Decades before luxury French jewelry maisons such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier were born, Marie-Étienne Nitot (1750–1809) founded the house that became the internationally esteemed Chaumet, which, for centuries, has created timeless necklaces, watches, rings, tiaras and other jewelry and accessories for royalty as well as Hollywood luminaries.
Before opening his own jewelry house, Nitot worked as an apprentice to Ange-Joseph Aubert, court jeweler to Marie Antoinette, and collaborated on pieces for the Queen. In 1780, he left Aubert’s side to open his own maison.
Surviving the upheaval of the French Revolution, Nitot soon found lavish commissions with the new people in power. The Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte longed for France to once again be the epicenter of luxury, making himself the fashionable face of the prospering country. Nitot’s commissions for Napoléon began with the papal tiara for Pope Pius VII that included a 414-carat emerald among its thousands of precious stones and the 1804 coronation sword, a decadent piece that featured the 140-carat Regent diamond.
The young jewelry house soon became the official jeweler of the Imperial Court, the personal jeweler of Empress Joséphine and one of the most sought-after jewelers in Europe. Chaumet’s work in this era helped popularize the tiara as a status symbol, with ornate pieces designed for Joséphine and Empress Marie-Louise, Napoléon’s second wife.
After Nitot died in 1809, his son, François-Regnault, took over in 1812 and moved the maison into the Place Vendôme, making it the first business to occupy the Parisian center of luxury. By then, Chaumet had included timepieces in its offerings, such as bracelet watches adorned with precious gemstones and equipped with movements made by Breguet (which opened a shop on Place Vendôme in 1933).
After the fall of the Napoléon Empire, successors Jean-Baptiste and Jules Fossin focused more on romantic styles of jewelry that referenced the past and nature, an approach carried on by Valentin and Prosper Morel. It was Joseph Chaumet, director from 1885 to 1928, who gave the maison its illustrious name and brought it into the 20th century with jewelry, accessories and tiaras inspired by the extravagant decor of the Belle Époque.
Later, with Joseph’s son, Marcel Chaumet, succeeding him, the house would be featured at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris — from which the term Art Deco derives — and, alongside the likes of Cartier, would be seen as a leader in introducing the flamboyantly geometric designs and high-contrast color pairings of Art Deco jewelry to the global stage.
Chaumet has adapted over the years to meet changing tastes and trends. The house still reigns in the world of luxury jewelry, celebrating its 240th anniversary in 2020. Since 1999, it has been part of the LVMH Group. Its salons and high jewelry workshop continue to operate in the Place Vendôme where gem-setters, polishers and jewelers craft rings, earrings, watches and enduringly popular tiaras.
Find an exquisite range of authentic vintage Chaumet jewelry on 1stDibs.
Chaumet "Lien" Link Diamonds White Gold Wedding Engagement Band Ring
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring from Chaumet is made in 18kt gold. It is from the collection called “Lien”. It features a link with 5 small diamonds that links and closes the ring. “Lien” means ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
A Oval Sapphire Shouldered with Bullet Shaped Diamond
By Chaumet
Located in New York, US
A Oval Sapphire Shouldered with Bullet Shaped Diamond Accompanied With a SSEF Report Stamped by Chaumet
Diamond, Sapphire
CHAUMET 1970 Modernist Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Geometric Lapis
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural geometric ring designed by Chaumet. This is a fabulous sculptural cocktail ring created in Paris, France by the renowned jewelry house of Chaumet, circa 1970. The ring ...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Chaumet 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band. Plain Wedding Band France Signed
By Chaumet
Located in New York, NY
Manufacturer: Chaumet Jewelry Type: Wedding Ring Jewelry Style: Plain Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 4.5 US, A timeless expression of elegance, this vintage Chaumet wedding ban...
