Far more than just a boutique,  deBoulle is a masterclass in elegance, warmth, and refined luxury. Every corner of this exquisite space has been thoughtfully curated to create a truly immersive experience. The boutique unfolds into a series of meticulously appointed rooms, each with its own personality and purpose. From salons dedicated to high jewelry, everyday jewels, and estate and vintage pieces, to a bold and sophisticated watch gallery featuring renowned names like Patek Philippe, every section invites exploration. The atmosphere is both indulgent and approachable, offering luxury without pretense.

One of the standout spaces is their intimate bridal salon, designed to feel like a cozy yet glamorous living room. With a beautiful fireplace, plush seating, and timeless decor, it’s the perfect setting for couples to discover the rings that will mark their forever moments.

Founded in 1983 by Denis and Karen Boulle, deBoulle has built a legacy that’s rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, family values, and a deep love of beautiful things. What began as a small salon in University Park’s Snider Plaza has grown into a 13,600-square-foot French-style villa that feels more like a private residence than a traditional jewelry store. The moment you walk through the iconic yellow exterior, you’re transported to a world where detail matters, service is personal, and jewelry is celebrated as wearable art.

And let’s talk about the jewelry. Whether you’re hunting for a rare diamond, a bespoke engagement ring, or a show-stopping piece of high jewelry, deBoulle offers a curated collection that speaks to collectors and first-time buyers alike. From their own in-house deBoulle Collection to designs by Buccellati, Mariani, and Giorgio B, every piece is chosen with intention. The craftsmanship is breathtaking, and each jewel feels as though it carries a story just waiting to be worn.

As someone who is constantly inspired by the world of fine jewelry, I was particularly drawn to the variety and richness of their offering. The high jewelry salon was nothing short of exquisite pieces that sparkle not just with diamonds and gemstones, but with artistry and history. The estate and vintage section is a treasure trove in itself, with timeless pieces that feel like little glimpses into another era.

Of course, no visit to deBoulle is complete without stepping into their extraordinary timepiece salons. As an authorized dealer for Patek Philippe, deBoulle has created an experience that mirrors the precision and prestige of these legendary brands. deBoulle also carries renowned brand such as Girard-Perregaux, Blancpain and Tudor to name a few.

The Patek Philippe salon, in particular, is truly something special—houses one of the largest inventories in North America. It’s an elegant space that speaks to serious collectors and curious admirers alike.

In 2015, the Boulle family welcomed a new generation into the business with the addition of Nick and with Emma in 2019. Their involvement marked a significant evolution for deBoulle, breathing fresh energy and vision into the iconic brand.

Nick, already well-established in the business, brings an added layer of precision and passion, not only from his involvement in deBoulle but also from his background as a professional endurance racer, competing in high-profile events like Le Mans and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. His competitive drive and attention to detail translate seamlessly into his work with deBoulle, where craftsmanship and excellence are paramount. Meanwhile, Emma has added a modern touch to the family business, working closely with her mother, Karen Boulle, to develop collections that speak to contemporary tastes while maintaining the timeless elegance deBoulle is known for. Together, Emma and Nick represent a new chapter in the legacy of deBoulle, blending heritage with innovation, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of fine jewelry.

What makes deBoulle truly unforgettable is the family behind the brand. The Boulle family infuses their passion into every detail of the experience.

Beyond the inventory, what really stayed with me was the energy of the boutique. It’s rare to find a space that feels so simultaneously grand and grounded. There’s an attention to detail that you can sense in the way the displays are curated, the way the rooms are lit, the way clients are greeted and guided. It’s luxury, but luxury with soul.

Whether you’re a collector, a bride-to-be, a watch enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a sparkling moment of inspiration, deBoulle is more than just a stop on your jewelry journey—it’s a destination in itself. It’s a place where the romance of jewelry is celebrated, where personal milestones are honored, and where exceptional service makes every guest feel like part of the family.

As I left deBoulle that January afternoon, I felt a renewed appreciation for the artistry and emotion behind fine jewelry. This is a boutique that understands not just what we wear, but why we wear it—how a single piece can carry meaning, memory, and magic. And that’s what makes deBoulle truly unforgettable.

