One of the most admired jewelry artist in the world is Rene Lalique. Although known for his glass, his jewelry is magnificent. His inventive designs contributed to the popularity of the decorative arts in the 1890’s. His extraordinary jewelry, based on selecting a motif from nature, became very important to the popular Art Nouveau style.
While reading art catalog, I discovered that Lalique, unlike many other jewelry makers, spent several years studying art and later had an apprenticeship in the jeweler’s craft. Some of the most breathtaking pieces of jewelry by Lalique involved flowers, bugs and seeds. Lalique’s “A Bee and Flower Brooch” is a classic example of Lalique’s imagination and his influence from the French countryside. This small detailed piece of jewelry contains abalone, gold, enamel and glass.
Lalique’s jewelry is popular not only because of his creative designs but also he possessed a mastery of the techniques. It’s been said that he would accept only the highest quality in his work. His enameling is an excellent example of the high standards that Lalique possessed.
Lalique, a very important art jeweler and Art Nouveau designer died in 1945. There have been many great jewelry makers since Rene Lalique. My guess is that many have borrowed something from this great genius.
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