As part of its Hortensia High Jewelry collection, Chaumet introduces the Voie Lactée brooch, a poetic interpretation of the Maison’s iconic hydrangea motif. The design features petals crafted from carved white chalcedony and pavé-set diamonds, while a deep blue sapphire pistil at the center evokes the serene beauty of a hydrangea garden under a summer night sky.
The Hortensia collection is inspired by French princess Hortense de Beauharnais. In the late 18th century, Chaumet created hydrangea-themed jewelry pieces named in her honor. This brooch reimagines that historical inspiration through a modern lens, blending heritage and artistry.
To capture the lush, clustered silhouette of hydrangea blossoms, the designer combined various materials and textures: petals rendered in pavé diamonds, cabochon white chalcedony, or sculpted white gold, each centered with a round diamond or sapphire pistil. The highlight is a fully hand-carved hydrangea bloom in white chalcedony, whose smooth, full-bodied petals convey softness and natural volume.
A slender, gently curved stem extends from the bloom, set with graduated diamonds that provide a sense of balance and graceful continuity to the composition.
