proportions and bold motifs that reflect an era when Parisian jewelry dared to be bold without restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poiray Jewelry
How to recognize an authentic Poiray jewel?
Authentic Poiray jewelry always bears the maker's mark and the engraved "Poiray" signature. The hallmark also indicates the gold content. Poiray creations are characterized by impeccable finishing and a generous gold weight, attesting to their quality craftsmanship. At Castafiore, our experts verify these elements of authenticity on every piece before it is offered for sale.
Which Poiray collection is the most sought after?
The Poiray Interlaced Heart collection remains the most iconic and sought-after on the pre-owned market. The Poiray Interlaced Heart bracelet is the signature piece of this line. The Precious Braid collection also appeals to Poiray jewelry enthusiasts for its remarkable craftsmanship. Vintage pieces from these collections sometimes feature bolder proportions than contemporary versions.
Do Poiray jewels retain their value?
Poiray jewelry maintains excellent value on the pre-owned market thanks to the renowned Poiray brand and its high-quality craftsmanship. Iconic designs such as the Cœur Entrelacé (Interlaced Heart) and the Tresse Précieuse (Precious Braid) enjoy consistent demand. Pieces set with diamonds or adorned with precious stones retain their value particularly well. Guaranteed authenticity and the condition of the piece directly influence the value of pre-owned Poiray jewelry.
Can Poiray jewelry be worn on a daily basis?
Poiray designs its creations to accompany all the occasions of daily life. Poiray jewelry combines robustness and elegance, allowing for regular wear without worry. The solid gold pieces are perfectly resistant to everyday wear. Only pieces set with delicate stones require some care during manual activities. The Poiray Intertwined Heart is equally suitable for the office or formal events.
What is the difference between vintage and current Poiray jewelry?
Vintage Poiray jewelry sometimes features more generous proportions and bolder designs than current models. Some older collections offer combinations of colored stones no longer found in contemporary production. The braiding techniques of the Tresse Précieuse collection have also evolved over time. Vintage Poiray pieces offer the opportunity to wear creations that reflect the original boldness of the House of Poiray.