The Ties That Bind

Chaumet's CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt gives a fascinating insight on how the past informs the present at the maison.

- ALLYSON KLASS

While on a recent whirlwind trip to visit stores around Asia and Australia, CEO of Chaumet Jean-Marc Mansvelt makes a pitstop in Singapore and chats with Prestige about the latest pieces in the Liens collection, designing a haute joaillerie from the jewellery world's largest archives at the maison, and the link between two of the maison's biggest inspirations nature and French Empress Joséphine.

LIENS COLLECTION ENHANCED

Be it friendship, love, passion or affection, the bond between two people is thematic of Chaumet's Liens collection - through a contemporary reinterpretation of sentimental jewellery. The graphic design of the symbolic link appeared very early on in the maison's history since its founding in 1780. And in 1977, the house launched the timeless Liens collection. "The word 'liens' is very meaningful. It refers to the link or bond between two people, or it could mean a knot or binding," explains Mansvelt.

Among the new additions enriching the iconic line is the Liens Inséparables high jewellery collection. Representing the embrace of two souls intertwined, the pieces are imbued with elegant fluidity and suppleness synonymous with Chaumet. Two beautiful parures are offered.

Set in white gold with diamonds, the first consists of two necklaces (one short and the other in a delicate négligée style), a pair of cascading diamond earrings, a ring whose central stone is encircled by graceful curves, and a tiara of unparalleled finesse. Each piece is articulated or undulating, allowing it to be worn like a sensual second skin.