Mémoire began in 1986 when the French company Orest expanded its distribution to the United States. Never having had a presence in the States before, Orest called the new company Mémoire, and named J. Douglas McDowell CEO. J.Douglas’s mission was to cultivate a new level of quality in the US market. When other manufactures were promoting cast mountings and 14K gold, J. Douglas pushed extruded 18K gold and Platinum. The quality of the fine French bands was so exquisite that a new standard of luxury blossomed, and Mémoire quickly became, and remains today, one of the most sought after fine jewelry brands in North America.

The Mémoire difference is in the unique craftsmanship. Mémoire’s beloved classic collections are made with extruded mountings; absolutely the finest made mountings in the world. Rare in the market due to the complicated production process, extruded mountings are the epitome of fine quality. Extremely strong and dense, there are no hidden impurities, or porosity (air bubbles) in the metal. Lasers cut mountings from solid pieces of metal to ensure exactness and consistency. Mémoire’s diamond bands exude a simple beauty that radiates from the inside, and sparkles on the outside.