Empress attitude: Chaumet brings history to life

Parisian jeweller’s latest collections are a graceful tribute to Joséphine Bonaparte

Joséphine Ronde d’Aigrettes pieces by Chaumet
Joséphine Ronde d’Aigrettes pieces
(Image credit: Chaumet)

“I win the battles, Joséphine wins me the hearts,” so said Napoleon Bonaparte of his beloved wife. The first empress of France - who was born on the island of Martinique in 1763 - was one of the most prominent tastemakers of her age, known for her love of art, botany, fashion, jewellery and cute pugs. Hers was aptly named Fortune.

Although she wasn’t especially creative herself, Joséphine was intuitively drawn to fine and noble things; and, while she was no great beauty, her charm and grace were described as irresistible by all those who encountered her, not least Napoleon who famously wrote many paeans to the love of his life - until, of course, he set his sights on someone who could produce him an heir.

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