Jewelery and history of the Chaumet Jewelry House

The Chaumet brand is an old Parisian jewelry house - the House of Chaumet, which begins its history in 1780. The founder of the House of Chaumet, Marie-Etienne Nito, studied under the then famous Aubert, a jeweler Marie Antoinette... In 1789 he opens his own shop and attracts the attention of the French aristocracy. Soon, Nito became Napoleon's personal jeweler and, commissioned by the emperor, created a consular sword, which was adorned with the famous Regent diamond.

Nito works with his son. The jewelry they create is imbued with the spirit of lush luxury and the symbolism of power. For the coronation of Emperor Napoleon, the jeweler made imperial regalia, an imperial sword, an imperial crown and a diadem.

The history of the House of Chaumet is famous for its unusual romantic traditions, which appeared for the first time in the era of Napoleon and are directly related to the names of Napoleon and his beloved Josephine de Beauharnais... One of these traditions is acrostic bracelets. There was a secret in these bracelets, known only to two. Encrypted in the initial letters of precious stones, connecting with each other in a bracelet and flaunting on the hands of elegant ladies, acrostic bracelets could reveal the name of a lover or some significant date.

The history of this hobby began in the era of Napoleon, when he was passionately in love with the beautiful Josephine, who adored jewelry. And jeweler Marie-Etienne Nito supported Josephine's passion for gemstones. Every day, more and more jewelry appeared in the box of the "incomparable Josephine". And among many of them in the collection of the empress were acrostic bracelets made of gems. From the first letters of the precious stones, one could read the names of her beloved children - the son of Eugene, the future Viceroy of Italy, and the daughter of Hortense, the future Queen of Holland.

The messages, encrypted with the names of precious stones, were also loved by the second wife of Napoleon, Empress Maria-Louise of Habsburg. She also got the beautiful jewelry of the jeweler Nito. Among the many jewelry creations were three acrostic bracelets that could open - her name, date of birth, the day she met Napoleon - March 27, 1810, their wedding day - April 10, 1810. Napoleon gave Marie-Louise snow-white pearls, diamonds and colored gemstones.

The business of the Nito dynasty was continued by the jewelers Jean Baptiste Vossen and his son Jules, who were succeeded by Jean Valentin Morel. Morel, together with his son Prosper, after the revolution of 1848, opens a branch of Chaumet in London and conquers England. Soon he became the jeweler of Queen Victoria, who ordered jewelry according to her own sketches, and captivated the English aristocrats with her jewelry masterpieces. Among Chaumet's admirers were Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie, Parisian bankers and industrialists, as well as Indian maharajas ...

The masters of the House of Shome made numerous jewelry for the European nobility, including various swords and swords for emperors, necklaces, necklaces, bracelets, snuff boxes, egrets decorated with famous diamonds, tiaras, gothic chatelain chains, acrostic bracelets, tiaras, brooches, crowns ... Each piece is a true work of art.

Having married the daughter of Prosper Morel, the talented master Joseph Chaumet became the head of the Jewelry House in 1885. He quickly gained popularity among kings and aristocrats, creating both elegant and imposing jewelry. His tiaras and egrets are not only fashion accessories, but also symbols of high social status. The famous “Hummingbird” aigrette made of gold, silver, rubies and diamonds, “Rising Sun” is the harmony and purity of lines, luxury and sophistication. It was from the 80s, in honor of Joseph Chaumet, that the company became known as the House of Chaumet.

In 1907, the jeweler opens his shop on the Place Vendôme.

In 1928, the work of his father was continued by Marcel Chaumet. The style of the 20s is being replaced by the more feminine style of the 30s. Marseille uses contrasting combinations of colors and materials, as well as semi-precious stones. The company is at the forefront of fashion trends that combine Parisian chic, taste and style.

House Chaumet now owns over 45 exclusive stores and over 300 boutiques scattered around the world. In addition to jewelry, House Shome offers exquisite and luxurious perfumery. Chaumet perfumes are fragrances designed for those who have taste and style, who are akin to something bright and original.

The Jewelry House continues the tradition of the highest craftsmanship and at the same time knows how to live in harmony with its time. His works evoke strong emotions, carry secret messages and a whole world of feelings.

Modern craftsmen are trying to enrich the traditions of the old House. Using computer technology, the House of Chaumet created its own alphabet, using the names of 26 precious stones, which corresponds to the number of letters of the Latin alphabet. From the first letters of the names of the stones and Roman numerals that can be placed between the stones, any name and date are formed. Since 2005, in addition to acrostic bracelets, similar necklaces, necklaces, brooches, and earrings have appeared. Indeed, any fantasy can be embodied in jewelry, and secret messages will be understandable only to initiates and beloved ones.