When the art of medal-making meets leather excellence

Saphir Médaille d’Or and the Museum of the Legion of Honour: a partnership dedicated to heritage and transmission

A family passion turned cultural commitment

As the second-generation heir to the family venture, Alexandre MOURA founded and successfully developed the company AVEL. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by a constant pursuit of quality, a deep attachment to craftsmanship and the international influence of Saphir Médaille d’Or, earned him the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1996. This national distinction honoured not only the economic success of the company, but also its role in promoting a longstanding French craft tradition.

Following this honour, Alexandre MOURA developed a passion for the history of the Order and decided to assemble a representative collection of the Legion of Honour insignia, from 1802 to the present day, along with a wide range of French decorations. Driven by the desire to preserve this heritage, he chose to share it through the loan of one of his most remarkable pieces to the Musée de la Légion d’Honneur: a spectacular insignia belonging to King Joseph, brother of Napoleon I. This gesture marked the beginning of an exceptional partnership.

A unique collection, witness to the history of France

Following in his father’s footsteps, Marc MOURA continued to expand and enrich this collection with the same passion and high standards. He brought it to a new dimension by incorporating historical artefacts from the Napoleonic period. He gathered artworks of great value that belonged to Napoleon, the imperial family and high dignitaries, such as the magnificent writing desk offered by Catherine of Württemberg to King Jérôme, a masterpiece created by Biennais.

Jerome's writing desk

The collection is not limited to the Napoleonic era: it spans from General Charles de Gaulle to earlier periods of French history, illustrated for example by “La Calaisienne”, a medal depicting Joan of Arc and Charles VII.

Liberation Cross

Calaisienne

Today, the collection includes 1,200 pieces, all selected for their historical significance, rarity and craftsmanship. These insignia and objects tell not only the story of their illustrious recipients, but also the history of France itself. Convinced that this is a national heritage to be preserved, Marc Moura works to prevent its dispersion across the world and ensures that it remains freely accessible to the widest possible audience.

We warmly invite you to discover the exhibition celebrating the centenary of the Museum of the Legion of Honour, open until 23 November 2025. On this occasion, many exceptional pieces from the Alexandre MOURA Alma FRC collection will be presented and showcased in an unprecedented manner.

The Museum of the Legion of Honour: culture for all

Located opposite the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Museum of the Legion of Honour and the Orders of Chivalry embodies this mission of transmission. Free and open to all, it allows visitors to discover unique pieces that reflect the values, accomplishments and stories of the men and women who have shaped the Nation. Through these decorations, the museum brings entire chapters of French history back to life and pays tribute to those who distinguished themselves through merit.

A nod between two Gold Medals

The connection between Saphir and the Museum of the Legion of Honour becomes even more meaningful when remembering that Saphir also received a prestigious gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1925. Since then, quality, tradition and innovation have been the guiding principles of Saphir Médaille d’Or.

Today, through this cultural patronage, the brand continues its mission of excellence by supporting the enhancement of decorations that are themselves synonymous with prestige and recognition.

Accessible works, a living heritage

By strengthening its partnership with the Museum of the Legion of Honour, the Moura family enables this private collection to become a shared cultural asset, open to all. Visitors can admire rare pieces that complement and enrich the national collections. Thus, the history of France continues to be embodied through exceptional objects, symbols of honour, merit and collective memory.