All images are copyrighted and strictly for educational and viewing purposes.

The House of Chaumet  founded in 1780 by Marie-Étienne Nitot. He began in 1780 as an apprentice to Aubert, court jeweller to Queen Marie-Antoinette. He survived the French Revolution and, in 1802, was appointed jeweller to Emperor Napoleon. Nitot created jewellery symbolising the pomp and power that Napoleon wished to convey. These include the wedding jewels of Josephine de Beauharnais and Marie Louise of Austria. Nitot also designed Napoleon’s coronation crown, his ceremonial sword and many other court ornaments.