Arthus Bertrand

Arthus-Bertrand traces its origins to 1803, when Claude Arthus-Bertrand, a former military officer with a strong interest in scientific exploration, established a Paris bookshop and publishing house; he went on to serve as official publisher to the French Naval Ministry, releasing accounts of contemporary expeditions. The company's present identity as a medal and jewelry house dates to 1889, when the marriage of Claude's grandson to Marie-Adelina Marion -- daughter of the owner of a military embroidery and insignia workshop -- merged the two family businesses. The combined firm went on to manufacture France's Legion of Honor medals and decorations for the French state, along with académie swords, civic and military honors for roughly fifty countries, and fine jewelry. Arthus-Bertrand holds the official French government designation "Entreprise du patrimoine vivant" (Living Heritage Enterprise), recognizing rare artisanal know-how, and the house has engraved the ceremonial grand collar of the Legion of Honor worn by every French president at inauguration since Vincent Auriol in 1953, each one personalized with the president's name and military insignia. The firm's clientele has historically included Napoleon III and successive French ministries. Today Arthus-Bertrand operates multiple Paris boutiques, including long-established locations on rue Royale and rue Bonaparte, alongside its continuing state and institutional decoration work.