GRAND ANGLE
Born in Ticino, Switzerland, Alfred Poncini touches ground
in Mauritius in 1925 with the firm intention to succeed. He
gets a job as watchmaker for Guillemin, a French company
specialised in luxury trade (watches, jewels, gifts, and
tableware). A prestigious enterprise established during
the 1850s in a magnificent house in Port-Louis, facing the
emblematic theatre of the capital: the oldest Italian-style
theatre in the Southern Hemisphere.
Following the euphoria of the 1920s, the first global economic
crisis hits the Guillemin business, which runs into financial
difficulties. Alfred Poncini partners with Mr Roger Mathieu,
an optician, and the two of them buy back the business. The
enterprise becomes Mathieu-Poncini. During the 1950s, José
and Aldo Poncini, the sons of Alfred, acquire the shares of Mr
Mathieu.The firm then becomes P O N C I N I & Fils (P O N C I N I
& Sons), before taking its definitive name, P O N C I N I, in 1975.
This beautiful family story is that of passionate men
whose vision and efforts have been passed down from
generation to generation. Alfred, José, Aldo and today,
Christian have succeeded each other at the head of the
company without ever compromising between traditions
and innovation. Boasting thirty years of experience within
the company, the gemologist Christian Poncini can already
see his sons Fabio and Jérôme at the helm of the family
business, both of them having completed their lengthy
studies abroad.
Through the years, the P O N C I N I group has grown, and
today, it has one of the most modern workshops in the island.
In addition to the renowned shop in Port-Louis, others in
Curepipe, Grand Baie and Caudan have been opened. Since
the late 1980s, a partnership with major hotel groups has
witnessed the setting up of duty-free shops in the best hotels
of the island.
Even though the universe of P O N C I N I extends
from watch-making to tableware, its history is mainly and
intrinsically linked to jewellery making. For decades, the
company has been fostering an unrivalled expertise, applying
rigorous principals, while remaining driven by creative spirit.
Christian Poncini creates his collections from what he
calls “a spontaneous burst of inspiration.” His ring, bracelet,
earring, pendant and necklace sketches come to life with
the flow of his emotions. Like an artist, Christian Poncini
draws his inspiration from everything that surrounds him.
He designs in his jewellery workshop unique pieces, some of
which are at times tailored for customised orders. His designs
are daring and colourful, true to his island’s image.
For Christian Poncini, “Luxury is the privilege of being able
to choose”; choose one’s gems and one’s model to achieve one’s
dream. P O N C I N I continuously renews its collection and