Point of authority
Franco-Russian novelist Andrei Makine’s election to the French Academy in March last year would not be complete without a sword, as tradition dictates. For this task, 11 high jewellery artisans of Chopard were called upon to capture the spirit of Makine’s character and the journey of his life in this ceremonial weapon.
Within the pommel one finds a famous figure in Russian folk tales, a transfigured princess in her frog form, set with 500 emeralds and 11 white diamonds. The knuckle guard, shaped like a quill carrying the author’s name, culminates beautifully at the cross guard and is presented in the form of a parchment. Within the hilt sits a rutilated quartz hourglass from which Fairmined-gold balls spill out, to represent the “elusive flight of time”.
This endeavour represents Chopard’s maiden association with the French Academy.
Makine was significantly involved in the fruition of his blade, providing sketches and inscriptions. The overriding icy theme, depicted from hilt to scabbard, is a nod to winter, his favourite season.
