Brand Histories

• Jewellers to Napoleon
Marie-Etienne Nitot (1750-1809) and François-Regnault Nitot (1779-1853)

After completing his apprenticeship with Aubert, jeweller to Queen Marie-Antoinette, and opening his own store, Nitot developed an aristocratic clientele before the French Revolution of 1789. But it was only after 1802, when he became the official jeweller to Napoleon, that he acquired fame and fortune. Together with his son, François-Regnault he created jewellery that fully corresponded to the symbols of power and splendor laid down by the Age of Empire.

• The Romantic Period
Jean-Baptiste Fossin (1786-1848) and Jules Fossin (1808-1869)

With the fall of the Empire in 1815, François-Regnault retired and sold the business to the Master of his worshop, Jean-Baptiste Fossin, who was soon joined by his son Jules. Their elegant interpretation of ramantic jewels inspired by the art of the italian Renaissance and 18th century in France attracted the elite of the day, among whom was the Duchess de Berry and the entire family of King Louis-Philippe of France (1830-1848). The Fossins excelled in jewellery of the naturalist style. Among the main foreigners customers was Anatole Demidoff, the russian Prince married to b>Princess Mathilde, the nièce of Emperor Napoleon 1. The Fossins charmand skills also attracted a clientele composed of painters, sculptors, writers and stars of the stage.


• Napoleon III and Second Empire
Jean-Valentin Morel (1794-1860) and Prosper Morel (1825-18 ?)

The 1848 French Revolution led to a considerable slowdown in the business activity of the House of Fossin in Paris. The need to seek foreign customers made him move to London. He left the setting up to his Workshop Master Jean-Valentin Morel. Assisted by his son Prosper, Morel attracted a prestigious clientele. He became jeweller to Queen Victoria. With the declaration of the Second Empire by Napoleon III in 1852, Morel decided to return to France. His son Prosper succeeded Jules Fossin in 1862. Following the marriage of Eugénie de Montijo and Napoleon III in 1853, Paris regained its sparkling society and saw a return of its international reputation as a summit of luxury and fashion. The atmosphere was propitious for the creation of jewellery to be worn by day and by night with opulent ball gowns.


• The Belle Epoque
Joseph Chaumet (1852-1928)

Joseph Chaumet married the daughter of Prosper Morel and took over the direction of the firm in 1885. He was the uncontested master of the Belle Epoque for his creativity, which was truly exceptional. By creating jewellery that was both elegant and stately, he drew a royal and aristocratic clientele as well as numerous billionaires to his store located 12, Place Vendôme since 1907. Tiaras and aigrettes, which wre social badges and fashion accessories, were a major part of the firm’s business. Jewels to be worn during the day were inspired by the Renaissance. The influence of japanese art aroused a great deal of enthusiasm and holds a special place in the history of the Chaumet style.

• Art Déco
Marcel Chaumet (1886-1964)

Marcel Chaumet, taught the jeweller’s trade by his father Joseph succeeded him in 1928. The style of the firm’s jewellery became more geometric in keeping with the « tomboy » genre of the Roaring Twenties, turning more feminine in the 30’s. This style gave birth to Art Deco, crowned by the Arts Decoratifs exhibition in Paris in 1925 and characterized by strong contrasts in color and material.

• The Contemporary Area

In the wake of Christian Dior’s famous « New Look », Chaumet carefully maintained its reputation for style and quality. Designs mirrored the fine taste of Parisian women who were always on the lookout for something new. Untill 1965, Haute Joaillerie and Haute Couture were inseparable. From the 70’s, the easy-to-wear gold jewellery corresponded to a woman’s first personal purchase. Chaumet is international and proves that it is resolutely anchored in the modern day with its Khésis, Style de Chaumet and Class On watch collections. The jeweller also creates new, timeless « legends », such as vb>Anneau and Liens. Alway ahead of the latest trends, Chaumet is contemporary and classic at the same time and steadfastly remains distinctly Chaumet.