Lorenz Bäumer took a circuitous route to Place Vendôme, where his boutique now keeps company with the world's venerable haute joaillerie houses. The American-born, French-German diplomat's son studied engineering before beginning to design jewellery for the likes of Chanel, Cartier, Guerlain and Hermès. Most recently, he stepped down as the long-standing artistic director of Louis Vuitton fine jewellery, giving him even more time to focus on his own business. More than half of his designs are bespoke pieces – most famously a wedding tiara for Charlene, Princess of Monaco.

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