With its gold-nugget texture, sculptural form and electric hues, this modernist ring does not immediately announce itself as the work of Chaumet, the heritage French jewelry house founded in 1780. Its best-loved pieces tend to be more classic in style, including a long and impressive line of diamond-encrusted tiaras befitting the official jeweler to Empress Joséphine.
“The artistry of this ring is rooted in classic design. But over its two centuries of history, the brand’s jewels have been influenced by the eras in which they were created,” says 1stDibs seller Nadine Krakov, who is offering the piece. “Chaumet’s design approach was at a turning point in the nineteen sixties and seventies, a time of experimentation and freedom.”
The ring promises to be especially appealing to Chaumet collectors, “who have developed an eye for high-end workmanship,” says Krakov. “They are leaning toward pieces that are decorated with interesting and unique details.”
Adding to its allure is the fact that Chaumet is making its debut on the world stage as the official creator of the medals that will be awarded during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Gold, silver and bronze all feature metal “sunrays” radiating from a central hexagon — a nod to France’s hexagonal shape — fashioned of iron from the Eiffel Tower.
In terms of design, do the medals and the ring intersect? Krakov thinks so. “The sculptural and architectural influences are what these pieces have in common,” she says. “Additionally, the unique metal texture plays an important role in shaping their overall look — innovative textures and finishes were Chaumet’s signature.”
For the true Chaumet aficionado, however, the ring’s distinctive character is far more important than any glamorous association with les Jeux Olympiques. “Despite its abstract look, it’s well proportioned and carries a calculated symmetry,” says Krakov. “The fact that you can switch the stone is one of those clever, intricate Chaumet details that make its pieces so great.”
