By the 1930s, the name Jean Pierre was already well-respected in the world of fine jewellery: they had five prestigious boutiques spread across Paris, Cannes, Vichy and Nice. The latter served as the setting for La novela de un tramposo , a classic of French cinema. But fate had other plans. With the outbreak of the Second World War, the family embarked on a journey that would take them to the other side of the Atlantic. Far from leaving their passion behind, they brought with them to Buenos Aires French savoir-faire and elegance, sowing the seeds of what would become the Jean Pierre jewellery store on Avenida Alvear in 1958. It began as one of just three stores in the area (the other two being Perugia shoes and a neighbourhood store) and would soon become the epicentre of fine jewellery in Buenos Aires. Today, under the direction of Jean, the sixth generation of this dynasty, the firm continues to reinvent itself without losing its essence. «We are a boutique that unites technology, creativity and craftsmanship,» proudly explains Jean’s father, Henri Stad, who describes himself as the company’s «elevator operator», ensuring that information flows between all departments.
What sets Jean Pierre apart, according to its owners, is the ability to create pieces that are both classic and contemporary. «We give a distinctive touch to classic pieces,» says Stad, and this philosophy is reflected in each of their creations. From elasticated bracelets and rings to ultra-lightweight titanium jewellery mixed with gold and diamonds. «We make versatile designs that adapt to different moments,» they explain, because they understand that the perfect piece is one that effortlessly integrates into the lifestyle of the person wearing it.
Every month they launch new creations, inspired by “fashion, architecture and art. It’s up in the air what people are looking for,” Henri says. The process begins with a design in plasticine, which is then transferred to wax and finally used to create the mold of the “wearable work of art,” as they call it. They also mention that everything is handmade by artisans and that they work closely with their clients, whether transforming an inherited jewel into a modern piece or creating something completely new.
Sustainability also plays an important role in the company. They offer services to refurbish old jewellery and give it a new life. In addition, they are always on the lookout for unique materials that they can incorporate into their designs, from fine coral to special pieces of wood. With a clientele that includes not only young people who prefer traditional pieces but also tourists in search of unique designs, Jean Pierre has managed to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. Their secret? “Making something well done is not more expensive, it is just more work,” they say, adding: “Jean Pierre is not just a jewellery store, it is a journey through time and style. Each piece tells a story of tradition, innovation and a passion for beauty. In a world where fashion is constantly being renewed, we offer something more: jewellery that is a reflection of who we are, that accompanies us in the different stages of our lives and shines on every occasion.” Because, as they know well at Jean Pierre, true elegance never goes out of fashion.