Jeweler de Boulle finds timing right for luxe Houston launch

Posted by jewelrybrand on November 20th, 2015

Dallas-based luxury jeweler de Boulle has opened a River Oaks District store, which will feature Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe's collection of timepieces. The store is de Boulle's first expansion and the first new market for Patek in seven years, which was celebrated during a reception on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. Pictured, from left, are Henry Edelman, Karen Boulle and Denis Boulle.

Luxury jeweler de Boulle and Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe have opened in Houston. It's the jeweler's first-ever expansion and the watchmaker's first new market in seven years.

The de Boulle store, which carries its own private line of jewelry and features an adjoining room for Patek Philippe, is among the latest openings at River Oaks District, the retail and residential development that opened in October along Westheimer Road near Loop 610.

De Boulle's founder, Denis Boulle, said he found Houston's vibrant international market attractive when he began scouting places for a new location. He and his team made 15 trips looking for the right spot. Nothing seemed quite right until they learned of River Oaks District, which Boulle said is a perfect mix of retail tenants and prime location for his brand.

Boulle is a South Africa native who was educated in England and came to Dallas at age 23 in 1980. He opened his jewelry store there in 1983. It evolved from mostly a diamond business into an exclusive carrier that introduced some global luxury brands including Cartier and Bulgari to Dallas.

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Boulle partnered with Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe, which he called a perfect fit. Both are family-owned and Boulle said they share values in how they do business and how they handle customer service. De Boulle employees go to Switerzerland for training to ensure they thoroughly know the Patek products they'll sell.

"I don't think you could find a more passionate group of people for Patek," Boulle said.

Other recent openings at River Oaks District include Cartier, Chopard, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.