Hans D. Krieger legacy goes back to the18^th century; the family goldsmiths and agate cutters are registered in the city’s history as early as 1720.  In 1935, Hans D Krieger started his career in diamond cutting and made his first jewellery piece following a customer’s order in 1964. This was the beginning of his journey in manufacturing exquisite high jewellery which made the name became synonymous with high quality. The company has exponentially grown over the decades and today under the management of Andreas Krieger, Hans’ son; it has become one of the most significant manufacturers of diamond and gemstone jewellery in the world.

Last month, Tracey and I had the opportunity of visiting Hans D. Krieger in the heart of Idar-Oberstein. Our journey started from Frankfurt airport, and after 90 minutes of scenic drive, we arrived at Marienhoeh Hideaway & Spa  in Langweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate. Our journey followed by a superb meal at one of the most exquisite restaurants in Kirschweiler, Veeks restaurant. Veeks owner’s passion for food and gemstones has led him in developing gemstone/diamond gins and liquors. Checkout instagram highlights for more videos of our trip.

Entering Hans D. Krieger headquarters in Idar-Oberstein the next morning, we were immensely impressed by the facility. First stop was the beautiful private showroom with an open deck, minimalist decoration with breathtaking art pieces.

The facility tour continued with visiting every single department and the most impressive aspect was that everything is done in house, under one roof.

Diamond and Gem Cutting:

Hans D. Krieger takes pride in cutting and polishing their diamonds and gemstones on site. Using Sarin mapping device gives them the best outcome and yield of the rough, following by their experienced diamond cutters on site to cut and polish the rough diamond. There is a gem cutter on site as well, shown here cutting an aquamarine.

CAD process:

For every piece, diamond and gemstone is first sent to CAD department. First step is measuring the stones and their proportions to make sure they are the right fit for the design. Afterwards the design is also imported into CAD for maximum precision before the casting is done.

Casting:

From melting gold/platinum to casting trees, every single step of the way is done in house. First the cast or mold is made in silver by the jewellery artisans, from there it get duplicated in rubber and wax . After few time consuming steps, the casting tree is ready. Usually the process takes about 24-48 hours depending on the metal.

Diamond/Gemstone setters and jewellery artisans:

Every single piece is set in house at Hans D. Krieger facility, from pave setting to large diamond/gemstone there are different experienced setters that set jewellery here by hand with utmost precision.

Polishing, Plating and Engraving:

After the setting, jewels are sent to polishers to polish them to perfection, also checking the setting for any issues. For white gold, there is an extra step of rhodium plating, which by adding the alloy of rhodium, the white gold turns from gray (its natural color) to white. Engraving is done on every single piece, both HDK logo as well as the metal mark.

Hans D. Krieger currently has 55 employees. The diamond and jewellery manufacturing team in collaboration with teams of skilled designers, experienced sales/export/import, marketing and admins, are running a smooth and ultimately efficient operation. Due to the strong sales and positive outlook of future growth, company management has decided to further expand the operation by building additional manufacturing facility in the same location to support the growth and to consolidate the manufacturing process.

At the end of the extensive tour, we were given access to the inventory room, where we had the chance to select trays of jewellery, try them on and share the joy with our audience.

After touring Hans D. Krieger, I personally have a deeper understanding of craftsmanship and tremendous appreciation and respect for the quality of the pieces that I had the opportunity to hold and try on. I hope this article also gives you a better perspective on what goes into creating one small piece of jewellery; vision, expertise, time and material.

Both Tracey and I are grateful to Andreas and the team at Hans D. Krieger for their warm welcome and the time and effort they put into showing us around the facility. Their outstanding hospitality during our stay in Idar-Oberstein along with the best of German culinary is a memory that we will cherish forever. Our last night in Idar Oberstein was well spent at Weinkonzept Sebastian Stueber restaurant, a hidden gem in the city of gems where we enjoyed a private dinner with a curated menu.

We look forward to seeing Andreas Krieger and Hans D. Krieger team in Geneva for Haute Jewels Geneva; March 26-April 2 2023, Fairmont Grand Hotel.

