Chaumet has made its mark as the first jeweler in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
The LVMH-owned creative team worked with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee. Led by Olympic canoeing champion Tony Estanguet to create the medals, they were first unveiled in February.
«This first ever Olympic medal created by a jeweler is emblematic of LVMH's role as a creative partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,» said Antoine Arnault of LVMH Image and Environment.
«In a close creative dialogue between Paris 2024 and Chaumet, the craftsmen of the house searched their archives and explored powerful symbols of Olympism to imagine a medal inspired by fine jewellery creations. Drawing on centuries of rich history, Chaumet is writing a new page that will remain etched in the Maison's legacy for eternity.».
One side of the medal pays tribute to Paris. The other side presents Chaumet's design heritage and the history of the Olympic Games.
«The design of the medal is as strong as it is bold. Perfectly suited to the athletes» sporting achievements," said LVMH.
The medal features a series of rays, symbolising the glamour of Paris, also known as the City of Light. With the medal's appearance designed to reflect the light.
«At the same time, it adds a special glow to the athletes who will wear the medals around their necks. These rays engraved on the metal give dynamism and life to this extraordinary object,» said LVMH.
According to tradition, the metals used were gold, silver and copper, but the designers added something special.
The hexagonal centre of each medal is an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, preserved during the monument's renovation. Allowing winners to keep a piece of Paris close to their hearts.
The iron centre was placed using a technique called «griffe setting». Which Chaumet uses for the gemstones in its high jewellery.
«This binding is reminiscent of the «Clous de Paris» pattern. That is, the pattern of nails found in fine jewellery. As well as the pattern of rivets on the Eiffel Tower itself,» the brand said.
The hexagon shape is intended to be a symbol of both France and Chaumet, which has often incorporated the octagonal shape into its jewellery.
The rear view is the same for all races. It depicts the history of the renaissance of the modern Olympic Games in Greece.
Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, is depicted against the backdrop of the Acropolis leaving the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Also in honour of the host city, the Eiffel Tower stands next to the Acropolis.
«For the return of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Paris 100 years later, we had to revive this symbol in an extraordinary way.» As Clémentine Massonnat, Chaumet's creative director, said in a video about the creative process.
Paris had previously hosted the 1924 Summer Olympics.
For the Paralympic medals, the Chaumet team received carte blanche, the brand said.
The front side depicts a view from the foot of the Eiffel Tower. As if a visitor or a Parisian is looking at it.
The «Paris 2024» inscription is also engraved in global Braille. For accessibility reasons and in honour of the French inventor of the language, Louis Braille.
The red or blue ribbons on the medals are inspired by the conical lines of the Eiffel Tower.
«More than a medal, it is also a combination of the most coveted object of the Games. But also the most iconic symbol of Paris and France, the Eiffel Tower,» said Estanguet, who is also president of Paris 2024.
«Thanks to Chaumet, the medal of the Paris 2024 Games becomes a true object of art. But also a jewel that brings together the glamour of Paris and the crowning glory of all those who will step onto the podium during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.».
Source: nationaljeweler.com
