French jewelry designer Andre Col

French jewelry designer Andre Col (1936-1970s)
The history of the André Col jewelry and watches brand began in 1936 in Paris. The founder of the eponymous brand, Andre Col was a hereditary jeweler who opened his own jewelry house at 10 Victor Hugo Avenue. Col collaborated with many jewelry companies located on Place Vendôme in Paris, carrying out special orders, including for VIPs. Notably, Andre Col jewelry ranged from expensive jewelry with the use of precious metals and diamonds to more affordable everyday wear jewelry. The marking traditionally included André Col Paris, and was often part of the design, such as on watch dials.
In fact, the jeweler became most famous in the 1960s, when cinema and opera stars became his clients. Also, in the 1960s, the legendary fashion house Christian Dior chose him to launch their first line of wristwatches. Noteworthy, the talented and creative designer collaborated with famous artists and photographers to create advertising posters. As a result, the advertisements they created in the 1960s promoting André Col jewelry and watches became collectibles in their own right.