Light touch: photographer Karen Collins captures Chaumet’s carefree mood

The relaxed free-spiritedness and sensuality typical of New York-based photographer Karen Collins’ work chimed with French high jeweller Chaumet. Now they have collaborated on a series of images marking the launch of its new Insolence collection, unveiled during Paris Couture week.
The series of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces takes inspiration from historic Chaumet bowknot designs, including a corsage brooch from 1922, in white gold, embellished with diamonds and pearls. An 1895 gouache of a brooch with asymmetric ribbon also has a light modernity that easily translates to today.
Necklace in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Historically, bowknot designs were careful symbols of eternal and binding affection, but Chaumet’s original 19th-century sketch evokes a more relaxed sensibility. It is that mood that Chaumet reflects in the Insolence collection, where bows are created with different sized loops, and twisted rose-gold rope is laced with gleaming diamond-set ribbons. That the rope appears to have been snipped with scissors in uneven lengths, like a friendship bracelet that never leaves the wrist, enhances the light mood.
Mixing precious metals gives the pieces everyday appeal, while Collins’ choice to shoot them on unadorned skin at an unspecified hour – be it morning, noon or night – perfectly captures the collection’s fresh, carefree mood.
Bracelet in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
Left, bracelet in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds. Right, earrings in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
Necklace in white and pink gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Chaumet website
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Waldorf Astoria Maldives rolls out a rare Ferrari joyride for guests
Waldorf Astoria Maldives, in partnership with Hedley Studios, allows guests to test-drive a scaled-down, all-electric version of Ferrari’s 250 Testa Rossa
-
Nothing pitches itself into the premium realm with its new flagship Nothing Phone (3)
The Nothing Phone (3) is a serious creative tool that brings fresh design, new features and a commitment to keeping tech fun
-
Nothing takes its first step into high-end audio with the new over-ear wireless Headphone (1)
Created in partnership with KEF, the Nothing Headphone (1) is designed to shake up the sector and present over-ear audio in a wholly new way
-
Botany meets Chaumet high jewellery in new Paris exhibition
New exhibition ‘Végétal – L’École de la beauté’ explores the botanist’s role in art
-
Through the lens of photographer Tino Chiwariro
‘Through the lens’ is our monthly series that throws the spotlight on photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors. Here we explore London-based Tino Chiwariro's vision further
-
Catherine Opie and Cindy Sherman make a cameo appearance in Venice
-
Glow getter: Cora Sheibani sparks a chemical reaction at Louisa Guinness Gallery
-
There’s hidden meanings pinned to Lin Cheung’s carved brooches
-
Steel pulse: a Paris exhibition homes in on the alchemic genius of Daniel Brush
-
Milan's Fragile gallery hosts a new exhibition of jewellery, designed by bold-faced artists
-
Van Cleef & Arpels: 'L'Art de la Haute Joaillerie' exhibition, Paris