By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
This morning, Paris 2024 and Chaumet revealed the Olympic medals for the upcoming Games, which will take place in the city from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Paralympic Games will follow from August 28 to September 8. Designed by the prestigious jewelry house Chaumet and crafted by Monnaie de Paris, each of the 5,084 medals incorporates 18 grams of iron from the Eiffel Tower.
The Design and Concept
Inspiration and Collaboration
Joachim Roncin, Director of Design at Paris 2024, shared the unique idea that sparked the creation of these medals. “We came to Chaumet with a crazy idea,” Roncin said. “Why not include a little of the Eiffel Tower in the medals? The Chaumet team rose to the challenge and we are all very proud of the result.”
Material and Symbolism
The iron used in the medals comes from the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, sourced from material removed during the Tower's modernization and renovation. The medals feature a hexagonal piece of iron at their center, symbolizing France, also known as l’hexagone. This piece is set using gemstone setting techniques and is surrounded by a sunburst pattern, a signature Chaumet motif.
Benoît Verhulle, Head of Atelier at Chaumet, explained the symbolism: “The sunburst represents shining sporting achievement, French pride at hosting the Games, and Paris as the City of Light. When the light hits the medals, they really come alive.”
Design Details
Front and Back Design
The front of each medal is embossed with the Olympic flame and rings, while the back features the traditional Greek goddess of victory, Nike, alongside the Pantheon and the Olympic Rings. For this edition, the Eiffel Tower is also included. The Paralympic medals display the dates of the Games in International Braille and a stylized view of the Eiffel Tower seen from below.
Ribbons and Additional Features
The ribbons, specially designed and woven in France by Meyret, are integrated directly into the medals for a minimalist look. This innovative design marks the first time a jeweler has designed Olympic medals, with Chaumet drawing from its rich heritage and Parisian craftsmanship.
Historical Context and Preparation
A Century of Olympic History
One hundred years after the first Olympic Games in Paris, the city is preparing for a summer of sport across 13 key sites, including an open air arena at the Eiffel Tower for beach volleyball and Place de la Concorde for various events. For the first time, hospitality packages for the events are available to the public through U.S. firm On Location.
Chaumet’s Legacy
Chaumet’s headquarters on Place Vendôme hosted the medal presentation, a fitting location given the Maison’s historical significance. Antoine Arnault of LVMH Group, Chaumet's parent company, expressed pride in the project: “It’s the first time in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that a jeweler has designed the medals. The Maison Chaumet creative team has conceived each medal as a jewel.”
Athletes’ Involvement
Input from athletes was crucial in the design process. Martin Fourcade, Chairman of the Athletes Commission and former Olympic biathlon champion, emphasized the importance of the medals: “An Olympic medal is what has young sportspeople’s eyes shining. It had to be something really special. It’s the only material element that remains of my three Olympic Games.”
Medal Specifications
Weight: 529g (gold), 525g (silver), and 455g (bronze)
Diameter: 8.5cm
Depth: 9.2cm
Materials: Gold plated silver, solid silver, and a solid bronze alloy, all sustainably sourced
Unique Element: 18g of iron from the Eiffel Tower in each medal
Total Medals Produced: 5,084
The Paris 2024 Olympic medals, a blend of history, innovation, and craftsmanship, reflect the city's pride and its readiness to host a memorable summer of sport. As Antoine Arnault remarked, “LVMH is so proud to be part of this wonderful adventure! We hope that each athlete will enjoy wearing and admiring the medal as much as we enjoyed creating it for them.”
