Insolence, a behaviour that usually solicits finger wagging and tut-tutting, takes on a delightful new role at the heart of Chaumet’s collection of high and fine jewellery, presented during Paris Couture Week in January.
The bow, a traditional symbol of love, gets a Millennial makeover that is as much about tying as untying; a naughty wink to the dénouement about to unfold behind closed doors.
Chaumet’s Insolence jewels, which include this delicate diamond bracelet in white and rose gold, breathe new life into the traditional bow motif (POA).
Chaumet’s Insolence updates the tradition of bow jewels that so delighted Queen Marie-Antoinette and the romantic garlands of the Belle Epoque era, both beautiful examples of the style of capturing freshly tied ribbons in precious materials. The bow was also popular with the Victorians, who were fond of jewels that expressed a sentiment, and Queen Elizabeth II is often seen wearing Queen Victoria’s bow brooches made by Garrard in 1858.
The Chaumet Insolence necklace breaks with tradition as it can also be worn down the back of the neck (POA).
Chaumet’s Insolence earrings (large version) feature lightly tied knots that dangle provocatively from the lobe and sparkle with two brilliant-cut diamonds (POA).
Chaumet’s Insolence jewels, which include this delicate diamond bracelet in white and rose gold, breathe new life into the traditional bow motif (POA).
A diamond ribbon is lightly tied around a rose gold chain in Chaumet’s new Insolence necklace (POA).
Conveying the idea of untying, Chaumet’s Insolence jewels are flirtatious in their suggestion of a lightly tied bow, waiting to be undone (POA).
Chaumet's Insolence ring sits on the finger like a lightly tied bow. This model is crafted from white and pink gold and set with diamonds (POA).
This corsage brooch, created by Joseph Chaumet in 1922, reminds us of the maison’s history of making bow-shaped jewels.
Circa 1895, this asymmetric bow knot brooch is an early example of Chaumet’s use of the motif.
The Chaumet Insolence high jewellery necklace features a rose gold chain and two white gold chains encrusted with diamonds (POA).
Rose and white gold are intertwined to create this delicate Insolence bow brooch in the traditional Chaumet style (POA).
The sensuality of Chaumet’s Insolence jewels is captured by American photographer Karen Collins (POA).
In Chaumet’s hands, the bow is now infused with a frisson of suggestion. A rose gold rope and a diamond ribbon are entwined in the loosest of knots – a graceful union that, with one little tug, could unravel a whole new chapter of intimacy.
American photographer Karen Collins was chosen by Chaumet to capture the hedonistic pleasure of Insolence in a series of photographs showing the jewels on the skin.
The pictures capture how the bows drape loosely around the body and suspend sizeable brilliant-cut diamonds for a truly insolent take on high jewellery. Voluptuous earrings provocatively graze the neck and rings languidly encircle the finger, while the necklace can be worn seductively adorning the back.
Chaumet’s Insolence earrings (large version) feature lightly tied knots that dangle provocatively from the lobe and sparkle with two brilliant-cut diamonds (POA).
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After many years as a freelance journalist and editor specialising in watches and jewellery, together with Christine Pasquier, Maria founded The Jewellery Editor. Maria’s work appears in a wide variety of notable publications, including the Financial Times, Intelligent Life, Telegraph ...
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