Elevating heritage without freezing it in time

“Elevating heritage without freezing it in time”

Francéclat is committed to promoting the creativity, craftsmanship and excellence of French timepiece, jewellery and tableware brands. These brands owe their success to the people who guide, shape and inspire them behind the scenes. To celebrate their valuable contribution, we are hosting a series of interviews that share insights from brand leaders.

Blending two centuries of French craftsmanship with a contemporary vision, Arthus Bertrand is expanding its creative legacy beyond borders. Deputy Managing Director Julien Rousseau discusses the Maison’s heritage and its growing international presence.

If you had to describe your brand in three key words, which would you choose?

French craftsmanship, Heritage, and Personalisation
These three pillars capture the essence of the Maison:
• French craftsmanship: mastering exceptional skills, entirely produced in-house.
• Heritage: a source of inspiration and legitimacy, deeply rooted in history.
• Personalisation: each creation carries meaning, memory, and intention, and can be tailored to the individual.

Can you tell us about the origins of your brand?

Founded in Paris in 1803 by Claude Arthus-Bertrand, the Maison carries forward a century-old expertise in crafting medals, decorations, and ceremonial objects. Initially a publisher for the Royal Navy, Arthus Bertrand merged with Maison Marion, a specialist in military insignia, before turning to the creation of medals and later, jewellery.
Today, we continue to produce official decorations of the French Republic, including the Légion d’Honneur, for which we still hold the original tools from Napoleon’s era. At the same time, we collaborate with contemporary artists to design modern pieces that honour heritage. Our workshops in Saumur and Palaiseau blend artisanal excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability.
At Arthus Bertrand, we elevate heritage without freezing it in time. It’s essential for us to reveal the artisan’s hand while keeping the Maison firmly rooted in its era.

What sets Arthus Bertrand apart in today’s jewellery market?

Our strength lies in full control over the entire value chain: design, production and distribution are all handled in-house. This independence ensures consistent quality and aesthetic coherence at every stage.
Our current collections, Comédie, Enlacé, Les Étoiles, Les Médailles Astro; as well as collaborations with Rabanne and the Château de Versailles, exemplify a modernity that respects heritage. They reflect our ambition to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation through shapes, symbols and stories.

What are your best-sellers?

Our signature pieces embody the richness and diversity of the Arthus Bertrand universe, blending contemporary design with timeless tradition. Among our best-sellers:
• Pluie d’Étoiles, a luminous line inspired by the sky and constellations.
• Comédie, bold and sculptural, reinterpreting classical codes with a theatrical, modern twist.
• Mini Médailles, intimate, customisable jewels that have become a must-have.

What trends or changes are you seeing in jewellery today, and how do you respond?

Current trends reveal a profound shift in the way people connect with jewellery. At Arthus Bertrand, we’re seeing a growing appreciation for silver, a precious metal we treat with the same rigour as gold, and a renewed taste for mixing metals, allowing classic codes to be reinvented. Personalisation remains essential: engraving a name, a date or a symbol gives each piece a personal story and lasting meaning. Finally, the rise of maximalism and sculptural designs reflects a desire to stand out through creations that carry significance. Jewellery has become an intimate and expressive language.

Arthus Bertrand - collection Mini Médailles

Who are the people behind the brand, and what influenced your personal journey in jewellery?

We are a young and passionate team, deeply attached to the Maison and its values, thriving in a creative, hands-on environment. From workshops to boutiques, pride in contributing to Arthus Bertrand’s renewal is palpable.
For my part, I discovered jewellery through the workshops. I could never imagine working for a Maison that wasn’t rooted in genuine craftsmanship.

Where are your main points of sale?

We have 12 boutiques across France, including three in Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Rue Royale, Victor Hugo) and two corners (Printemps Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette). In the regions: Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Deauville, Lyon and Strasbourg.
Our collections are also available via our official e-shop. Internationally, we operate a dedicated boutique in Brussels and recently opened a new corner in South Korea.

How are you approaching international expansion?

After consolidating our domestic market, international growth is now a priority, leveraging the Maison’s strengths: heritage, French identity, craftsmanship and local production. This year, we opened our first boutiques in South Korea, including a corner at Shilla Duty Free, and we are currently exploring Japan and the United States. We participate in specialist trade fairs and collaborate with select concept stores to showcase our expertise worldwide.

Have you implemented specific CSR initiatives?

We already use recycled metals to reduce environmental impact. With the COLLECTOR Programme, we have gone further: clients can bring in their old gold, which is recycled and reintegrated into new pieces.

What is your long-term ambition for the Maison?

We aim to continue growing in creative jewellery while preserving our unique identity. International expansion and digital strategy, especially through our e-shop, are key levers to reach new audiences, particularly younger generations seeking jewellery with meaning.