Visiting a Bijouterie in France
Jewellery shops (les bijouteries) are found in every French town, from elegant boutiques selling gold and diamonds to more affordable shops offering everyday accessories. Whether you are looking for a gift, replacing a watch strap, or simply browsing, learning the key French words for jewellery and understanding how bijouteries work will help you shop with confidence.
This lesson introduces essential jewellery vocabulary and useful expressions you can use when visiting a bijouterie in France.
Vocabulary: Jewellery Items in French
| English | French |
|---|---|
| bracelet | le bracelet |
| diamond | le diamant |
| earring | la boucle d’oreille |
| jewel | le bijou |
| jewellery | les bijoux |
| necklace | le collier |
| pendant | le pendentif |
| pearl | la perle |
| tiara | le diadème |
| wedding ring | une alliance |
Scene-Setter: Jewellery Shopping in France
French bijouteries often specialise in either bijouterie (fashion or classic jewellery) or joaillerie (fine jewellery with precious stones). Staff are usually knowledgeable and can explain the difference between metals, stones, and styles. Many bijouteries also offer services such as resizing rings, repairing chains, cleaning jewellery, or replacing watch batteries.
It is common for shops to display high-value items behind glass. Assistants will take items out for you to try once you ask politely.
Useful Phrases for at the Bijouterie
| English | French |
|---|---|
| I’m looking for a necklace. | Je cherche un collier. |
| Do you have this in gold/silver? | Vous l’avez en or / en argent ? |
| Can I try it on? | Je peux essayer ? |
| I would like to see that ring, please. | Je voudrais voir cette bague, s’il vous plaît. |
| Do you have this in another size? | Vous l’avez dans une autre taille ? |
| How much is this necklace? | C’est combien, ce collier ? |
| I’m looking for a wedding ring. | Je cherche une alliance. |
Sentence Builder: Talking About Materials
Use en (+ material) to describe what jewellery is made of.
en or – in gold
en argent – in silver
en diamant – with diamonds
en perles – with pearls
Examples:
- Je voudrais un bracelet en argent.
I would like a silver bracelet. - Est-ce que vous avez des pendentifs en or ?
Do you have gold pendants? - Je préfère les boucles d’oreille en perles.
I prefer pearl earrings.
You can swap in any jewellery item or material using these examples.
Cultural Notes
Bijouterie vs. Joaillerie
A bijouterie sells jewellery made from gold, silver, or non-precious materials.
A joaillerie sells high-end pieces with diamonds and precious stones.
Shops like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron are famous French jewellers.
Security
Many jewellery shops have controlled entry. You may need to ring a bell, and staff will unlock the door.
Gift-giving
Jewellery is a popular gift in France for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, communions, and weddings.
Repairs and services
Most bijouteries offer:
- resizing (mise à taille)
- cleaning (nettoyage)
- chain repairs (réparation de chaîne)
- watch battery replacement (changement de pile)
Practice Activity
Translate into French:
- I would like to see that necklace, please.
- Do you have this ring in another size?
- I prefer the pearl earrings.
- How much is this bracelet?
- I’m looking for a wedding ring.
Answers:
- Je voudrais voir ce collier, s’il vous plaît.
- Vous avez cette bague dans une autre taille ?
- Je préfère les boucles d’oreille en perles.
- C’est combien, ce bracelet ?
- Je cherche une alliance.
