Cindy Bruna's Inner 'Joséphine' and Chaumet's Latest Jewelry Glamour

The House of Chaumet, based in Paris, releases its latest Joséphine collection, channeling the French empress and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The explosive — and very modern, even by French standards — love affair between Napoleon and Josephine is often cited as the most documented love story in history.

Empress Joséphine was the first eminent client of Marie-Etienne Nitot, Chaumet's founder. Learning his art as an apprentice to Aubert, court jeweler to Queen Marie-Antoinette, Nitot moved to Paris in 1780. After surviving the French Revolution, he was appointed jeweler to Emperor Napoleon, tasked with making jewelry symbolizing the power that Napoleon wished to convey.

An 18th century aristocrat, Empress Joséphine cherished memories of life on tropical islands like Martinique, where she was born. As Empress, she reinvented the codes of fashion and taste, popularizing her own vision of elegance on Parisian society.

Top model and longtime friend of the House of Chaumet, Cindy Bruna wears The ‘Joséphine Duo Éternel’ and ‘Joséphine Aigrette’ new additions to the collection. Jewelry pieces include tiaras and bracelets in rose or white gold options decorated with diamonds and aquamarines. Chaumet’s online presentation offers clients the opportunity to design their own stacking presentation of ‘Joséphine’ rings.

Every woman of privilege needs a tiara, and Chaumet offers a modern interpretation