The History of Chaumet

Pragnell is excited to showcase a carefully curated collection of pieces from Chaumet, a renowned French jewellery and watchmaking house with a rich legacy dating back to the late 18th century. Chaumet was family-owned primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Joseph Chaumet took over the company and gave it his name.

Georgian Chaumet Oval Cut Pink Topaz, Enamel, Diamond and Pearl Necklace

In 18ct Yellow Gold

£180,000

Chaumet Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby Floral Necklace

in 18ct Yellow Gold

£71,500

Chaumet Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby Floral Bracelet

in 18ct Yellow Gold

£34,000

Belle Epoque Chaumet Long Diamond Necklace

in Platinum

£51,000

DISCOVER

The Early Years

Chaumet was founded in 1780 by Marie-Étienne Nitot, the official jeweller to Napoleon Bonaparte. Nitot and his son, François-Regnault Nitot, crafted exquisite jewellery for the Empress Joséphine, Napoleon’s first wife, and created iconic symbols of imperial power, including crowns, swords, and diadems. As a result, Chaumet quickly became synonymous with the grandeur and style of the French Empire, establishing a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of luxury jewellery today.

Chaumet Oval Cut Pink Topaz, Enamel, Diamond and Pearl Necklace.jpg

Transition and Expansion

After Napoleon's fall, the business was sold and passed through various hands, with each owner maintaining the house's high standards. In 1815, Jean-Baptiste Fossin took over and continued to cater to an aristocratic and royal clientele. Moving into the mid-19th century, the brand gained significant popularity among European courts, notably under the leadership of Prosper Morel and later his son-in-law, Joseph Chaumet.

Joseph Chaumet

Joseph Chaumet gave his name to the house in the 1880s and established Chaumet at 12 Place Vendôme in Paris in 1907, a location it continues to occupy today. The brand gained a reputation for its exquisite Belle Époque tiaras and its Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs. Throughout its history, Chaumet has catered to a prestigious clientele, including royalty, aristocrats, and influential figures from Europe and beyond.

Art Deco Asscher cut diamond ring by the House of Chaumet.jpg

Legacy

Chaumet continued to innovate during the Art Deco era, creating geometric and modern designs that reflected the times. After World War II, the brand adapted to changing styles, introducing more modernist and minimalist pieces to its collection.

Renowned particularly for its tiaras, Chaumet has crafted over 3,000 throughout its history. The brand is prestigious in the luxury market, symbolising Parisian elegance, imperial grandeur, and timeless craftsmanship.