In my opinion couples need to be involved in designing the ring, after all it is celebrating their love and has a very sentimental value in cherishing their relationship. Therefore my first recommendation is to propose with a loose stone in a beautiful box which will definitely sweep her off her feet and then create the perfect ring together. Unless you know exactly what she is looking for based on her pinterest or posts she likes on social media and finally if her best friend knows!

Different diamond shapes Photo credit: Champagne Gem

Here you will find a brief explanation on different shapes with sample designs to show how each one will look when set, but remember there are endless design possibilities, I tried to limit this post to classics and all time favorite settings in the past decade:

ROUND

• ROUND: is the most sought after shape in diamonds because of its incomparable brilliance thanks to 57 facets that reflect the light and create sparkle and fire. (Not recommended for gemstones unless from a very high caliber)

Round Brilliant diamond engagement ring in Tiffany anniversary setting Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

SEMI ROUND

• OVAL: is one of the most popular shapes from diamonds to gemstones, make sure in diamonds there is no bow tie present, if so you will see two black triangles in the middle of the stone. because of its elongated shape we have seen it grow more and more on brides.

Oval shape diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• PEAR: Usually looks larger than its stated carat weight because of its wider spread and given that more of the stone is shown from top view.
  

  Pear shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Harry Kotlar

• MARQUISE: like oval and pear is perfect to make fingers look slender and long, their elongated shape is helping with this.

Marquise shape diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• HEART: well its the symbol of love, do I need to say more? From diamonds to gemstones it looks gorgeous, one thing to be mindful is the proportions. Make sure it is not too slim or chubby, it has to be the perfect heart.
  

  Heart shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Graff

SQUARE CUT

• CUSHION: is a square or square rectangle (elongated) shape stone with rounded corners, pillow shape hence the name and very romantic! If cut perfectly can shine as brilliant as a round. Usually has 58 facets.
  

  Cushion shape diamond ring Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

• PRINCESS: this shape carries 57 or 76 facets and because of its pyramidal shape that has four bevelled sides, it creates more light dispersion than any other square shaped diamond. In recent years demand for princess cut has decreased which I think is solely because of its sharp corners and it only makes an statement when is in larger carat weights. It is getting harder and harder to find the perfect princess cut.
  

  Princess shape diamond ring Photo credit: Jean Dousset

• RADIANT: is gaining more and more popularity both in diamonds and gemstones because of its scattered 70 facets that create a shattered glassy look in diamonds and bring out the best colors in gemstones and fancy color diamonds. If you like square or rectangular squere shape, this is the best alternative to cushion and princess.
  

  Radiant cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

STEP CUT

• EMERALD: the most favorite in step cuts, both gemstones and diamonds although it has less sparkle because of geometric steps, but due to high clarity it is more transparent, sleek and elegant.
  

  Emerald cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• ASSCHER/SQUARE EMERALD: perfectly square shaped stone, actually an octagonal rather than emerald cut that is rectangular. Same characteristics in terms of sparkle and clarity.
  

  Asscher cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• CARRE: comes in both square and rectangular, the main point of difference is its straight facets similar to steps and usually has sharp corners, this is my favorite shape in comparison to princess. It is making a come back slowly and because of its unusual facets it is gaining more attraction, absolutely will make a statement.
  

  Carre cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

This is just an introductory post to engagement rings, if you need more information on diamonds, grading and color diamonds on following links:

https://champagnegem.com/2019/03/10/insight-into-diamonds-part-iii-grading/

https://champagnegem.com/2019/05/06/insight-into-diamonds-part-iv-fancycolordiamonds/

Please note all views expressed on this post are my own and do not represent opinions of any of the jewellers mentioned in this post.

The Tiffany Diamond, considered among the most important gemstone discoveries of the 19th century, was unearthed in 1877 in the Kimberley Mines of South Africa. Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the rough diamond weighed 287.42 for $18,000. Later the rough was brought to Paris where i was cut to its current shape; 128.54ct Facy Yellow diamond with over 82 radiant facets. In 1961 Jean Shlumberger showcased the proceless Tiffany Diamond in Ribbon Rosette necklacem, worn by Audrey Hepburn for the Breakfast at Tiffany’s publicity photo shoot. In 1995 in honor of Jean Schlumberger, the 128.54ct stone was mounted on his iconic Bird on a Rock setting. and finally in 2012 to celebrate Tiffany & Co 175th anniversary, with over a year in the making, the exquisite necklace of white diamonds with over 100cts of round and cushion cut diamonds, given shape to the icon we recognize today. The Tiffany Diamond in its current setting worn by Lady Gaga during 91st Academy Awards®.

