Hermès Anchor Chain: History and Meaning of this Iconic Jewel

A Marine Inspiration, an Avant-Garde Creation

In 1938, Robert Dumas, a member of the Hermès family, was inspired by a ship's anchor chain while walking along the quays of Normandy ports.

Robert Dumas' Innovation in Jewelry

The history of the Anchor Chain begins in 1809, when Captain Sir Samuel Brown equipped his ship with wrought iron chains to pull his anchor, replacing the hemp cables previously used.

But Robert Dumas wanted this jewel to be made of silver, a material that jewelers did not use at the time. He called upon the daring craftsman De Percin, who was the only one willing to work this metal.

A Hermès Jewel That Became Iconic

Since its launch in 1938, this cult jewel has met with immediate success and is available in the form of rings, necklaces, sautoirs in silver or set with diamonds, and more rarely in gold. It remains today one of the most emblematic products of the house of Hermès.