Join me as I venture into the hallowed space where Louis Vuitton creates its amazing one-off jewels.
Just two years ago Louis Vuitton opened its first high jewellery boutique on Place Vendôme, and last month I had the opportunity to discuss with Hamdi Chatti, Vice President of Watches and Jewellery, what goes on behind the doors of the brand's high jewellery atelier.
The heart and soul of Louis Vuitton's jewels is found where few venture. The atelier, or workshop, is where Louis Vuitton's master craftsmen create the pieces that form the brand's high jewellery collections.
Many of the jewellers have been born into the trade, a learning process that requires thousands of hours of practice to perfect the intricate techniques involved in creating a piece of high jewellery. It is a science that often requires binocular microscopes to ensure that gemstones are set perfectly.
Come behind the scenes as Louis Vuitton opens the door to a very special world of jewellery making.
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One-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Emprise high jewellery pendant with a stunning 50-60ct amethyst, complemented by an aquamarine.
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Louis Vuitton white gold, emerald, onyx and diamond ring from the Chain Attraction collection.
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One-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Emprise high jewellery ring set with an old-fashioned four-facet cut green tourmaline, flanked by black lacquer.
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A one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Emprise high jewellery ring in white gold, set with an aquamarine surrounded by diamonds.
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A sketch of a high jewellery bracelet from Louis Vuitton's high jewellery Chain Attraction collection alongside the Tahitian pearls that will form part of it.
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One-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton Emprise high jewellery ring in gold, set with a single Heliodore surrounded by diamonds.
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Louis Vuitton white gold necklace, set with a 20.42ct greenish-blue tourmaline and a star-cut diamond alongside morganites, emeralds and diamonds, from the Chain Attraction collection.
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Louis Vuitton white gold necklace set with a 21.07ct imperial topaz, moonstones and diamonds from the Chain Attraction collection.
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With diamonds already set in place, a master jeweller solders a piece of the clasp.
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A 20.01ct mandarin garnet and garnet beads sit alongside the sketch for a high jewellery necklace in Louis Vuitton's Chain Attraction collection.
