ME
Max Emsallem
Co-Founder
Raised in Paris, Max spent twelve years in the U.S. fashion industry before opening Place Vendôme. He brings a stylist’s eye to every piece in the gallery — and an honest opinion on what looks best on you.
Our Story
From the jewelers of Paris to an Old Pasadena courtyard
Since 2004, Place Vendôme has brought exclusive French and Italian design to an increasingly design-conscious Pasadena.
The Name
Named for the most famous jewelry address in the world
In Paris, Place Vendôme is the elegant square where the great jewelry houses keep their salons. It’s also where co-founder Max Emsallem grew up.
When Max and Michael Merritt opened their gallery in Old Pasadena, they wanted it to feel like that square — refined but relaxed, with pieces you can’t find at the mall and people who genuinely love them. Glass-top vitrines, skylights, and a casual-chic, European atmosphere make it a place to linger rather than hurry.
Milestones
Two decades in Old Pasadena
Paris
Max grows up steps from the real Place Vendôme, surrounded by the world’s great jewelry houses.
30 years
Combined experience: twelve years in the U.S. fashion industry and eighteen in fine jewelry.
2004
Place Vendôme opens in a turn-of-the-century courtyard at One Colorado, Old Pasadena.
Today
Fifteen-plus designer lines, vintage watches, estate jewelry and fine pens — open seven days a week.
The Founders
The people behind the gallery
MM
Michael Merritt
Co-Founder
With nearly two decades in fine jewelry before 2004, Michael knows craftsmanship inside and out — from diamond quality to the details that make an estate piece or vintage watch worth owning.
The Gallery
Plan Your Visit Step inside
