OUR HISTORY

Independent since its creation in 1927, Burma has marked the decades with the strength of a style, a strong image and a reputation linked to the attachment of international customers. Faithful to the creativity and quality of Maison creations, they live and travel, with a festive heart, a light spirit, with Burma jewelry.

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1927

Creation of Maison Burma

Burma jewelry “easily rivals real jewelry.” In 1927, to the rhythm of jazz and Charleston, Paris lived in the Roaring Twenties. Gaston Doumergue inaugurates Boulevard Haussmann. Joséphine Baker has just performed at the Folies Bergères, with the revue Nègre. In the heart of the theater district, Maison Burma opens its doors and signs a style, in line with the new modern, emancipated and bustling woman.

1933

“A high-class jewel for all classes”

Burma, who called on the painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue for his catalog, is present in the books of the Ambassadeurs theaters, the Bouffes Parisiens, the Théâtre Antoine and the Théâtre de l'Athénée. “Without hesitation, offer any elegant woman the bracelet that enhances the radiance of her person.”

1936

Joséphine Baker, Burma woman

“Without hesitation, offer any elegant woman the bracelet that enhances the radiance of her person”
Burma adorns Joséphine Baker for her revue Super Folies at the Folies Bergères. A little over ten years after the Revue Nègre scandal, the return to the stage of the Vénus d'Ebène after its tour in the United States sets an important date in the history of this Parisian establishment.

1938

Burma illuminates the women of the stage

“A woman is always attractive when she wears Burma jewelry.”
Michele Morgan
“Burma jewelry is a miracle. Their perfect execution makes them almost identical to real jewelry.”
Mistinguett
Whether they are called Mistinguett, Joséphine Baker, Michèle Morgan or Jeanne Moreau, the personalities of the scene have always had very close links with the House. Regularly adorned with Burma jewelry, they help anchor the brand in the world of the stage.

1950

Burma dresses fashion

In 1950, a collage by René Gruau, the “fashion sketcher” who worked for the biggest names in Couture, immortalized Burma style and elegance and further established the House in the world of fashion.

1955

Vogue immortalizes Burma jewelry

The famous British fashion photographer Cecil Beaton puts Burma jewelry in the spotlight in Vogue by taking a series of portrait photos which will then be used by the brand.

1957

The power of pearls

Burma pearls are beginning to establish themselves as essential complements to the suit and the little black dress brought back into the spotlight by Parisian Haute Couture... Each of the Burma boutiques soon has two workers to thread necklaces by hand of pearls.

1960

Know-how at the service of innovation

Burma perfected his skills in the choice and use of materials and began to work precious metals, such as gold and silver, with the expertise and know-how of the best jewelry artisans. Burma innovates with the introduction of Zircon, which, once treated, resembles diamond.
In 1963, Burma Champs-Elysées had a replica of Queen Marie-Antoinette's sumptuous necklace made and offered it to the Château de Versailles Museum.

1976

Fascinating Burmalite™

Introduction of Burmalite™ by Burma, a fascinating synthetic stone cut by the best lapidaries and whose absolute brilliance stands out as a signature.
An exclusive collection of replica Tutankhamun jewelry presented at the Louvre as well as vermeil settings continue to increase the aura of the House.

1980

An international success

The 1980s marked the development of the Burma network of points of sale, which coincided with growing international notoriety. The creation of unique jewelry in silver or vermeil and Burmalite™ reinforces the image of the House. In 1989, Burma won the Communications Strategies prize and sponsored the first Bijou Biennale at the Hôtel de Sens in Paris.

1991

Bruno Zarcate breathes new life

Shareholder of the family group, Bruno Zarcate takes back control of Burma, after having taken charge in 1987. Eager to link know-how and creation, with new stylistic bets which will give the brand new international momentum.

2005

The Paolo Roversi paw

The 1980s marked the development of the Burma network of points of sale, which coincided with growing international notoriety. The creation of unique jewelry in silver or vermeil and Burmalite™ reinforces the image of the House. In 1989, Burma won the Communications Strategies prize and sponsored the first Bijou Biennale at the Hôtel de Sens in Paris.

2012

“Alexandra for Burma”

Alexandra Zarcate presents her collection “Alexandra for Burma”. A naturalist rock line revisiting the spirit of the House through ten pieces in silver and white Burmalite™, combining neo-classical aesthetics and the audacity of a generation in search of tailor-made dreams.

2013

New era for boutiques

The Maison calls on Atelier du Pont, directed by Anne-Cécile Comar, to imagine a new boutique concept. In a play of reflections and transparencies, a vast chain mail chandelier, elliptical windows suspended in a cozy atmosphere create an assertive scenography creating a fascinating and magnetic universe.

2015

“Les Ephémères”, unique pieces

If Burmalite™ or synthetic gem associated with jewelry know-how are the signature of the House, this year, Burma is signing a new collection of unique pieces: Les Ephémères de Burma. Exclusively composed of fine stones where amethysts, colored sapphires, tourmalines, chrysoprases, prehnites and even topazes are wonderfully intertwined…

2016

Baudelaire inspires Alexandra

New creations signed “Alexandra for Burma” join the first collection of the same name launched in 2012. An incredible cuff intertwined with flowers, a sublime tiara, and other head jewelry, featuring the flower, both sweet and spicy, so dear to Alexandra Zarcate, 4th generation of the family and inspired by Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du Mal.

2017

Burma celebrates its 90 years of history

This year also marks the arrival of Alexandra Zarcate, 4th generation of the family, as Artistic Director and muse, photographed by Paolo Roversi.

2018

A new store in Dubai

Maison Burma is inaugurating its new boutique within the Dubai Mall in Dubai, the largest shopping center in the United Arab Emirates and the world.