Boucher Jewelry is one of the names in collectible vintage costume jewelry. It began with Marcel Boucher who grew up in France but came to the US in his early 20s. Here he began working for Cartier in New York. When the depression hit and Cartier had to lay off workers, Boucher kept his skills honed by working freelance.
Come 1937 Marcel Boucher had teamed up with Arthur Halbersatdt to open Boucher and Cie. Boucher was the chief designer for all the costume jewelry while Halberstatdt focused on handling sales. A key pattern during this timeframe was a line of very intricate birds that seemed to nearly fly they were so realistic. The bird motif continued throughout the 1940s and is considered very collectible because of its distinguishing characteristics and complexity.
The preferred metal that Boucher worked with was white until World War II began. After that Boucher began using silver, perhaps inspired by his moved to Mexico and the abundance of silver available there. Boucher remained in Mexico until the War was over, at which time he returned to familiar stomping grounds – New York City.
Toward the end of the 1940s Halberstadt left Boucher and Cie, which meant Marcel was seriously short handed. To compensate, he invited Raymonde Semensohn, a designer with Henry Winston, to work with him.
Throughout the 1950s Semonsohn continued working with Boucher. During this time their designs were so popular that some unscrupulous types copied them. Prices were becoming highly competitive. So toward the end of the decade, Semonsohn went to Tiffany & Co. to design for them. Apparently, while a solid opportunity. Tiffany didn’t allow for much innovation. So in 1961 she returned to Boucher & Cie, and in 1964 became Boucher’s wife. In truly tragic fashion Marcel died only two months after their wedding. His wife continued to run the business until selling it in 1970 to Davorn Industries.
Identifying Boucher Jewelry
Most of Boucher jewelry is signed and bears an inventory number. Some marks for which to look include:
Marcel Boucher
Marboux (and early mark)
MB with cartouche (also early)
MB Sterling (1942-44)
Boucher (1950-55)
Boucher © (1955-71)
Phrygian Cap (1944-49)
In terms of inventory numbers, 2300-2350 was throughout 1945, 2450 ended in 1946, 2550 in 1947, 2750 in 1948, 3000 in 1949, and 3500 in 1950. Note that initially where only fifty pieces were being produced annually, that number jumped to 500 by the mid 1950s.
Besides having great attention to detail work and a knack for fluid designs, Boucher vintage jewelry frequently featured very high quality rhinestones, glass pearls, and enamel. Many pieces were so well made that some people could mistake them for real fashion jewelry.
Many collectors consider Marcel Boucher among the most creative designers of costume jewelry to ever live. To this day his works are highly sought after throughout the world. If you can find some of his early pieces from Cartier or Mazer brothers, these are a great investment along with bird motifs and fruit images.
Here are the current Boucher listings on eBay:
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| Vintage BOUCHER Enameled Hinged Bangle Bracelet | |
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$299.99 Time Remaining: 48m Buy It Now for only: $299.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Brooch Boucher Pink Lily Pate de Verre Glass | |
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$75.00 Time Remaining: 4h 17m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 50s BOUCHER Brooch Set ATOMIC SWIRL Brilliant Blue Green CRYSTALS Demi Par | |
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$99.00 Time Remaining: 6h 42m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Coro Boucher Avon Fresh Water Pearls Assorted Lot | |
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$22.00 Time Remaining: 7h 8m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Designer Signed BOUCHER Weeping Leaf Faux Pearl Goldtone Pin Estate | |
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$29.72 Time Remaining: 7h 55m Buy It Now for only: $29.72 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Marcel Boucher Crushed Rhinestone necklace | |
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$48.00 Time Remaining: 8h 3m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Boucher Enamel Maple Leaf Pin Mint Condition | |
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$35.00 Time Remaining: 8h 14m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Boucher Silver Toned Brooch Pin With Pave Crystal Rhinestones | |
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$50.00 Time Remaining: 9h 7m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Signed Boucher Chrysanthemum Gold Tone Vintage Brooch Pin Flower | |
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$29.00 Time Remaining: 10h 23m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Marcel Boucher Ladybugs on a branch Brooch and matching earrings | |
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$399.00 Time Remaining: 10h 44m Buy It Now for only: $399.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Signed Boucher flower brooch and ear rings in gold tone setting green stones | |
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$95.00 Time Remaining: 10h 50m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage LOT Rhinestone Costume Jewelry RARE Eisenberg Boucher Weiss Bellini | |
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$325.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 23m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| STUNNING BOUCHER RS BROOCH 1941 METALLIC ENAMEL SERIES | |
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$379.80 Time Remaining: 12h 22m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| STUNNING BOUCHER STERLING RHINESTONE FUR CLIP | |
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$116.00 Time Remaining: 12h 23m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE BOUCHER BROOCH EARRINGS GREEN RHINESONE DEMI | |
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$42.80 Time Remaining: 12h 28m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage BOUCHER Deco Rhinestone Fur Clip Earrings | |
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$149.99 Time Remaining: 13h 23m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Boucher brooch signed numbered Unusual beautiful wood grain | |
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$19.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 14h 5m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE BOUCHER DESIGN RHINESTONE GREEN BLUE GLASS NECKLACE | |
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$275.00 Time Remaining: 14h 27m Buy It Now for only: $275.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE FAUX CORAL RHINESTONE BOUCHER CLIP EARRINGS | |
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$65.00 Time Remaining: 15h 7m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Boucher Avon A B Rhinestone Star Brooch Earrings Set | |
