Charles Leung has been CEO of Chaumet since January 2024. A Sino-Parisian at heart, he cultivates a refreshingly free spirit, complemented by a lively intelligence and a sense of humor. Deeply attached to heritage, yet pragmatic and knowledgeable about the markets, he brings an unapologetic modernity to the more than two-century-old House. His unique approach, based on a new narrative dimension of love and nature, openness to the male world and ethical jewelry, imbues Chaumet with contemporary elegance. LUXUS PLUS met with him.
LUXUS PLUS: In today’s jewelry world, what is the strength of the Chaumet House?
Chaumet is a long-established House. Its experience, reputation, rich archives and the expertise of its workshops are its great strengths. For example, for the new Haute Joaillerie Jewels by Nature collection, we conducted extensive research in our archives, particularly on botany. For our customers, this link with our origins and our history is something very powerful. The Œillet necklace, the centerpiece of the collection, is inspired by a tiara created by Chaumet in 1905 for a customer who intended it for her daughter-in-law. I come from Hong Kong and in my culture, children give flowers to their mothers. This customer was, in a way, giving a bouquet back to her son’s wife. I found this story very touching. The current piece, set with a beautiful 36.44-carat Ceylon sapphire, features an asymmetrical composition of flowers, each interpreted differently but with balance and harmony in a V shape. The back of the necklace is very graphic and features beautiful filigree work. This is a technique that the House has always used extensively, and while it may not have invented it, it has certainly contributed to its development and improvement.
Drawing on our experience and heritage, we are now able to create very modern pieces and tell a real story to our customers, which they greatly appreciate. Chaumet represents Parisian good taste, elegance, discretion, and quality. I would say that this is what sets us apart from the competition.
L+: Chaumet is very well known in Asia. Is it the love story between Napoleon and Josephine that has won over Asian customers?
Of course. It’s a love story like few others in history. They are a legendary couple. Their love letters alone are very well known. They loved each other during a difficult period marked by years of war, and their story is fascinating. In a way, our House was a witness to this relationship (Marie-Etienne Nitot, an ancestor of the Chaumet House, was the jeweler to the imperial court and the official supplier to Empress Josephine – editor’s note). Asians find the story of this dramatic “French-style” passion captivating. Chaumet symbolizes the most beautiful tribute to love that could ever exist, and this has contributed greatly to building our narrative, particularly for tiaras and pieces inspired by tiaras. Our Joséphine collection is highly appreciated, not only in China, but also in Korea and Japan. (visual 3)
L+: What creative themes will you be developing?
Discover our plans Subscribe for 1€ Become an active member of the community of luxury leaders.
To continue reading this article, subscribe or log in to your account
Read also > How Chaumet’s Bee My Love collection is taking flight
Featured photo: © Chaumet
