For the winner of the French Open or Roland-Garros tournament, the elation of triumph is accompanied by the heavy weight of victory – literally. The Coupe des Mousquetaires, the trophy awarded to the men’s singles champion, is a magnificent work of art crafted from a staggering 14 kilograms of silver. But the story behind this coveted prize goes beyond its impressive size and material. It’s a tale intertwined with the rich history of Mellerio, the world’s oldest jeweler, and its enduring commitment to the art of goldsmithing.
Mellerio has a legacy unlike any other. Founded in the 17th century, it remains the oldest family-owned and independent jeweler in the world. While its name is now synonymous with exquisite jewelry, its roots lie in the meticulous craft of goldsmithing. For centuries, Mellerio produced an array of precious objects that demonstrated their mastery of shaping precious metals. The 20th century, however, witnessed a shift – a specialization in civilian goldsmithing. This period saw the creation of iconic pieces such as the prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the best male soccer player, and the very trophy that graces the hands of the Roland Garros champions: the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
In 1981, the French Tennis Federation set out to redesign the Coupe des Mousquetaires. The goal was to create a trophy that embodied the legacy of four legendary French tennis players – Jacques Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet and René Lacoste, collectively known as the Four Musketeers. Parisian jewelers were invited to submit designs, and Mellerio emerged victorious. Her triumph was based on a design that exuded elegance and refinement: a wide-mouthed cup adorned with a frieze of delicate vine leaves and adorned with two elegant swan-shaped handles.
The original Coupe des Mousquetaires resides in the office of the President of the French Tennis Federation and only makes a grand exit once a year – on the day of the men’s singles final. The winner doesn’t get to keep this prestigious symbol forever, but he does get a meticulously crafted replica. Slightly smaller than the original, this replica represents over a hundred hours of dedicated work by skilled Mellerio goldsmiths.
The transformation of a simple piece of silver into a champion’s reward is a symphony of expertise. The process begins with the goldsmith-turner-repousseur, who meticulously shapes the sheet of silver into the desired form, coaxing the metal into the silhouette of the goblet. The molten metal is then poured into molds by the foundryman, giving life to the swan-shaped handles and the intricate vine leaf frieze. The chiseler takes over next, meticulously refining the details with a tiny burin, ensuring that each motif is perfectly formed. Once all the components have been meticulously checked and polished, the goldsmith assembles them with precise soldering. Finally, the engraver immortalizes the winner’s name on the base, permanently etching their achievement on the trophy.
This meticulous, collaborative effort culminates in the creation of a trophy that embodies the prestige of the tournament and the arduous journey of the champion. The finished product is a testament to artistry and perseverance, a gleaming 14-kilogram trophy, 21 inches tall and 19 inches wide, forever linked to the legacy of the French Open and the enduring craftsmanship of Mellerio.