In true Parisian fashion, the medals at this summer’s Olympic Games in the French capital are not your average gold, silver, and bronze. For the first time, a high jeweler was commissioned to design the Olympic medals—and LVMH-owned maison Chaumet (which is also creating the medals for the Paralympics, to be held in Paris after the Olympics) went above and beyond by incorporating material from the Eiffel Tower into each and every medal.
The Eiffel Tower is also represented in engraving on the medals: featured to the right of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, on their reverse side. With the Olympic rings and flame depicted on the front side, the medals showcase images synonymous with both the Games and their host city.
Chaumet’s process to produce the medals involved selecting and refining Eiffel Tower iron fragments that were preserved during the structure’s renovation, then meticulously integrating them into the design. Thus the medals do not just reward athletic triumph but also serve as pieces of Parisian history, capturing the essence of the city while honoring the timeless tradition of the Games.
The 2024 Summer Olympics open this Friday and will last through Aug. 11. The Paralympics take place Aug. 28–Sept. 8 in Paris.
Chaumet’s medals celebrate both the spirit of the Games and the enduring allure of Paris through exquisite design and craftsmanship. The athletes likely don’t need more incentive to score a gold, silver, or bronze, but just in case, Chaumet is creating just that!
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