Chaumet and Cartier showcase heritage in high jewellery

The historic French jewellery houses Chaumet and Cartier continue to define the high jewellery sector through distinct legacies and craftsmanship.

Chaumet, established in 1780 by Marie-Étienne Nitot, rose to prominence as the official jeweller to Napoleon, creating pieces for his 1804 coronation and for Empresses Joséphine and Marie-Louise. The house became renowned as a specialist in tiaras for European aristocracy during the nineteenth century and later embraced Art Deco styles in the 1920s and 1930s. It has maintained its presence at 12 Place Vendôme since 1907.

Cartier has unveiled its Le Chœur des Pierres high jewellery collection, which features 125 unique creations. The collection focuses on the inherent character of individual gemstones as the starting point for design. Overseen by Alexa Abitbol, the manufacture involved nearly 400 artisans and required more than 85,000 hours of labor to complete the collection.