See iconic Hermes Chaine d’ancre jewellery up close at this new exhibition in Singapore

The year was 1937. Robert Dumas, son-in-law of Hermes’ founder Thierry Hermes, was watching boats moored along the Normandy coast when the shape of the anchor chains caught his eye. Dumas found himself captivated by their simple design, consisting of a soft, rounded oval bisected in the middle with a line.

And so, a year later, this motif made its way onto a silver bracelet, produced by Hermes. The Chaine d’ancre has since become a recurring graphic element for the house, making its way onto accessories, bags and ready-to-wear. In jewellery, creative director Pierre Hardy has been creating fresh twists on the motif.

From now till Mar 3, you can view some of Hermes’ exceptional Chaine d’ancre jewellery creations at a special exhibition at Hermes Liat Towers. The exhibition is open to the public.

A total of 58 creations are on show, from a simple Chaine d’ancre bracelet in silver to more complex, stunning creations set with diamonds, or precious stones such as blue sapphires or black spinels. The scenography at the exhibition features an immersive experience into the oceanic world.

Must-sees include the Chaine d’ancre necklace in rose gold, set with an oval-cut 4.63 carat green tourmaline and a cabochon-cut 46.55 multicoloured tourmaline.

In the Chaine d’ancre Danae collection, the motif creates an illusion of reams of nautical chain welded together to make a rigid form.

There are fun ways to wear the jewellery too, exemplified by double rings and ear cuffs on display, as well as the the Chaine d’ancre Calypso earring, featuring a diamond stud worn on the lobe attached with a chain. 

Perhaps the most stunning creations of all are the Sacs Bijoux, in white and rose gold. Long strands of Chaine d’ancre links are weaved to form exquisite, functional mini bags that can be worn around the neck, on the wrist or over the shoulder. The white gold version features almost 12,000 diamonds, and took 1,400 hours to create.

The Hermes Chaine d’ancre exhibition is open to the public from now till Mar 3 at Hermes Liat Towers, Level 4. Entry is by appointment only at +65 6933 3222.