Founded in the late 18th century, the jeweller Chaumet is renowned for fine design and quality, having provided jewels for the fashionable aristocracy and historic figures such as Napoleon and the Duchesse de Berry. This Garland style jewel with twin 'L' monogram was commissioned from Chaumet by Juan Antonio de Beistegui for his wife Dolores (Lolita) de Yturbe (1871-1939), also known as 'La Belle Mexicaine'. Many of Lolita's jewels were made by Chaumet and Cartier in the early 20th century and include this distinctive monogram. Juan Antonio and his wife divided their time between Paris, their elegant Villa Fal in Biarritz as well as Madrid, where he was the Mexican Ambassador.