A GEM-SET AND DIAMOND 'SPIDER WEB' PENDANT NECKLACE, BY CHAUMET

Whimsically designed as a spider web set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending an insect set with an oval-shaped amethyst...

A GEM-SET AND DIAMOND 'SPIDER WEB' PENDANT NECKLACE, BY CHAUMET

Whimsically designed as a spider web set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending an insect set with an oval-shaped amethyst cabochon and similarly-cut diamond, linked by a circular-cut pink sapphire, to a double trace-link chain, mounted in 18K gold, diamonds approximately 0.80ct total, chain and pendant signed Chaumet Paris, numbered, French assay marks, pendant length 7.5cm, necklace length 42.5cm

* Please note that the suspending insect is detachable

Chaumet

Chaumet was founded in 1780 by Marie-Etienne Nitot, with an establishment at the heart of place Vendôme. His creativity and quality of workmanship, led him to become one of the most sought-after jewellers in Europe and thus establish a loyal and prestigious clientele.

The history of Chaumet has been entwined with the History of France, with Nitot and his son, Francois Regnault Nitot becoming the official jeweller to Napoleon during the Consulate and the Empire. Napoleon's marriage to Joséphine, then to Marie-Louise of Habsburg-Lorraine, Queen Marie-Antoinette's great-niece, resulted in some impressive commissions for Chaumet.

Following the fall of the Empire, Nitot's successors Jean-Baptiste Fossin and his son, Jules dedicated themselves to romantic jewellery inspired by the decorative arts of the Italian Renaissance and of the French 17th-century.

In 1848, Jules Fossin set up a London branch in partnership with J.V., Morel, assisted by his son Prosper. On his return to Paris in 1954, Prosper Morel joined Jules Fossin whom he succeeded in 1868. Prospers Morels daughter married Joeseph Chaumet in 1875. With exceptional creativity and inspired by the re-enchantment of nature, Joseph Chaumet came to be recognised as an undisputed master of the Belle Époque. In 1889, Chaumet took over the company and gave his name to the House.

In the 1920s Chaumets jewellery styles became more geometric in line, following art deco style, characterised by strong contrasts in colours and materials, the use of semi-precious stones, black and white, as well as exotic inspirations. The 1930s saw Chaumet becoming more feminine, continuing its style while exploring a certain modernity that echoed fine Parisian taste, ever in search of novelty and the avant-garde. In 1970, gold jewellery, sometimes set with hardstone, bronze or mother-of-pearl, was on offer in a new boutique concept.

Chaumets legacy of bucolic beauty is a deep well of inspiration that bridges past and present designs. Today, the bees share Chaumet's garden-inspired Jardins Collection with the spider, weaving its perilous web, playing their game of amorous hide-and-seek. The Hortensia collections invite us into a delicate garden filled with vibrant colour, the Bee my love collection, including the diamond bee and the honeycomb motif celebrate an imperial pledge of love and the Attrape Moi collection once again highlights the bee.

For more than 230 years Chaumets excellence in high Jewellery has been passed down through generations of jewellers. Diamonds and precious stones, carefully selected for their exceptional clarity and brilliance, are sculpted into round, cushion, oval, emerald or the Houses signature pear-shaped cut and then the jewellers, stone setters, polishers and engravers give life to the jewels, exhibited in magnificent pieces of jewellery.

 

 

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