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“My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart.” – Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine de Beauharnais, 17 July, 1796
Frozen in time lies a romantic tableau of one of history’s most fervent love stories. A fiery entanglement that spurred the passionate writings of an infamous Emperor to his lover, wife and lifelong obsession, Joséphine. The crowned Empress of France, though already a survivor of war, a widow and a single mother, Joséphine has long been seen through the veil of her husband, Napoleon Bonaparte. Yet, the woman who was both adored and shunned by the 18th century French commander is now revered for her own power and perseverance. A governess of grace and kindness, Joséphine is recalled for her spellbinding presence.
“She was the most alluring, most glamorous creature I have ever known. A woman in the fullest sense of the word – changeable, spirited and with the kindest of hearts.” – Napoleon on Joséphine, circa 1820
Seeking the most lauded artisans in Paris to indulge his bride, Bonaparte employed the design talents of one Marie-Étienne Nitot. The young jeweller, trained by Ange-Joseph Aubert, jeweller to Marie-Antoinette, had now created his own formidable atelier specialising in exquisite diamonds and precious metals. Commissioned to create the engagement ring for Joséphine (the now famed, side-by-side pairing of a pear-shaped diamond and sapphire), Nitot soon became her designated jeweller and, in turn, exceptionally regarded throughout Europe. His prowess would go on to become a legacy, one that would become the house of Chaumet. Chaumet, heralded worldwide for more than two centuries, still resides within the auspicious locale of the Place Vendôme in Paris, and continues to honour its rich history through a lens of romantic modernism.
“I have not spent a day without loving you; I have not spent a night without clasping you in my arms; I have not drunk a cup of tea without cursing the glory and ambition which keep me from the heart of my very being. In the midst of my activities, whether at the head of my troops or inspecting the camps, my adorable Joséphine stands alone in my heart, she occupies my mind and fills my thoughts.” – Napoleon to Joséphine, 30 March, 1796
If Napoleon’s writings are the narratives to understand Joséphine’s history, then her bijouterie is the talisman left to recall her grandeur. Pieces of exceptional accoutrement still adored and collected today, their value is ever-increasing. Chaumet remains the originator of this story, retaining the veritable link between the Empress and her splendid décor. Today, Chaumet’s Joséphine collection celebrates the woman herself. An homage to her elegance, strength and stoicism the Aigrette story hosts a cache of delicate, mesmerising diamonds, rubies and pearls; necklaces with pave-diamond and pear-cut pendants; and a cascading collection of eternal rings designed, in a tiara silhouette, to fit seamlessly together. Set in both white and yellow gold, the form and craftsmanship of Joséphine Aigrette esteems her majestic, timeless iconography, and makes for a powerful tribute to the ever-adored, ever-lasting queen.
“La France, l’armée, tête d’armée, Joséphine…”
“(France, the army, head of the army, Joséphine…)”
– Napoleon’s final words on his deathbed, 5 May, 1821.
TOP BANNER IMAGE: CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE RING IN WHITE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, SHOP NOW, JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE RING IN WHITE GOLD WITH AN AQUAMARINE AND DIAMONDS, SHOP NOW, JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE RING IN ROSE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, SHOP NOW, CHAUMET
GRAZIA x CHAUMET JEWELLERY PHOTO SHOOT CREW:
Creative Direction: Marne Schwartz & Dané Stojanovic / Photography: Vladimir Martí / Fashion Stylist: Laura Jane Brown / Communications Manager: Johana V Dana / Fashion Assistant: Charlotte Marsh-Williams / Lighting Assistant: Mark Anthony Directo Navarro / Model: Maria M / Fashion League UAE
DISCOVER CHAUMET’S ‘JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE’ COLLECTION HERE
THIS FEATURE IS PUBLISHED IN GRAZIA’S 18TH PRINT EDITION. ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.
