The 12 Vendôme is the showcase of House CHAUMET, it is also the title of the last book of Gallimard Découvertes Editions in honor of the famous jeweler, 12 Vendôme la Maison Chaumet.
at Gallimard Editions
This book invites us to discover this unique place that saw the magnificent creations of the jewelry and tiaras of Empress Joséphine. It is important to remember that this address represents 240 years of history.
It should be noted that the founders of the Maison, the jeweler Nitot family, settled in Place Vendôme in 1812. They already had an aristocratic and wealthy clientele, so their orders were prestigious. Moreover, Marie-Étienne Nitot was chosen to serve the Regent on the ornate sword of Napoleon Bonaparte. Therefore, the Maison would fulfill exceptional orders for Empress Joséphine and then for Marie-Louise. Later in 1889 Joseph Chaumet officially became the owner of the Maison. It should be noted that when the jeweler is mentioned, CHAUMET We immediately think of the diadems. Indeed, they are the hallmark of this house, which is constantly renewed.
Detail of the mock-up wall in metalwork © Chaumet
Thus, the book takes us into the jewelry house’s universe. CHAUMET. The reader enters the Chopin salon to enjoy the superb view of the Vendôme Column. Then, he discovers a unique collection in the diadem salon. Similarly, the soul of the Maison CHAUMET It is preserved thanks to its heritage of drawings, gouaches, account books and orders. Finally, the reader enters the high jewelry workshop to discover all the magic of the creations. After that, we finish with a visit to the store with a ode to love from the staircase where Napoleon’s fiery declarations are inscribed.
In conclusion, this book allows us to appreciate the recent restoration of 12 Vendôme by offering a beautiful immersion in the house’s universe. CHAUMET.