The Tiffany Diamond

For the 2018 Blue Book, Tiffany & Co opted mother nature as inspiration and pieces were categorized based on seasons, hence the name: The Four Seasons of Tiffany & Co.

Colors, motifs, and exquisite craftsmanship were highlight of the collection. From rare gemstones to unique diamonds, each piece was designed and created meticulously. In some words this high jewelry collection is a celebration of 180 years of artistry, innovation and unparalleled virtuosity.

During the grand opening party with over 400 guests and flowing of champagne, Kendall Jenner made an appearance as guest of honor and as always was radiating beauty and glamour while wearing Tiffany & Co The Blue Book necklace featuring morganite, a pink tourmaline, pink sapphires and diamonds.

Kendall Jenner in Tiffany & Co necklace featuring morganite, pink tourmaline, pink sapphires and diamonds from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection 

Spring is ombre of colors, flowers, blooms and a graphic contrast between geometry and nature’s beauty.

Summer is all about butterflies, fluttering above angular links with abstract wing patterns, more emphasis on modern sense of movement.

Autumn is a sensual combination of round brilliant and emerald-cut diamonds with an organic and free flowing vines woven over and under one another.

Winter inspired by American Art Deco, displays linear fragments mirroring the graphic patterns of water as it freezes. Diamonds are cut in very unique shapes, the perfect iceberg landscape on a sea of platinum.

Bracelet in platinum with pink sapphires and diamonds, part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Pendant in platinum with round and oval Tourmaline, baguette and custom cut diamonds, part of The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Ombre of colours from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Ring in 18k yellow gold and platinum with rare Fancy Pink and white diamonds, part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection.

20.27ct D VS1 oval-cut diamond in a platinum setting part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Over 91cts of uniquely cut diamonds from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

This once-in-a-lifetime creation features a historic, 26ct diamond from the fabled Golconda Mines. The story behind this majestic diamond is so extraordinary, that it inspired us to name the necklace after the goddess of good fortune… “Fortuna”.

Musson Jewellers was founded 46 years ago by Robert and Kerry Musson in Sydney, Australia. Musson is one of the enduring jewellery design houses that manufacture their exclusive creations in their state of the art North Shore studio. As a family business, with sons Olivar as creative director and Damien as managing director, the house is moving from strength to strength providing finest and the most exquisite jewels to Australian as well as International clientele. Being one of the most awarded jewellery houses in Australia, Musson Jewellers is also an Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier, having access to beyond rare pink diamonds mined in Argyle mine, Western Australia.

Damien and Olivar Musson

Last year the house acquired a very rare and extraordinary diamond; the famous 26ct old mine diamond that was purchased three decades ago at a car boot sale by a woman residing in West London for as small as 10 pounds as a costume jewellery. The owner only realised the value of the ring she was wearing everyday for the past 30 years when someone pointed out that such a large size stone needs to be appraised. The rest is history, over night she was the fortunate owner of a rare Golconda mine cushion-cut diamond weighing 26.29ct I colour VVS2 GIA grade with special classification of Type IIa.

Now owned by Musson Jewellers, after months of designing and sketching, finally a once in a life time creation was born. A stellar necklace accompanied by beyond rare, 0.75ct intense, purplish pink diamond from the Argyle Signature Tender 2009 and over five carats of smaller argyle pink diamonds in a unique design, handcrafted in gold and platinum.

The Fortuna Necklace by Musson Jewellers 26.29ct I colour VVS2 with special classification of Type IIa

The Fortuna Necklace by Musson Jewellers

 

Musson Jewellers unveiled $3.3 million The Fortuna Necklace- A Legacy of Good Fortune, during a private and exclusive event at Musson Jewellers QVB boutique on September 26th 2018.