Trends

A New Book Is Dedicated to Chaumet Tiaras

TrendsMar 11, 2020

A New Book Is Dedicated to Chaumet Tiaras

Out next month from Thames & Hudson, it’s destined to be one of the hottest jewelry books of the year.

20200311_Chaumet-header.jpg
Fuchsias tiara known as the Bourbon-Parma tiara, Joseph Chaumet, 1919, in platinum and diamonds. Paris Chaumet collections. © Simone Cavadini – Talent & Partner / IIIRD Man

New York—The utmost decadence and exquisite artistry get their due in a new coffee table tome dedicated to the tiara.

“Chaumet Tiaras: Divine Jewels,” out next month from Thames & Hudson, showcases some of the most exquisite headpieces from the storied jeweler.

Founded in 1780 in Paris, Maison Chaumet rose to acclaim as the jeweler of choice for Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon.


Here, the Bourbon-Parma tiara, also seen at top, is pictured on model. Paris Chaumet Collections. © Julia Hetta – Art + Commerce / IIIRD Man
"Chaumet Tiaras” charts nearly 250 years of the iconic style in vivid photographs and illustrations.

Featured styles are cleverly grouped into thematic categories, rather than chronologically: Nature, Sky, Freeforms and Power. Illustrations and photographs of past pieces seamlessly mix with modern Chaumet high jewelry styles pictured on models. 

Nature explore flowers, leaves, water and wheat motifs. The latter rose to fashion under Empress Josephine, who influenced the resurgence of classical motifs. An ear of wheat symbolized fertility. (The style has even enjoyed recent high jewelry tributes.)


Joséphine Aigrette Impériale tiaras in white gold with cultured pearls and diamonds (top; white gold, ruby and diamonds (center); and white gold and diamonds (below), 2018 © Simone Cavadini – Talent & Partner / IIIRD Man
Sky shows the incorporation of suns, stars, moons and birds. Highlights are striking, Modernist “sun aigrette” styles from Joseph Chaumet, who designed for the house from 1885 to 1928.

Freeforms emphasizes geometry, graphics, garlands and friezes, all of which feel startlingly modern, particularly illustrations of bandeau tiaras by Joseph Chaumet and his son, Marcel Chaumet, who succeeded his father in the business in the Art Deco era.


Leuchtenberg tiara, transformable into a brooch and hair ornaments, Jean-Baptiste Fossin, c.1830-40 in gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. Paris, Chaumet collections © Simone Cavadini – Talent & Partner / IIIRD Man

Lastly, Power encompasses tiaras that embody regalia, sentiment and seduction, or feature symbols. It’s full of tiaras created for and worn by royalty, as well as some contemporary styles we wish we would see more of—on the Oscars red carpet, perhaps.

Chaumet Tiaras includes introductory essays by Victoria & Albert Museum jewelry curator Clare Phillips and fashion journalist Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni, who explore the tiara’s history and role in society.

With over 200 illustrations, Chaumet Tiaras is destined to be the jewelry book of the spring, if not the year.

It’s available on April 28.


Étoiles tiara, white gold and diamonds. “Les Ciels de Chaumet” collection, 2019 © Joaquin Laguinge – Blanc Agency / IIIRD Man
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

The Retail Smith Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond Market

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Emerald logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald Acquisition

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

Graff Seraphina Brooch and Lina Pendant
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches Metamorphosize

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue mine in Canada
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De Beers

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones Exempt

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

Vhernier Freccia High Jewelry Necklace
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High Jewelry

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Krista Collins Walters
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of Instore

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Attendees at the Jewelry Symposium
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 Event

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

HOWL Frida Venetian Glass Collar
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ Campaign

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A diamond ring in a jewelry box
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot Sale

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

Unveiling Rarities
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens Memoir

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Guzema Founder and Creative Director Valeriya Guzema and Co-Owner and CEO Mariana Lenha
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year Anniversary

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

Main camp at Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

Necklace from Vhernier’s “Freccia” high jewelry collection
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a Row

Jewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.

Grace Barden
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice Graduate

The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.

Jewelers of Louisiana 80th Annual Convention Logo
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th Convention

The event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.

Lucara diamond
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in Botswana

The yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.

Barry Berman
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81

The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report

The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Pomellato Eye of Tanzanite Necklace and Pin-Up Ring
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is Liberating

Bold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”

Foundrae London Store Showcases
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside US

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

FBI Most Wanted image of Alberto Perez-Elias
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted List

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy