Chaumet & the Arab World
A journey in jewellery to the gates of the East
Curious about other cultures, the Maison turned its attention to the Middle East and North Africa at a very early stage. Chaumet put its own stamp on the Orientalism popular in the 19th century. Intricate motifs, calligraphy, gold lace and zellige tiles all nurtured the same sense of ornamentation. A source of inspiration that has become timeless.
1810
1812
A spectacular pearl parure
Of all the pieces made by the Maison for the Imperial Crown, this pearl parure surpassed anything seen before. It featured over 3,100 Oriental pearls, remarkable for their size and beauty. At the centre of the tiara sat a pearl weighing 346.27 grains, the largest known in Europe at the time, which was named “La Perle Napoléon” and later “La Régente”.
The savoir-faire of Parisian jewellers was put to use in crafting the finest gems from the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Mannar.
An exceptional piece. A symbol of power.
Berthaud, Photograph of La Perle Napoléon, known as La Régente, set in a brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie (overview and detailed view), 1887
1845
A land rich in inspiration
As an early source of inspiration, Algerian jewellery captivated prominent figures of the time, including the Duchess of Orléans.
Maison Fossin created a parure for her, comprising a necklace, two bracelets and a brooch, using fragments of jewellery from Algeria. Its artisans marvelled at the craftsmanship of the Algerian goldsmiths.
Design for a corsage brooch in an Orientalist style, Fossin period, around 1840; graphite pencil, ink and gouache on vellum – Chaumet Collections (Paris)
At Chaumet, inspiration from the Middle East and North Africa came in a thousand and one forms. Burnous pins, stones engraved with Arabic calligraphy and damascened pieces formed a rich and evocative repertoire.
A new visual language emerges. Chaumet creates its own variant.
Design for an Orientalist-style brooch featuring a crescent moon motif, around 1880 to 1890; gouache on tracing paper – Chaumet Collections (Paris)
1902
1999
Serving the royal courts
Chaumet has always adorned royalty with its creations. As early as 1902, the Maison sent a wide selection of jewellery to the young Sultan Moulay Abd al-Aziz in Morocco.
Later, it forged links with numerous Middle Eastern and North African royal courts, including that of King Hassan II of Morocco. The Maison notably created wedding tiaras for his three daughters.
From Lebanon, Assad Daou, official supplier to the Jordanian royal court, became Chaumet’s exclusive representative for the entire Middle East in 1967.
A relationship of trust. The recognition of exceptional savoir-faire.
Photograph of the tiara commissioned by King Hassan II of Morocco for the wedding of his daughter Lalla Meryem, 1984 – Chaumet Collections (Paris)
2022
A first stopover in Riyadh
Chaumet took its first heritage exhibition in the Middle East, Tiara Dream, to Riyadh. This decision spoke volumes about the region’s importance in the history of the Maison.
A new chapter begins. The dialogue continues.
2024
A new setting, Qatar
With the Chaumet & Nature exhibition in Qatar, the Maison strengthened its ties with the Middle East. A way of reaffirming, once again, the vitality of this relationship.
The exchange endures. And keeps shining.
2025
Houbara Haven, an exceptional piece
Designed by Aisha Alattiya, the Houbara Haven tiara was the result of a collaboration between Alfardan Jewellery, Qatar Museums, the M7 and Chaumet, spearheaded by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. The poetry of Awsaj, the lustre of the Gulf’s pearls and the majesty of falconry came together to pay tribute to Qatari culture. Created over 740 hours at 12 Vendôme, it combined Parisian high jewellery with Middle Eastern creativity.
Two legacies come together. Their story lives on.
