The history of high jewelry is often a dialogue between the earth’s treasures and the ethereal beauty of the natural world. In January 2026, Maison Chaumet unveiled its latest chapter in this ongoing narrative with the launch of Chaumet Envol. This high jewelry capsule collection, inspired by the freedom of flight and the poetic symbolism of wings, serves as a modern reinterpretation of a motif that has lived within the house’s archives for nearly 250 years. From the imperial eagles of Napoleon to the delicate aigrettes of the Belle Époque, the wing has always been a symbol of self-affirmation and grandeur for the Parisian jeweler.
With the debut of Chaumet Envol, the Maison invites its collectors to raise their gaze toward the azure sky. The collection is characterized by a signature palette of deep blues, achieved through a masterful application of Grand Feu enamel—a first for a recent entirely enamelled collection from the house. By blending these intense, luminous shades with the icy brilliance of diamonds and the velvety depth of Madagascar sapphires, Chaumet Envol captures the shifting light of the sky from the first break of dawn to the quiet mystery of midnight. It is a collection designed not just for adornment, but as an invitation to move freely and dream without boundaries.
The Masterpiece: The Aigrette Tiara
At the heart of the Chaumet Envol collection lies an exemplary technical feat: the Aigrette Tiara. This piece is a direct descendant of a 1910 translucent blue enamel wing tiara chosen by the American artist and collector Gertrude Payne Whitney. The 2026 version required over 850 hours of meticulous work to achieve its complex, transformable structure. Crafted in white gold and set with a stunning 4.39-carat Madagascar sapphire, the tiara can be worn in four distinct ways. It transforms from a traditional, extravagant headpiece into a bold, face-framing mask or separates into two individual brooches. This versatility is a hallmark of the Chaumet Envol philosophy, allowing the wearer to reinvent their appearance according to the moment.
The Mastery of Grand Feu Enamel
A defining characteristic of Chaumet Envol is the unprecedented focus on Grand Feu enamel. This technique involves firing powdered glass at extreme temperatures to create a permanent, lustrous finish. In this collection, the artisans at the Place Vendôme workshop have achieved a breathtaking dégradé effect, creating three distinct shades of blue that transition with the transparency of a summer sky. This enamel work provides the perfect backdrop for the “V-shape” necklace, where each element can be assembled or detached. The central 10.96-carat sapphire in the Chaumet Envol necklace can be removed and worn as a brooch, offering a minimalist alternative to the full, winged configuration.
Flight and Poetry: The Secret Watch
Beyond the necklaces and tiaras, the Chaumet Envol capsule features asymmetrical earrings and modular rings that play with the concept of movement. One of the most enchanting pieces is the winged “Secret Watch,” which can be styled as a pendant on a pearl sautoir or as a decorative tabletop object. Its articulated wings swivel to reveal a sodalite watch face, blending the precision of horology with the whimsy of high jewelry.
Every detail of Chaumet Envol reflects a dedication to artisanal excellence and creative freedom. As the collection travels from Paris to the world’s most exclusive boutiques, it reaffirms Chaumet’s position as a jeweler that doesn’t just craft luxury but captures the very essence of flight. Ultimately, Chaumet Envol is a celebration of the spirit that allows us to touch the stars.
Taking Flight
The Chaumet Envol collection serves as a vibrant reminder that high jewelry is at its best when it captures the intangible. By mastering the difficult art of Grand Feu enamel to depict the shifting blue of the sky, Chaumet has moved beyond static representation into the realm of Impressionistic art. This capsule is more than just a nod to Empress Joséphine’s naturalist leanings (which inspires it); it is a declaration of the Maison’s future, where traditional savoir-faire is used to create pieces that feel light, airy, and entirely unconstrained by the past. The success of Chaumet Envol lies in its ability to offer serious collectors something rare: a sense of playfulness paired with museum-grade craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, the Chaumet Envol capsule will likely be remembered for its daring use of color and its push toward bold, face-framing silhouettes like the aigrette mask. As collectors increasingly seek out high jewelry that offers multiple “lives” through transformation, the modularity of these winged designs sets a high bar for the industry. Whether worn as a traditional tiara or a modern brooch, each piece in the Chaumet Envol suite is a testament to the idea that true luxury is the freedom to reinvent oneself every time a jewel is donned.
Featured images: Chaumet
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