Nearly 15 years ago, Philippine Dupré la Tour turned her attention to natural pearls, known as fine pearls, which had fallen into oblivion. Their expertise and knowledge on the French market were on the verge of disappearing, despite the immense role they played in jewellery until the beginning of the previous century. Yet they are precious and, today, once again coveted.

Valuing pearls is particularly tricky and, in many ways, the opposite of valuing a diamond. The criteria for valuing a pearl are numerous and complex. The diameter and shape of the pearl and the purity of the skin are the simplest. Then there's colour, lustre and orientation, three very different and much more suggestive criteria. Finally, for a necklace, the homogeneity of all these criteria and harmony.

Over the years, through appointments, meetings and auctions, Philippine Dupré la Tour has worked hard to ensure that the pieces presented to her are of the highest quality.

« The mystery of fine pearls, when properly understood, allows us to understand the beauty of this material. For me, this is an important part of its value. If art often pays tribute to man, it is here that we must admire nature alone, to recognise that we can never equal it. »


BOUCHERON, « Art deco » Bracelet
Sold for €92,300 on 27 October 2022
Click here to see this past auction

Upcoming Jewellery auctions in preparation
26 October and 13 December 2023

For any further information, please contact:
Philippine Dupré la Tour
+33 (0)1 41 92 06 42
duprelatour@aguttes.com