The importance of transmission…

Transmission of style Omega Replica
Visitors will be welcomed by an arrangement of historic photographs, in a visually graphic black and white composition of alternating original prints on paper and negatives on glass. This body of photographic works, which includes 350 000 documents, of which 33 000 are negatives on glass, was the idea of Joseph Chaumet, a keen promotor of scientific breakthroughs and new techniques. As early as 1885, he employed an in-house photographer, who preserved for eternity each of the jewellery pieces to come out of the workshop.
Transmission of a culture
A selection of works dating from the Romantic period to this day was selected among the Maison’s 55 000 preserved drawings, immersing the viewers into the creative process. A view of these documents, from the books gathering the designs of the Belle Epoque - all drawn by recipients of the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome award - to today’s “moodboards”, allows visitors to understand how the designers’ artistic research fuels inspiration.
 
Design of a naturalist necklace, circa 1945, Chaumet, Collection Chaumet Paris. © Chaumet
Transmission of craftsmanship
After passing through the majestic Grand Salon, classified as a historic monument, the guests discover the jewels. First in the Salon des Diadèmes (the Tiara Room), where historic and contemporary pieces are displayed side by side. Then in the Salon des Perles, where the Maison’s artisans sit at their workbenches and explain the art of jewellery. The craftsmen are the spiritual heirs of Nitot, the founder, perpetuating the highest standards of excellence that have been the Maison’s signature since 1780.
 
The jewellery workshop in 1930. Original photograph Collection Chaumet Paris. © Chaumet
Une Education Sentimentale in the Musée Ephémère
This year, Chaumet invites guests to visit a second exhibition; Une Education Sentimentale (A Sentimental Education), on view in the Musée Ephémère. The scenography offers a sensorial path through the history of sentimental jewellery, from the First Empire to this day. Once again, the importance of transmission is put forward with a harmonious exchange of creations from the past and the present.