France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine.

Did you know that French jewellery has been in existence for over a thousand years? In fact, during medieval times, wearing jewellery in French society was a mark of status, while farmers and commoners were forbidden from using certain pieces themselves for the same purpose.

It wasn’t until the 19th Century when Napoleon, as emperor of the new French Empire, lifted such bans and soon enough displays of wealth and finery was on show from all citizens.

Lifting the ban also helped to give the jewellery industry in France a boost once commoners were also allowed to be consumers.

Thankfully the tradition of wearing fine unique pieces of jewellery has continued today and our Ariki New Zealand Paua Shell Jewellery is extremely popular in several areas across France.