Yellow Gold
Chaumet Pavé Diamond Open Spiderweb Disc Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 7 This captivating and unique Chaumet diamond spiderweb cocktail ring is a truly dazzling piece that embodies sophistication and artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this fabulous designer ring showcases Chaumet's renowned craftsmanship and mastery in designing exceptional jewelry. Adorned with 1.00 carats of brilliant natural diamonds (G / VS1), this fabulous cocktail ring adds a touch of glamour and personality to your ensemble, while absolutely lighting up the finger. The sparkling diamonds are thoughtfully set throughout the disc to enhance the intricate spiderweb pattern, creating a breathtaking interplay of light and shadows. The polished split shank supports the impressive size of the piece, while the playful design makes for a true conversation starter. This Chaumet spiderweb ring...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chaumet Jeux de Liens Rose Gold and Diamond Ring
By Chaumet
Located in PARIS, FR
Discover the exquisite Jeux de Liens ring by Chaumet, crafted from 18K rose gold (750/1000). This elegant piece is hallmarked and numbered, guaranteeing its authenticity and superior...
18k Gold
Chaumet Pavé Diamond Open Spiderweb Disc Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These captivating and unique Chaumet diamond spiderweb earrings are a truly dazzling pair that embody sophistication and artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chaumet 18K Yellow Gold Horned Lugs Watch
By Chaumet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Chaumet Paris watch is a luxurious and sophisticated timepiece that embodies the elegance of Swiss craftsmanship. Made from high-quality 18k gold, it features a refined round case th...
18k Gold
Chaumet Etonche Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Chaumet
Located in Delray Beach, FL
From the luxury French watchmaker Chaumet, an exquisite 18K yellow gold and diamond Chaumet Paris Quartz Bracelet Watch. Twelve (12) diamonds mark each hour on this square 21mm watch...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Torsade De Chaumet Wedding Band Ring Size N (54)
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Here we have a diamond band ring from the world renowned French jewellery designer Chaumet. This platinum piece forms part of the Torsade de Chaumet collection and has been half pavé...
Diamond, Platinum
Chaumet Class One Diamond 18K White Gold Rubber Hoop Earrings
By Chaumet
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Elevate your style with the contemporary allure of these Chaumet Class One Diamond 18K White Gold Rubber Hoop Earrings. Meticulously crafted, these earrings are a testament to Chaume...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,928Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Chaumet Diamond Liens Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage Chaumet diamond Liens earrings in 18 karat yellow gold. This elegant and bold pair of earrings is each designed as a pleasing tapere...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Nugget Style Clip-On Earrings with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elegant designer earrings by French luxury designer, Chaumet. The luxurious 18 karat yellow gold pair feature a unique design and exquisite craftsmanship, making a sophisticated statement on the ear. These gorgeous earrings feature an 18 karat yellow gold nugget style center surrounded by a polished white gold border. Additional yellow gold surrounds that, as well as the scroll motif that is above and below the nugget...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
CHAUMET PARIS 18k Yellow Gold, Coral & Mother of Pearl Earrings Vintage
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chaumet Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Mother of Pearl & Coral Earrings Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ...
Coral, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Platinum Wedding Band. Tubal Wedding Band Platinum Signed 2.9mm
By Chaumet
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 US, Resizable Signed: Chaumet Metal: Platinum Style: Art Deco This exquisite vintage Chaumet wedding band is a timeless piece of fine jewelry, handcrafted in luxuri...
Platinum
18 K Yellow Gold Hoop Style Earrings with Iolite Signed Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Hoop style earrings, each centering an oval cut Iolite, total weight approximately 2.00 carat, bright deep blue and very well matched Iolites are bezel set at the top and b...
Iolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Paris Liens Smoky Quartz 18k White Gold Large Cocktail Dress Ring French
By Chaumet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Chaumet Paris “Liens” smoky quartz large cocktail or dress ring in 18K white gold, French, 2010s. This now discontinued Lien jewel by Chaumet is bezel-set to the center with a large ...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold