Maison Chaumet: Heritage and Imperial Radiance

Initially an apprentice to Ange-Joseph Aubert, Marie-Antoinette's jeweler, Marie-Étienne Nitot founded her own Maison Chaumet in 1780. Starting out as a luxury jeweler in Paris, she quickly gained the favor of Napoleon Bonaparte and his court.

After designing Napoleon's coronation crown and sword, Marie-Étienne Nitot became Empress Josephine's personal jeweler . In 1812, he was succeeded by his son, François-Regnault, who transferred the Maison 's workshops. Chaumet was the first company to establish itself on Place Vendôme, at number 15, now the Ritz Paris .

After the decline of the Empire, Nitot's successors focused on jewelry with a romantic natural theme. Chaumet also distinguished itself as a watchmaker, creating a wristwatch presented to Princess Augusta of Bavaria by Prince Eugène de Beauharnais . One of the watches indicates the hours, while the other serves as a calendar.

Joseph Chaumet , the Maison 's namesake, led the brand from 1885 to 1928. A master of the Belle Époque style, he popularized aigrettes and tiaras as social symbols and fashion statements, defining Chaumet's expertise. In 1907, the Maison moved to 12 Place Vendôme, its iconic address today.

Over the years, Chaumet has perpetuated its style by creating tiaras, fine jewelry pieces, and exceptional watches, reflecting refined Parisian taste, always in search of novelty. In 1977, Chaumet unveiled a new signature collection: Liens , celebrating attachments and connections in all their forms.

Following on from this iconic collection, Chaumet created two new signature collections: In 2010, the Joséphine de Chaumet collection paid tribute to Empress Joséphine , the House 's first major client. Aesthetically, it was inspired by the tiara, Chaumet's specialty.

In 2011, the Bee My Love collection was born, reflecting Chaumet 's dear nature theme and Joséphine's love of all things botanical. The bee and hive motifs were revisited to create a marvelous and highly symbolic garden.

Maison Chaumet celebrates its 240th anniversary in style, unveiling the new decor of its historic address at 12 Vendôme . Today, the Hôtel Baudard de Sainte-James houses a boutique, cultural lounges where part of the Maison 's heritage is revealed, as well as the Haute Joaillerie workshop.