Russian Royalty's Timeless Treasure: The Chaumet Lacis Tiara #1

The Chaumet Lacis Tiara, a masterpiece of French jewelry, has been a prized possession of the Russian royal family for over a century. This exquisite piece of artistry is a testament to the enduring legacy of the House of Chaumet, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. The tiara's intricate details and delicate filigree work are a marvel to behold, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that Chaumet is famous for. As we delve into the history of this magnificent piece, we will explore its significance and the role it has played in the lives of the Russian royal family. The Lacis Tiara was first presented to the Russian royal family in the late 19th century, a symbol of the strong diplomatic ties between France and Russia during that era. The tiara's beauty and craftsmanship were a reflection of the cultural exchange and artistic collaboration that characterized the relationship between the two nations. As we examine the tiara's history, we will uncover the stories of the royal family members who wore it, the events it was worn to, and the significance it held in their lives.

THE CHAUMET LACIS TIARA FOR PRINCESS VICTORIA ROMANOVNA

 

The Chaumet Lacis Tiara. Photograph (c) Chaumet.

In news that will delight royal jewellery watchers, the future Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanoff will be wearing a magnificent tiara created by Maison Chaumet when she marries Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia. Grand Duke George is the son of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, head of the Russian Imperial House, and Prince Franz-Wilhelm of Prussia. Victoria Romanovna Bettarini is the daughter of Ambassador and Sigra. Roberto Bettarini. Maison Chaumet has crafted exceptional tiaras, jewels, and timepieces at the very heart of the place Vendôme since 1780. The High Jewellery savoir-faire of the Maison has been passed down through generations of jewellers for almost 240 years. The bride-to-be of the heir to the Imperial House of Russia recently joined Jérôme Carron and David Nivière of Point de Vue when she visited Chaumet's Parisian headquarters to select her nuptial diadem. Victoria was presented with eleven tiaras, one of which was the Chaumet Bourbon-Parma Tiara, from which to made her choice. After consideration, Victoria Romanovna decided upon a piece that has never been worn before: the Lacis Tiara. 

Grand Duke George Mikhailovich and the future Princess Victoria Romanovna. Photograph (c) Russian Imperial Chancellery.

Maison Chaumet provides this description of the tiara:

Lacis tiara in white gold, set with one oval-cut D VVS1 diamond of 5.02 carats, one pear-shaped D VVS2 diamond of 2.21 carats and brilliant-cut diamonds.

A subtle interplay of light and transparency is orchestrated by the crossing of fils couteau mountings, an iconic virtuosity of the Maison which seems to render the metal structure invisible in order to let the stones sparkle.

Recalling the stone latticework and mashrabiyas of contemporary architecture, with its white gold interlacing Lacis delineates symmetrical and delicate jewellery while also suggesting maze of narrow streets. This modern reinterpretation of diamond mesh, an historic Chaumet signature, is especially striking in the form of a light tiara, a secret watch, and rings and bracelets with airy volumes.

The Lacis tiara took over 800 hours of work by Chaumet’s jewellers, polishers and gem-setters to create. The tiara's creation was completed in July 2020. The tiara is made of white gold and over 438 brilliant diamonds of varying sizes.

Source: Chaumet Lacis tiara

The Lacis Tiara.

Photograph (c) Chaumet.

A side view of the Lacis Tiara. Photograph (c) Chaumet.

In Point de Vue, Rebecca Victoria Romanovna Bettarini notes that she was particularly drawn to this piece as its shape recalls a kokoshnik, the traditional Russian headdress. The Lacis tiara was created by Benoît Verhulle, the Chaumet chef d'atelier. It will be a worthy addition to this historic Russian imperial wedding.

MAISON CHAUMET AND THE ROMANOVS

 

Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna Senior and the Chaumet Waterfall Tiara.

 

Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, wife of Grand Duke Vladimir (the brother of Tsar Alexander III and the uncle of Tsar Nicholas II), was certainly the Russian imperial client most in contact with Joseph Chaumet. The grand duchess's first major acquisition, in 1899, was a “waterfall” tiara typical of the jeweller’s designs: three clusters ended in dangling briolette-cut diamonds that gave the illusion of drops of water about to fall. Indeed, the Waterfall Tiara was intended as a gift from Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich to his wife on the occasion of their silver wedding anniversary. It is worth noting that Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna is the great-great-grandmother of Grand Duke George Mikhailovich.

Princess Irina Alexandrovna Yusupov wearing her Chaumet Sunburst Tiara.

Another notable Romanov client of Chaumet was Princess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia, Princess Yusupov, who arranged for all of the jewels she received for her wedding to be designed and created by the jewellery firm.

 

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For an English-language translation of the Point de Vue article, please see The Russian Legitimist. 

For an English-language interview with Monsieur Benoît Verhulle of Maison Chaumet, please see “The Chaumet method is to say that we will succeed."

As we conclude our exploration of the Chaumet Lacis Tiara, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of French jewelry and the significance of this exquisite piece in the history of the Russian royal family. The intricate details and delicate filigree work of the tiara are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs that Chaumet is renowned for. This masterpiece of French jewelry has been a prized possession of the Russian royal family for over a century, symbolizing the strong diplomatic ties between France and Russia during that era. The tiara's beauty and craftsmanship are a reflection of the cultural exchange and artistic collaboration that characterized the relationship between the two nations.

As we reflect on the Chaumet Lacis Tiara, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and honoring the cultural heritage of the past. This magnificent piece of jewelry is not only a symbol of the enduring legacy of French jewelry but also a reminder of the significant role that jewelry plays in our collective cultural identity. The Lacis Tiara is a treasure that transcends time and generations, and its beauty and craftsmanship continue to inspire and captivate us today. We hope that this article has provided a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chaumet Lacis Tiara and its significance in the history of the Russian royal family. We invite you to continue exploring the world of French jewelry and the rich cultural heritage that it represents.