CROWNING GLORY

Chaumet Josephine collection

Napoleon Bonaparte survived many wars, but he succumbed to empress Josephine’s charms. And while the empress had one of the world’s most powerful men wrapped around her little finger, she was not immune to the bewitching dazzle of gemstones – Chaumet’s gemstones, to be exact.

Once official jeweller to the empress, the brand continues to take her as its regal muse today.

The maison’s ties to its history have always remained strong – its flagship boutique, studio and workshop still occupy the same 18th-century townhouse in Place Vendome, where it has been since its founding in 1780.

A direct nod to the maison’s royal connection is the Josephine collection. Name aside, its chosen motif, the tiara, appears miniaturised and set with gems, reimagined as rings, bracelets and pendants.

Chaumet’s signature pear cut features strongly in the centre stone that tops each miniature tiara like a crowning gem. www.chaumet.com ≠