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Since the Gilded Age, Americans have collected French jewelry for its innovative design and superb workmanship. Whether they acquired them as works of art, such as the Lalique pieces bought by Henry Walters from the Saint Louis Exposition of 1904, or for wearing, such as the Cartier pieces belonging to Marjorie Merriweather Post, Americans have bought French jewelry for its a reputation of being the finest in the world.
This exhibition celebrates the astonishing inspiration, refined workmanship, and variety of French jewelry from the Art Nouveau period at the beginning of the 20th century to contemporary pieces. Featured in the show are works by the most famous Parisian jewelers. They begin with the sensuous Art Nouveau forms of René Lalique and Georges Fouquet, followed by the daring and exotic creations of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels in the Art Deco era, and finishing with the ingenious and beautifully made designs of JAR in the late 20th century.
Drawn entirely from American collections, this exhibition features more than 180 pieces from public museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Hillwood Museum and Gardens in Washington, D. C., as well as pieces from private collections, including those of Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Iris Cantor. A fully illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition. Other Venues
Masterpieces of French Jewelry has previously been exhibited at the Forbes Galleries, in New York, from 23 September 2006 through 6 January 2007. Organizer
Masterpieces of French Jewelry is organized by the National Jewelry Institute. Credit Line
The exhibition is generously supported by AXA Art Insurance Corporation, Christie's, Boucheron, The Citigroup Private Bank, and Piper-Heidsieck. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, is the official hotel partner. Special thanks to CIRCA, the opening event sponsor.
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