There are few words that conjure up such fantasies and feelings as Paris. The word alone can transport you. Whether that brings you to a realm of dreaming or tapping into your memory. A pilgrimage for dreamers and romantics, adventurers and hedonists, Paris needs no explaining.
Jasmin Scott, designer and creative director behind her jewellery brand Jasmin Sparrow travelled back to the city of love in the treacle glow of autumn. Returning after a couple of years away, Scott found a familiarity evocative of home. Towards the end of her stay, she immersed herself in the 1st Arrondissement and dedicated her days to seeking out the best vintage jewellery the area had on offer.
“I feel as though I barely scratched the surface. One store leads to another, to a backroom archive, to an invite-only event — much like a chain reaction. I stayed in the 1st Arrondissement and played ‘locale’ there. More awaits in St. Germain and Le Marais, but that will have to wait until I return.”
Scott shares her curated list of must-see destinations for your next Parisienne adventure.
Au Vase De Delft
2 Rue du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
Au Vase De Delft is rich in history as it is jewels. I could stare at their window for hours. Against a mesmerising deep blue velvet, jewellery, watches and artifacts are artfully displayed. A rather regal, grey cat sits at the entrance, welcoming you with its peridot green eyes. I tried on Cartier watches and vintage gems, with this sweet cat purring away on my lap which was quite the treat. Founded in 1910, Au Vase De Delft has welcomed some of the most iconic names in fashion, including Coco Chanel who is said to be the first person to sign their guestbook.
Dary’s
362 Rue Saint Honoré 75001 Paris
Specialising in antique, vintage and contemporary jewellery Dary’s is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1932. I spent some time speaking with the owner who told me they’ve managed to keep Dary’s in the family from generation to generation which is incredibly special. They are geologists and appraisers, so they value and buy jewellery as well as sell it. Designers on offer include Hermès, Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef, Boucheron and Buccellati.
Miller
233 Rue Saint Honoré 75001 Paris
Don’t be put off by the security guard out front, he’s there for good reason. Some of the pieces here feel like they belong in a museum, which is mad because you can try them on. The staff here are lovely and attentive. They have a beautiful selection of vintage designer pieces including Chanel, Cartier, Tiffany and Van Cleef. Miller’s is the height of luxury, with the customer to match. It’s not for the faint-hearted, albeit the gems in here can surely make your heart weak.
Francoise Montague
231 Rue Saint Honoré 75001 Paris
I stumbled across this store by accident. Next door to Miller is an entrance to a sweet little courtyard which you walk through and arrive unexpectedly at a treasure trove brimming with jewels. This particular store had pieces available at varying price points, from costume clip-ons from €20 to vintage designer pieces in the thousands. Marion, the owner is a delight. They produce their own in-house jewellery line and distribute to a few brands across Europe. I spent over an hour chatting with Marion. She pulled out hundreds of archive pieces for me to look through, I was in heaven and walked away feeling so inspired. It was Marion who said I must visit Paul Bert Superette, an Antique market in Saint Ouen. She gave me her industry-only invite to an event that evening, which I attended of course.
Paul Bert Superette
18 Rue Paul Bert 93400 Saint-Ouen
This is what dreams are made of. The vast Paul Bert Superette in Saint Ouen is a mecca for collectors and decorators seeking unique finds. I went for the jewellery, of which there was no shortage but it feels like absolutely everything is there. Many pieces are available at reasonable prices, unlike most of the other stores I visited making it very easy to spend hours here treasure hunting. I could have left with a container full of antiques and furniture. It’s an almost unbelievable sight to behold, just hundreds of stalls fitted out beautifully by various antique dealers. There are no real words other than you must visit.
It was in Paris, Trésor came to life. Inspired by the treasure trove of vintage jewels and nostalgia of the childlike wonder Scott felt growing up – rummaging through her mother and grandmother’s jewellery collections and playing dress up. A love letter to both Paris and the women who galvanize Scott most, Trésor is the brand’s first foray into costume jewellery. Opening with a three-piece symphony of maximalist earrings inspired by Parisienne days along the Seine and indulgent nights that spill into dawn, Trésor launches May 6th 2023.
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