Luxurious Bonnet Turtle Shell Accessories

Bonnet is for those who appreciate the exclusive handicraft. Today, in France, the famous House of Bonnet is the only one that manufactures products from a tortoise shell. Combs, spectacle frames, jewelry boxes are exquisite accessories. No, these are not just exquisite accessories. This is chic and exclusive handmade. Important clients come here, among the fans of the Bonnet brand there are presidents, famous actors, and fashion designers.

The enterprising French borrowed this craft in Italy, where in the 18th and 19th centuries there was a fashion for tortoiseshell products, which from that time were snapped up in France as well. Bonnet is a family business that has been based in Paris since 1955. The brand was registered under the name Maison Bonnet. But its story began even earlier, confirming this by the photograph of the great-great-grandfather of the present owner of the brand, Frank Bonnet, in which his ancestor carves a frame from a tortoise shell. Since then, the Bonnet family has been engaged in their craft. Bonnet not only had their representatives off the coast of the Pacific Ocean, but they themselves went to the shores to bring the most valuable material - turtle shell caret... But over time, like many other animals, turtles became smaller and smaller. And when the ban on the extraction of shells appeared, only the Bonnet family received the right to use the state reserves of France, which had been created for many decades. The shell of the caret turtle is very durable, flexible and unpretentious in work, but the shell with light spots is most appreciated. Frank's enterprising and visionary father, Christian Bonnet, has amassed a large enough personal stock of this valuable raw material, which is only used for special orders. It is also surprising that the famous House continues to this day to use the same, almost medieval, tools and even utensils, which seem to be a place only in a flea market. All this went to Frank Bonnet from his great-great-grandfathers. But it was precisely these instruments that one of the reputable American companies wanted to buy from the Bonnet family, and by the way, the production too. But ... it turned out that the House of Bonnet is a national French treasure. Yes, and it is not allowed to sell products made of carapace abroad, another thing is to order just a pair of frames along with lenses. And this is all that you can take with you to your country.

That is why you can order a frame or a tortoiseshell box on a trip to Paris. Haven't you been to Paris for a long time? If you decide to go, be sure to walk next to the house number 8 on the quiet Tiphaine street. Why not stop by? The fact is that the door will be opened to you only by prior arrangement, no matter how important a client you are. Also, keep in mind that when ordering a frame made of light carapace, the manufacturing time will take longer. What is the reason? First, everything must be carefully selected, combined, processed. The work of the master is so unique that a small text can be read through several layers of the shell. This is a feature by which connoisseurs and connoisseurs will recognize Bonnet products. What logo? There is no logo, but only two modest tiny letters on the inside of the AB frame, which means - Atelier Bonnet. Yes, that's so modest - the Bonnet atelier. There is no store at the House of Bonnet either.

Frames and other luxury accessories from the Bonnet brand serve many wearers their entire lives. And this is thanks to the skill of the craftsmen who pass on their craft from generation to generation. Manufacturing technology requires both skill and patience. For example, in order for the details of the products to be durable, sometimes it is necessary to press together five to six layers of the same shade, boiling the material in salt water several times.Then, when the raw material softens, it is put under a press for several hours, while changing the pressure and controlling the degree of transparency. Then they are dried. And this operation has its own characteristics - in no case can it be overdried. Then the master begins to grind the product. Here they use their own tools - nail files and files, and everything is in a certain order. When a precious shell during processing falls in the form of shavings on the floor, and here its life and value does not end. It is collected for further restoration. Frank Bonnet is not only a master maker. He himself makes all measurements of the face, eyes, nose, selects which frame shape will fit the client's face. After all, the material is expensive, and the work takes time and patience, so the customer should be satisfied with both beauty and convenience. Do you know how you manage to make the frame comfortable? No, not only by measuring the face and nose, but also over a cup of coffee. Yes, yes, just over a cup of coffee. Frank, talking with the client "about this - about that", observes his habits, facial expressions so that later, when the frame is put on, the owner "does not feel" it. Frank from the age of four at the table of the master. And his father, Christian Bonnet, is now engaged in traveling to countries where he has many acquaintances and personal friends, and brings new orders.

What is the cost of these luxurious accessories? The cost of the products of the House of Bonnet is estimated at tens of thousands of euros.

One can only admire the painstaking work and respect for the traditions of their ancestors. And once again you are convinced that in France they know how to be proud of the glory of their ancestors.