Chaumet
LVMH · France
Chaumet is a Parisian jewellery house founded in 1780 by Marie-Etienne Nitot and owned by LVMH since 1999. It is known for tiaras and for being the first jeweller on Place Vendome, and it made the medals for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
| Founded | 1780 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Marie-Etienne Nitot |
| Owner | LVMH (since 1999) |
| Headquarters | 12 Place Vendome, Paris |
| Chief executive | Charles Leung (since January 2024) |
| Website | chaumet.com |
What is Chaumet?
Chaumet is a French luxury jeweller and watchmaker based at 12 Place Vendome in Paris, where it has been located since 1907. Its collections include Joséphine, Liens, Bee My Love, Attrape-moi...si tu m'aimes and 12 Vendome, plus watches such as Class One, introduced in 1998 as the first jewellery diving watch.
History
Marie-Etienne Nitot founded the house in 1780 and became official jeweller to Napoleon I in 1804, making pieces for Joséphine and Marie Louise. Joseph Chaumet took control in 1885, and the house became known for tiaras. It took part in the 1925 Exposition des Arts Decoratifs. LVMH's page notes that Chaumet was the first jeweller to set up on Place Vendome, in 1812, and that it reopened its renovated address at 12 Place Vendome in 2020 for its 240th anniversary. The house went bankrupt in 1987, when it was bought by Investcorp, and was acquired by LVMH in October 1999.
Business model and distribution
LVMH reports 94 boutiques worldwide. Wikipedia notes that a late-1990s attempt to enter the American market failed, so the house expanded through stores in Asia, where China accounted for about 25 per cent of sales at the time. Watch movements are manufactured in Switzerland and developed with partners including Jaeger-LeCoultre and Patek Philippe.
Leadership
LVMH names Charles Leung as chief executive. Wikipedia dates his appointment to January 2024.
Why it matters
Chaumet is one of the oldest jewellery houses in the world and a long-standing part of LVMH's watches and jewellery division. Its role in the 2024 Olympic medals brought it public attention, along with reported durability complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Chaumet?
Chaumet is owned by LVMH, which acquired the house in October 1999 after Investcorp had bought it in 1987.
Where is Chaumet from?
Chaumet is a French jeweller founded in Paris in 1780 and based at 12 Place Vendome.