French Riviera Jewelers brings a touch of Paris to Miracle Mile*
A little bit of gay Paree has landed on Miracle Mile, in the form of the new owners of French Riviera Jewelers. The new owner/operators Christophe and Estelle Maury, both 39 years old, come to Coral Gables from Paris. She was a manager and sales associate at a jewelry store in the prestigious Place Vendome and he was the director of human resources at the Orsay, French Impressionist Museum. They visited all over Florida looking for a place to start their business and raise their family before choosing Coral Gables. They decided it was the perfect fit.
“It was our dream to live here. We studied the market,” explains Mrs. Maury. “The people are so nice here. They are well educated and come from all over the world. We feel safe and secure in Coral Gables — we feel at home.”
They opened in May and added “French” to Riviera Jewelers to add their own stamp to the store. The spot where Riviera Jewelers is located — 369 Miracle Mile — reminded Estelle of the sophistication and elegance of the Place Vendome. Indeed, from the twisted topiary plants outside the front doors, to the French music playing inside, the feeling of France is evident throughout. While searching for a place to open their business, Mrs. Maury was particularly taken with the layout of the store.
“It is the most beautiful place. The cut of the store is the cut of the emerald,” she says. The interior of the store is emerald shaped, and the shape is replicated in the display cases on the walls. While researching the history of the building, she discovered it was designed by a Frenchman 40 years ago.
While the new owners purchased some of the inventory of the former Riviera Jewelers, Mrs. Maury explains that the jewelry they carry is of the highest quality made in the United States and Europe. There are lots of designs from Paris, also one-of-a-kind pieces that you cannot find anywhere else.
She showed me a ring made into the shape of your house (by a designer in Paris), as well as a citrine ring from French Kiss, which looks like the Eiffel Tower when viewed from the side. Although the jewelry is unique, there are items for every budget — from $30 items for children’s jewelry to extravagant splurges for special occasions.
“I wanted to have a place where you can sit down, have a glass of champagne and relax while you are shopping,” Mrs. Maury says. “Buying jewelry is a very sentimental experience, and I want that moment … to be special.”
Mr. and Mrs. Maury, who work together at the store, want to become the place customers will come to buy their engagement ring and return for their 25th anniversary.
The owners have two young children, 3-year-old Paul and 10-month-old Cassandre. The are members of the Coral Gables Business Improvement District and have joined The Biltmore, enjoying the fitness facilities and wine tastings at The Cellar Club.
The owners have two young children, 3-year-old Paul and 10-month-old Cassandre, and look forward to becoming members of the Coral Gables community. So if you need a little trip to Paris, but can’t afford the airfare, stop in at French Riviera Jewelers; shop, sip some champagne and experience a little bit of French luxury on Miracle Mile.
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