Hermès, the iconic chaine d'ancre design

The birth of the “chaine d’ancre “ design :

In 1937, Robert Dumas - who later became CEO of Hermes in 1951 after the death of his father in law - by observing boats along the Normandy coast got interested by the design of the anchor holding them.

Hermès
Stamping on a “chaine d’ancre” tableware porcelain piece

Deeply inspired by this design, he quickly thought about turning this marine element into a jewelry design. Eventually Hermès released in 1938 the first “chaine d’ancre” bracelet which immediately became a huge success even though silver jewels weren’t that popular at that time.

Workers making the Titanic's anchor chain at Hingley & Sons, circa.1909

Ever since it has become an iconic design declined in multiple of variations such as rings, necklaces, earrings and so on and in various materials ranging from silver to gold combined with diamonds for the most luxurious pieces. We may also find this design printed on multiple items such as Carrés, tableware or apparel.