Chaumet moved to no. 12 Place Vendôme in 1807 when it opened inside the historic Baudard de Saint James hotel, where its flagship boutique remains today.
One of the oldest jewellery houses in Paris, Chaumet was founded in 1780 under the original name Nitot and Fils. As the official jeweller to Napoléon, Chaumet created the royal regalia for the Emperor's coronation, and the royal jewels for both his first wife Empress Joséphine and his second wife Marie-Louise of Austria. A visit to the boutique will uncover a dazzling world inspired by the Empress, with tiaras old and new adorning the walls of the grand rooms, and exquisite Joséphine jewels refined for today’s modern aesthetic.
Jewellery collections are luxuriously displayed in a setting that evokes the Maison’s rich heritage. Hidden upstairs on the second floor of this historical monument is the oldest salon in Place Vendôme, as well as Chaumet’s atelier, archives and design studio.
Why visit?
The first jeweller in Paris to open on Place Vendôme, Chaumet has more than 230 years of history and craftsmanship all under one roof. For a taste of what Chaumet does best, head straight for the Joséphine collection of watches and jewellery, which pays homage to its first muse, Empress Joséphine.
Six timeless watch collections, all designed in-house, illustrate the Chaumet savoir faire. Its watches capture the essence of Parisian elegance, from the Dandy model featuring a Swiss-made mechanism that was developed by Chaumet, to the limited edition Hortensia tourbillon set with diamonds and Grand Feu enamel in blue and purple tones. These watches are an impressive testament to the skill of the Maison’s master craftsmen.
Forever inspired by its rich history, Chaumet's heritage is always on show. For more than 200 years, its high jewellery workshops have remained within its headquarters above the boutique at 12 Place Vendôme. Chaumet undertakes the whole production process, from first sketch to finished jewel. Using expertise that has been passed down from generation to generation, its master jewellers still sit at the same 200-year-old wooden workbenches crafting each and every piece of Chaumet jewellery by hand, from one-off collections of high jewellery to diamond engagement rings, watches and tiaras - an enduring symbol of the House of Chaumet.
As official jeweller for the wedding of Emperor Napoléon I and Joséphine, Chaumet sets the highest standards when it comes to bridal jewellery. The boutique on Place Vendôme offers a complete line of classic and modern styles for him and her, including the Joséphine engagement ring inspired by the Chaumet tiara, and the Bee My Love collection, which pays tribute to Chaumet’s great history with Napoléon.
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