Joseph Chaumet: Master of the Tiara (1852-1928)
By marrying the daughter of Prosper Morel and by taking over the running of the House in 1885, Joseph Chaumet imposed himself as the uncontested Master of the Belle Époque with his outstanding creativity. The creation of jewellery that was both elegant and imposing attracted a royal and aristocratic clientele. Tiaras and aigrettes, social emblems and fashion accessories, were important business lines for the House, inspiring the creation of the Colibri Aigrette in gold, silver, rubies and diamonds from 1894, the Aigrette Soleil Levant with a Sun motif reflecting the influence of Japanese art, and the Bourbon-Parme tiara in platinum and diamonds from 1919. In 1907 he opened the boutique at 12, Place Vendôme.
