art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Carlo Bugatti - Art Nouveau Master Cabinetmaker

The work of Carlo Bugatti and his important workshop marks in Italy the transition from the furniture culture of the late nineteenth century to the modern concept of design. This new concept finds in Bugatti's activity one of the most skilled interpreters, able to anticipate, in certain experiments of the beginning of the century, solutions of great modernity, which will enter current production only in the mid-twentieth century.

His work included unique and very expensive pieces of furniture for which precious woods are used as well as ivory, copper, mother of pearl, camel and fallow deer skin. Many of his most appreciated creations that harmonize well with the inclinations of exotic-Moorish taste typical of the time.

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Victorian snake earrings, 9 ct gold with ruby eyes. 1880s.

I am viscerally angry that these aren’t mine.

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Antique “Lover’s Eye” jewelry

In the 19th-Century, giving your lover a piece of jewelry featuring a painting of your eye was very popular. It was seen as an intimate gesture and a way of flirting discreetly. Because it was just the eye, someone could wear the jewelry without giving away that they were having an affair because it didn’t reveal the person’s identity. They first became popular around the time of the French Revolution. It was like giving your lover a part of yourself. 

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Lalique Fringe Necklace with Blister Pearls, about 1902-1903 | gold, enamel and pearl

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Lalique Carnation Pendant Brooch

Pendant brooch with pink carnations, 1901-1902 | gold, enamel, pink sapphire, and cast glass

[art-nouveau-belle-epoch-jewelry]

Lalique Pinecone Corsage Ornament

Side element of a corsage ornament with pinecones, 1900-1902 | gold, enamel and cast glass