Baby Buddha, the favorite showcase for bold
and independent women since 2005
Karine
Hourtoule-Arpels
Karine grew up in a world where art and elegance reigned supreme.
As the great-granddaughter of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels, she was always surrounded by exceptional jewelry and refined creations. From an early age, she developed an artistic sensibility and a passion for design, influenced both by her family heritage and her mother, who also designed jewelry.
After studying in New York and Paris and earning two Master's degrees, she continued to nurture her passion for fine jewelry. In 2005, at just 27 years old, she decided to fully dedicate herself to jewelry and opened her first boutique in Paris, at 68 rue des Saints Pères.
Her concept was innovative: she traveled the world in search of talented yet undiscovered designers, offering unique and exclusive pieces. Her approach immediately captivated a prestigious clientele—Mick Jagger, Catherine Deneuve, Lou Doillon, Laetitia Casta, Sandrine Kiberlain, and many other iconic figures walked through the doors of her boutique. Success was swift.
For the first time, women dared to buy unique jewelry for themselves, breaking away from traditional codes and the classics imposed by major jewelry houses.
After 17 years on rue des Saints Pères, Karine took a break. Then, driven by a new vision, she opened a second boutique—again in Saint-Germain—on rue du Pré aux Clercs. This time, she specialized in curating rare vintage jewelry. This ephemeral boutique, planned for just 18 months, was an instant success, particularly among her American clientele.
Today, Karine focuses on artistic direction for various brands while continuing to pursue her love for antique jewelry. She now organizes exclusive pop-up sales in Paris and abroad, continuing to share her passion and unique vision of fine jewelry.
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