Richemont expands Vhernier luxury boutiques in China

Swiss luxury group Richemont, controlled by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, has strengthened its presence in Asia with the opening of two new boutiques for its Italian jewellery maison Vhernier in Shanghai and Beijing. The expansion signals the group’s continued push into Mainland China, a key growth market for high-end jewellery and luxury goods.

The new boutiques, located within the Peninsula hotels in both cities, build on the momentum of Vhernier’s recent entry into Hong Kong, as Richemont deepens its engagement with affluent Asian clientele drawn to design-led craftsmanship.

Vhernier brings sculptural Italian craftsmanship to China

Set in two of China’s most culturally influential cities, the boutiques showcase Vhernier’s signature approach, where sculptural design meets refined wearability. Each location presents a curated selection of the maison’s creations, with a strong focus on its iconic collections, including Abbraccio and Calla, alongside the newer Ardis high jewellery line. 

The stores also highlight hallmark collections such as Freccia and Palloncino, crafted using the maison’s proprietary Trasparenze technique, which infuses sculptural forms with color. Other pieces, including Verso, Pirouette, and Tourbillon, emphasize luminous finishes and intricate pavé settings, while select designs incorporate unconventional materials like titanium, aluminium, bronze, and ebony.

Boutique design reflects Vhernier’s architectural identity

Both boutiques follow a unified architectural concept developed by New York-based FROM Architecture, translating Vhernier’s visual identity into physical space through clean lines, rich materials, and balanced proportions. Despite a shared design language, each location offers a distinct experience. The Shanghai boutique adopts a more intimate and fluid layout, creating a contemporary environment that enhances interaction with the jewellery.

In contrast, the Beijing boutique spans about 130 square meters and offers a more expansive, residential feel, anchored by a private VIP room designed for bespoke consultations. The Beijing space also features design elements that nod to Italian heritage, including Chinotto armchairs by architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni, reinforcing the maison’s emphasis on timeless elegance.

Vhernier strengthens Richemont’s jewellery strategy in Asia

Rupert, holds 10.18% of Richemont’s shares. South Africa’s richest man has consistently positioned Richemont as a custodian of heritage maisons defined by craftsmanship, design integrity, and timeless appeal. The group’s acquisition of Vhernier in 2024 reflects that strategy, adding a distinctly modern, design-led jeweller to its portfolio of high-end brands.

Unlike traditional jewellery houses rooted in ornate aesthetics, Vhernier stands out for its sculptural forms, minimalist elegance, and experimental use of materials, qualities that align with Richemont’s push to diversify its jewellery offering while maintaining a focus on artistry and innovation.

Under his leadership, Richemont posted a 11% rise in sales at constant exchange rates in the third quarter (Q3) of its 2026 fiscal year, with actual sales up 4%, from €6.15 billion ($7.25 billion) to €6.4 billion ($7.54 billion).

Vhernier expansion underscores Richemont’s jewellery strategy

Richemont’s Jewellery Maisons division, which includes Vhernier, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati, continues to anchor the group’s growth, posting a 14% increase in sales at constant exchange rates to €4.79 billion ($5.65 billion) in the third quarter ended December 2025. The strong performance reflects sustained global demand for high jewellery, even amid macroeconomic pressures and currency volatility.

The momentum highlights why Richemont is accelerating the global expansion of its jewellery maisons, including Vhernier’s recent boutique openings in Shanghai and Beijing. By scaling its presence in key luxury markets, the group is reinforcing its strategy of prioritizing jewellery as a cornerstone of long-term growth, even as other divisions face more cyclical demand patterns.