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$80.03 Time Remaining: 16h 12m Buy It Now for only: $80.03 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| SIGNED Vtg BOUCHER Brushed Goldtone CHIHUAHUA DOG Figural Brooch Pin 8168 | |
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$20.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 10m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Boucher Baugette Rhinestone Necklace | |
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$24.96 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 17h 11m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| SIGNED Vtg BOUCHER Sapphire Blue Pave Rhinestone HUMMINGBIRD Figural Brooch Pin | |
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$22.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 11m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE BOUCHER FLOWER PIN BROOCH GREEN GLASS BEADS RHINESTONES TRUNK CENTER | |
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$20.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 20m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| RARE VINTAGE SIGNED MARCEL BOUCHER ENAMEL FIGURAL SQUIRREL BROOCH PIN | |
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$19.99 Time Remaining: 17h 20m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage BOUCHER Yorkshire Brooch Pin | |
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$9.99 Time Remaining: 17h 56m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Boucher Gold Leaf Pin With Many Clear White Rhinestones | |
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$64.99 Time Remaining: 18h 9m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| GOLD TONE AND FAUX PEARL GREEK KEY BOUCHER PARURE NECKLACE BRACELET EARRINGS SET | |
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$34.95 Time Remaining: 18h 27m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Marcel Boucher 7702 Figural Puddle Dog Brooch Pin | |
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$19.99 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 18h 27m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE SIGNED BOUCHER PAT PEND PAVE RHINESTONE BROOCH PIN | |
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$29.99 Time Remaining: 18h 44m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Avon of Belleville Boucher Rhinestone Brooch Earrings | |
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$80.03 Time Remaining: 19h 48m Buy It Now for only: $80.03 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Lot of 2 Gold Tone Brooch Pin One BOUCHER B63 | |
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$9.99 Time Remaining: 20h 57m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Starburst pin With Faux Turquois Stone Boucher | |
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$40.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 41m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Boucher Pennino Sapphire Blue Clear Rhinestone Parure Necklace Earrings Brooch | |
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$44.26 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 6m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage ESTATE Goldtone Boucher Number Bangle Bracelet | |
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$45.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 8m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE SIGNED BOUCHER LEATHER LEAF DESIGN WITH LADY BUG WOW | |
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$29.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 51m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Avon of Belleville Boucher Design Rhinestone Parure orig Hangtags intact | |
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$95.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 8m Buy It Now for only: $95.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Art Deco Marcel Boucher Parisina Sterling Buckle Clip Earrings ORIGINAL case box | |
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$189.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 24m Buy It Now for only: $189.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| VINTAGE BOUCHER BLUE AND CLEAR RHINESTONE BOW PIN NUMBERED 5268 | |
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$9.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 33m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Lot of Costume Jewelry Parts Some Signed Boucher 609E | |
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$15.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 33m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| VNTG MARBOUX BOUCHER FAUX PEARL CHOKER NECKLACE 1054 | |
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$45.84 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 54m Buy It Now for only: $45.84 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| BOUCHER BEAUTY WIDE VINTAGE RETRO RHINESTONE BRACELET | |
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$265.00 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 55m Buy It Now for only: $265.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Boucher flower pin cultured pearl fine wire petals | |
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$9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 31m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| vintage Boucher bracelet pave baguettes rhinestones sapphire blue rhodium | |
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$30.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 29m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Trifari Boucher Highly Collectible Rhinestone Flamingo Fur Clip WOW | |
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$59.94 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 30m Bid now | Add to watch list |
| 1950s Signed Marcel Boucher Red and Clear Rhinestones Rhodium Plated Brooch Pin | |
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$95.00 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 56m Buy It Now for only: $115.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Vintage Boucher Figural Puffer Blow Fish Brooch Pin | |
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$75.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 1m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| EXQUISITE VINTAGE MB BOUCHER CYCLAMEN RHODIUM RHINESTONE BROOCH PIN | |
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$276.25 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 28m Buy It Now for only: $276.25 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| BOUCHER 8445P VINTAGE RHINESTONE BIRD PIN BROOCH Sign | |
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$199.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 53m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| BOUCHER PARISINA TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER EARRINGS | |
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$155.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 54m Buy It Now for only: $155.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
