With a distinct elegance that was bound with a brush of irreverence, Empress Joséphine was the paragon of beauty in her time, forging a standard for the years that came after. Possessing a peerless flair in the arts of style and power alike, her reign at court was a feat in itself, matched only by her iconic influence upon fashion. Her allure gushed with regality, painting her as the most timeless muse for Chaumet – the Empress’s trailblazing grace serves as the spirit for the Maison’s signature jewellery collection.
The first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Joséphine held repute for often playing with the conventional codes of fashion and etiquette. Chaumet’s collection speaks to the modern independent woman who, very much like the Empress, does not shy away from revisiting societal norms. Together with this innovative attitude of fusing traditional jewellery codes with forward-looking renditions comes marked versatility – day or night, these pieces beautify appearances with ease.
Every element that uplifted the uniqueness of the Joséphine collection has only been reiterated in the newest launch; from the aigrette V to the pear-shaped gems and strokes of asymmetry amidst vibrant colours – they all persist, simply with more luxury.
Encircling the fingers in diamond-lined frames, two new intricately designed rings feature in the collection – one gleams in white gold and the latter in rose gold. The bangle bracelet in rose gold flourishes the V-shape of the jewel-adorned aigrette, certain to bedazzle at every moment it is worn. Joséphine showed great fondness for the pear cut – fashioned in trompe-l’œil and realised as fine drops, the unique cut appears in the oversized earrings and pendants.
While diamonds glimmer throughout the collection, the Maison chose to equally embrace an array of shades, incorporating sapphires and pear-shaped rubies to the jewellery pieces. These gems are meticulously set in several spots: burrowed in the V of the Joséphine Aigrette necklace and resting amidst the diamonds on the short Joséphine Duo Eternel necklaces.
The Maison continues to entertain its muse, designing jewellery watches that accent the horological aspect of the Empress’s collection. Piecing together fragments of Joséphine Aigrette, the pear-shaped timepieces come decked with alligator bracelets; the three available shades – red, green or blue – lay on satin and black leather. These jewellery watches, in their varied tones and distinct looks, sprinkle charm on telling the time.
A tribute to the Empress Joséphine, Chaumet’s twist to its classic collection honours the past while embracing an aesthetic fitting for contemporary times.
The Joséphine collection is available in store and online.
Images by Chaumet.