THE jewellery house Moussaieff has a reputation as one of the world’s most exclusive and dynamic fine jewellers. The luxury brand was established in the 20th century in London and has remained there since, due to the dedication and passion of its founders. This fourth-generation family business has Alisa Moussaieff at its helm. Her long-lasting belief in the value, heritage and aesthetics of diamonds together with her 50 years of experience of this elite market have maintained the company’s exceptional prestige and legacy.
Alisa Moussaieff – Designer & Managing Director – photo credit: Mikhail Mendelevich
The House of Moussaieff specialise in rare pieces, with the historic Red Diamond as their star piece. Their flamboyant designs include white and coloured diamonds, coloured gemstones and individually designed jewels from their workshops in Paris. Royalty, celebrities, collectors and connoisseurs – the world’s most elite jewellery buyers – all share an appreciation of Moussaieff’s unrivalled splendour. Now one of the only independent jewellers on Bond Street, London, the brand has remained loyal to its buyers and its origins throughout.
1850
Moussaieff’s dynamic founder, Shlomo Moussaieff, begins his trade in Bukhara – now Uzbekistan. Bukhara is the pulsing heart of the fabled silk route in the 1800s, and Alisa Moussaieff’s great grandfather-in-law is a passionate pearl merchant, establishing the humble beginnings of the luxury brand of today. His trade flourishes while searching for natural pearls from the Persian Gulf in Western Asia.
Moussaieff Traffic Light pendant, Columbian Emerald, Sri Lanka sapphire, Thai rubies.
1920
It is truly a family business, as Shlomo Moussaieff passes his knowledge down to his son, who passes it to his own son, also named Shlomo. Now in 1920, Shlomo begins selling these rare natural Oriental pearls and gemstones, sourced in the Persian Gulf, in Paris. As a result, he becomes greatly trusted by the Parisian master jewellers of the Belle Époque, and the arts, innovation and prosperity flourish, embodied by the splendour of Moussaieff jewels. In his father’s stead, he establishes himself as a leading dealer and expands his business internationally.
1921
International growth begins as the company sets up a Moussaieff office in Hong Kong.
Fancy Blue, Pink Moussaieff diamond earrings set in white gold.
1963
Truly entering into an era of expansion for the House of Moussaieff, Alisa and Shlomo Moussaieff open at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane. Workshops for the diamonds and gemstones also open in Paris, maintaining the relationship between Paris and the brand. Alisa works at their flagship London store to this day, dedicated to where it all began in the UK.
1980
Further expanding the company, a boutique opens in Geneva at the Grand Hotel Kempinski.
1990
The historic red diamond is found by a farmer in Brazil in the Abaetezinho River, weighing 13.9 carats in the rough, and 5.11 carats when cut into its triangular shape. It is astonishing in its size, fantastic quality and deep red colour for a natural diamond, and is one of the rarest in existence.
Natural pearl and diamond Moussaieff necklace and earrings.
2000
On March 15, the Gemological Institute of America certifies this red diamond. It is the largest red diamond to ever be certified at this time, a true Fancy Red.
2001
This deep red diamond is purchased by Moussaieff to add to his ever-growing collection of rare diamonds, gemstones and jewels. Now under the expertise of Alisa Moussaieff, the red diamond is a true expression of her passion for the extraordinary. Alisa believes not only in the intrinsic value of diamonds but also in their heritage, their emotional and spiritual worth and their life-enhancing qualities.
2006
The Moussaieff flagship boutique opens on New Bond Street, the most prestigious postcode among luxury retailers and so a massive expansion for the brand. As well as this, a seasonal boutique opens in Courchevel, France, enabling further European growth for this opulent company.
Moussaieff Burmese oval-cut ruby and oval rose-cut diamond, set in rose gold.
2013
A private showroom opens in Hong Kong, developing Moussaieff on a global scale.
2017
Now the luxury jewellers continue to flourish and are set to open a Moussaieff boutique in Paris in 2020.
by Emily Harris
Moussaieff 172 New Bond St, Mayfair, London W1S 4RE
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