Editor’s Note
This profile of Castafiore, a new high jewelry venture, reveals how deep expertise and shared passion can forge a new path in a traditional industry. Founded by two seasoned professionals from Cartier and the auction world, the brand exemplifies a shift towards intimate, knowledge-driven craftsmanship.
Castafiore, named after the Tintin diva with dazzling jewels, was born in 2022 from the vision of two high jewelry experts, Charlotte Rey and Anne Borde. The first, former High Jewelry Director for Cartier Europe and the Middle East, knows the market like no one else: she was also in charge of Cartier Tradition, the vintage branch of the famous house. The second, with 30 years of experience in the auction world, notably at Hôtel Drouot, combines a discerning eye with a deep knowledge of historical pieces. Friends for years, their passion for beauty and jewelry ultimately brought them together in this entrepreneurial adventure.
Their ambition? To combine their expertise to democratize second-hand jewelry, highlighting its artistic and confidential aspects, far from the cold standards of peer-to-peer resale. Their online buying and selling platform is full of carefully selected and highlighted gems, reconciling luxury and responsible consumption.
Why choose Castafiore over an auction house or a major jewelry brand? First, because their selection is unparalleled in the second-hand market. With over 10,000 references available online, the site offers both pieces signed by Great Jewelry Houses and unsigned jewelry with undeniable charm and quality. The creators of Castafiore know the trends, sophisticated details, and artisanal touches that give a jewel its personality. Their network of partner dealers, built over years of career, allows them to offer rare or high-value exclusives. Whether Art Deco or 70s/80s jewelry, all models offered are elegant, but above all wearable: Castafiore is not an antique dealer. However, it houses jewelry that is no longer made today: bracelets of over 70g of gold or marvels of jewelry craftsmanship, like those from the Georges Lenfant workshop in remarkably worked gold.
With its lively and attractive graphic universe, the site helps clients envision themselves by artistically staging each jewel. A lifestyle photoshoot shows it from all angles, and targeted descriptions inform and inspire… Everything contributes to an immersive presentation that restores vintage jewelry to its rightful place: a wearable art object, unique and full of history. This is their unique touch: a true knowledge of jewelry, conveyed through content, advice, and visuals. And this, without forgetting trust: each jewel is authenticated using a digital blockchain certificate, traceable and unforgeable.
Do you want to give a new life to jewelry you no longer wear? Castafiore accompanies you from A to Z to sell your jewelry. It all starts with an online appraisal, followed by a physical expert assessment if needed. Alternatively, appraisal days are regularly organized in their Parisian corner at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. These great professionals will guide you on the recommended selling price and ensure the cleaning, or even restoration, of your piece. The price of considered jewelry starts around €400, with some exceptional pieces reaching over €100,000. The house then handles the online listing, shipping logistics, and customer service. Dynamic merchandising strategies and social media communication guarantee optimal visibility for the jewel.
Professional sellers, for their part, have access to an efficient digital platform, with daily stock updates and a direct communication interface.
In addition to the beautiful corner at Galeries Lafayette, clients can make an appointment at the Parisian showroom, near Trocadéro, to try a piece spotted online. All in a friendly, refined, but open-to-all spirit, where beauty rhymes with craftsmanship.
Available directly by phone or email throughout your experience, and after, Castafiore is committed to advising and assisting you, proving that expertise and accessibility are not incompatible. It also offers ring and bracelet resizing, as an option, to guarantee a ready-to-wear jewel. Every buyer is unique, and customer satisfaction is one of their fundamental values.
