From its launch 244 years ago, haute jewelry maison Chaumethas been inextricably linked to the effortless harmony and delicate details found in nature, from the beat of a butterfly’s wings to the shimmering elegance of pearls. Now, that passion is reflected in a new exhibition in Doha, in collaboration with Qatar Museums, M7, and Qatar Creates. Chaumet & Nature: Nature-Inspired Jewellery Since 1780 celebrates the house’svision of botany and the beauty of nature, intertwined with a selection of historical pieces from Qatar Museum. Located at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the event continues the brands’ collaboration, which began in 2023 with the creationof the maison’s logo in Arabic by artist Zainab AlShibani, showcasing a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Photo: Courtesy Chaumet
Chaumet draws inspiration from the wild beauty of nature, from flora and fauna to celestial elements. As a naturalist jeweler since its origins at Place Vendôme in Paris in 1780, Chaumet has portrayed the vastness of the skies, the depths of the seas, and the hidden gems of the earth, translating them into jewel-encrusted designs that radiate natural symbolism. Violaine Bigot, head of heritage at Chaumet, says, “The maison’s meticulous study of botanical illustrations is evident in its incredibly lifelike floral designs. Meanwhile, the allure of the sea is captured through cascading diamonds that mimic the water’s flow, the use of luminous gemstones, and the incorporation of natural pearls. Celestial elements like the sun, moon, and stars are one of Chaumet’s most appreciated creations, and very much present in Middle Eastern and Gulf culture.”
This collaboration also highlights M7’s story and vision. Established by Qatar Museums under the leadership of HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, M7 is Qatar’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion, design, and technology. Maha Ghanim Al Sulaiti, director of M7, says, “The remarkable beauty of Chaumet’s collectionpresents the relationship between craftspeople and nature over the course of nearly a quarter of a millennium. Such craftsmanship resonates across many cultures and generations, proving that timeless beauty speaks to us all.”
Photo: Courtesy Chaumet
The exhibit takes visitors on a sensory journey through 240 years of naturalism. “This exhibition will display more than 100 Chaumet jewels from 1810 to 2023, revealing a fascinating interplay of materials, techniques, and evolving interpretations of nature,” explains Bigot. She further elaborates on the creative process through different eras: “The 19th century favored gold and silver to highlight precious stones, with designs reflecting a romantic and naturalistic view of flora and fauna. The dawn of the 20th century introduced platinum, while the art deco and retro periods embraced diamonds and hard stones, translating nature into more geometric and stylized forms. The 1970s ushered in a new era with the use of yellow and white gold, along with textured finishes, embracing a more abstract and expressive approach to natural themes.”
Chaumet’s connection to nature dates back to its founder, Marie-Étienne Nitot, who identified as a “naturalist jeweler.” Bigot says, “This deep connection was further strengthened during the reign of Napoléon and Empress Joséphine, a devoted botanist and Chaumet’s most celebrated icon. She commissioned numerous pieces featuring meticulously crafted flowers, leaves, and insects, solidifying Chaumet’s reputation for exquisite nature-inspired designs.”
The maison’s exploration of nature also extends to the treasures of the ocean, most notably the pearl. Deeply rooted in Qatar’s history, pearls hold a deep resonance for Chaumetas well. Joseph Chaumet exhibited a keen interest in the precious gems, establishing a laboratory in 1890 to verifytheir authenticity, and the house earned a reputation as aleading trader in the early 20th century. Qatar’s rich pearl-diving history links its legacy to the age-old art of pearl trading, spanning from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. “We wanted to celebrate this theme, which is dear to Chaumet, while also adapting it to Qatar by honoring the country’s natural resources and the shared savoir-faire innatural pearls between Qatar and Chaumet,” says Bigot. In tribute to this shared legacy, Qatari artist Shouq Al Mana was commissioned by the jewelry house to create an exclusive piece for the exhibition, celebrating her country’s pearl trading history and traditions. In addition, Qatari poet Salman Bin Khalid has written a poem for the exhibition, blending nature, Arabic poetry, and Chaumet’s artistic narrative. The exhibition’s dialogue is a marriage of words, nature, majestic metaphors, and jewelry, telling a story of art in its many forms.
Photo: Courtesy Chaumet
“Chaumet also finds beauty in the animal kingdom, incorporating creatures like the bee, the symbol of Napoléon, as well as birds, snakes, and butterflies into its designs. Wings, in particular, have been a key inspiration, hence the choice of our key visual,” explains Bigot. The creative process starts with detailed sketches, where every line adds depth and precision, capturing the designer’s emotions. A prime example is the transformable tiara/brooch created for Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, wife of 19th century American industrialist Harry Payne Whitney. Each sketchiteration builds upon the previous one, adding layers of detail until the image almost appears three-dimensional. These strokes are eventually transformed into intricate designs made from platinum, gold, enamel, and diamonds.
With this captivating exhibition approaching, Al Sulaiti says,“We look forward to presenting these precious works to our M7 audience, where they will appreciate both the craftsmanship and the pieces. We are particularly excited to showcase a group of Chaumet works featuring pearls, a symbol central to the identity of Qatar since the nation’s earliest days.”
Chaumet & Nature: Nature-Inspired Jewellery Since 1780 is on from November 1 to December 14 at M7 in Doha