Under the scientific direction of Henri Loyrette, the exhibition is built around Chaumet’s patrimonial wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Imperial Splendours spans the history of the Maison from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st and illustrates the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire.

Diadem with briar roses and jasmine flowers. Jean Baptiste Fossin, circa 1830. Gold silver and diamonds- The Bedford Estates Collection

The presentation of the diadem of the 21st century, the result of a creative competition at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, closes the exhibition while opening the doors to the future. During centuries, Chaumet creations have echoed the excellence of the decorative arts, to become a major reference in the history of taste, the Parisian spirit and a certain French art de vivre.

Ears of the wheat bending in the wind, Diadem. Francois Regnault Nitit-circa 1811. Gold silver and diamonds ,Chaumet Paris Collection

Peacock Feather brooch, Prosper Morel- circa 1870. Gold silver sapphires rubies and diamonds- Chaumet Paris Collection

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing (formerly known as the Forbidden City), the exhibition reveals a timeless heritage, its history, its traditions and creations while defining the contours of a style, language and visual codes that engage in a continuous dialogue with the great artistic movements of the times. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and objets d’art, illustrate Chaumet’s characteristic “art of jewellery”.

Sapphire and Diamond bracelet, Marcel Chaumet 1945. Gold silver diamonds and sapphires: Chaumet Paris Collection

Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come together to support the event, namely the Musée du Louvre, the Château de Fontainebleau and the Victoria and Albert Museum of London. Through a selection of works belonging to the Palace Museum, the exhibition offers an exchange between the Chinese and French jewellery arts, imagined around a mutual culture of excellence, to unveil shared inspirations and reciprocal influences.

Hummingbird Aigrette, Joseph Chaumet-circa 1880. Gold silver rubies and diamonds, Chaumet Paris Collection

The exhibition ‘Chaumet’s Imperial Splendours: The Art of Jewellery Since The 18th Century’ will be open from April 11th until July 2nd, 2017 at Wu men Room, Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, Beijing.