Chaumet: Parisian Jeweler Since 1780

(Hardback)

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Description

This ultimate reference on the legendary Parisian jeweler showcases Chaumet's key creations from 1780 to the present, drawing on unpublished archival material and contemporary designs.

Quintessential Parisian jeweler Chaumet has shaped the face of elegance since 1780. This monograph covers all of the company's innovative designs-from diamond tiaras to nature-inspired motifs to intricate timepieces-that vary from classic and timeless to opulent and avant garde.

Celebrating centuries of history-Chaumet's founder was the official jeweler to Napoleon I-this volume offers unique insight into the prestigious house and its legacy. This comprehensive monograph illuminates how the brand-while maintaining an unmistakable and lustrous sense of Parisian elegance-has continually reinvented itself by drawing upon multifarious sources of inspiration. Their designs include elements drawn from the Italian Renaissance, art nouveau, art deco, avant-garde periods, the "New Look," and the decadence of the '60s and '70s.

A team of expert authors illuminate the tension between tradition and the constant quest for innovation, which is the very essence of Chaumet's vitality and creativity, passed down through the generations. From Napoleon and Josephine, to the maharajas and the Vanderbilts, to stars of the silver screen, this monograph traces the glamorous figures who have entrusted the fine jeweler with commemorating their most momentous celebrations.

Reviews

"Chaumet: Parisian Jeweler Since 1780 exceeds expectation when it comes to its content and quality, and shatters any preconceived ideas about the brand itself. Unquestionably Henri Loyrette has proffered a glorious volume that meticulously and assiduously traces Chaumet from its beginnings to its present, which means you are made privy to a history that spans almost three centuries. Not only is this the tale of the brand, but the author serves up equal parts European history, aristocracy genealogy, gemology, philosophy, sociology, and pervasive trends at each given time span in history."
New York Journal of Books

"The New Chaumet Book Is A Real Treasure... a must have for any jewelry library"
TheAdventurine.com

"...this eye-catching monograph offers a unique insight into the prestigious houses artistic sensitivity through a carefully-curated selection of its most iconic and extravagant museum pieces."
FranceToday.com

Author Bio

Curator and art historian Henri Loyrette is a specialist in nineteenth-century art.

Bruno Ehrs is a lifestyle and architectural photographer. His photographs appear in One Savile Row (Flammarion, 2014) and A Day at Chteau de Vaux-de-Vicomte (Flammarion, 2015).

Nils Herrmann is a German photographer specializing in luxury goods, fine jewelry, watches, and furniture design.