S.T. DUPONT Haute Creation Catacombes Bronze Collection

Catacombes Limited Collection / Morbid Luxury From Philippe Tournaire

The Catacombs of Paris, created in the late 18th century, is referring to an underground ossuary holding the remains of about 6 million people. In the beginning of the 10th century, many parish cemeteries became overcrowded because of a rapidly growing population. During the 12th century, the city opened a central burial ground named Saints Innocents Cemetery. But a few centuries later the cemetery became saturated and sanitary conditions were absolutely unbearable.

The idea to use empty undergrounds on the outskirts of the city was launched in the late 18th century. All the dead were then transferred to the place named Denfert-Rochereau today.

The Catacombs of Paris have been opened to the public since the 19th century. They attracts many visitors, curious to discover the obscure and narrow galleries decorated with bones.

• This particular Limited Edition is fashioned from bronze with yellow gold hand patina. Each piece of this yellow bronze edition is limited to 66 pieces worldwide – a divine, sacred number..

• The Catacombs Limited Edition Collection in bronze, and new 2012 Catacombs Black Diamond collection by Philippe Tournaire for S.T. Dupont consist of fountain pens, lighters, cigar cutters, cufflinks and ashtrays inspired by the Paris Catacombs and their dual symbolism. Philippe Tournaire for S.T. Dupont new Catacombs diamond collection is made of Sterling Silver and Black Diamonds.

• The French jeweller has designed these limited editions especially for S.T. Dupont, dedicated to this morbid underground side to architecture.

Philippe Tournaire / Master jeweller

A master jeweller inspired by the worlds of history, science and architecture, Philippe Tournaire shapes rare and precious metals and gems into bespoke creations to form a couture collection of lighters and writing instruments.

Launch 2011

Fountain Pen

L2 Lighter

Cigar Cutter

Ashtray

Cufflinks