'A confident, bold and brave visionary' — the jewels of Suzanne Belperron

In 1948 a discreet advertisement appeared in Vogue magazine publicising the partnership of Jean Herz and Suzanne Belperron This seemingly understated approach was absolutely in keeping with the firm's identity, one that had been formed in the Art Deco era by Jean's father, the successful Parisian stone dealer Bernard Herz, and the maverick jewellery designer Suzanne Belperron Today, Suzanne Belperron's name is associated with a daring mastery of design.

Belperron had a strong sensibility, taking inspiration from where she pleased: Congolese tribal jewellery, Brutalist architecture and Japanese sakura were all translated into provocatively cutting-edge designs In 1942, the Nazis had arrested Herz and Belperron in German-occupied Paris, and while the designer was released, Herz, who was Jewish, was sent to Drancy internment camp As a token of his gratitude, Jean Herz made Belperron a partner.

The partnership of Herz and Belperron lasted until 1974, when the designer retired. . Source