Art history of jewelry

Once Upon A Time There Was Jewelry Design

Rene Sim Lacaze Full

At the Origin of the Jewel: Design, History, Evolution and Technique.

You will observe how ‘‘a simple drawing’’ gives life to a jewelry creation.

Who are the authors of jewelry drawings, the “designers”? What techniques do they rely upon? What are the uses of jewelry drawings over time? In three sections, you will grasp the importance of beauty in jewelry design, from the 15ᵗʰ century to today. The jewelry art history teacher will unveil works that are as beautiful as they are remarkable.

The designer will give a contemporary point of view, relying upon her experience as a designer and gouacheuse in several Maisons on the Place Vendôme. She will show her tools and will show you one of her sketchbooks. 

You will then have the opportunity to handle the different types of materials used over the centuries and to leaf through several illustrated catalogues of gouachés, recently published by the Maisons in order to present their high jewelry collections.

About the Course

You will observe how ‘‘a simple drawing’’ gives life to a jewelry creation.

Who are the authors of jewelry drawings, the “designers”? What techniques do they rely upon? What are the uses of jewelry drawings over time? In three sections, you will grasp the importance of beauty in jewelry design, from the 15ᵗʰ century to today. The jewelry art history teacher will unveil works that are as beautiful as they are remarkable.

The designer will give a contemporary point of view, relying upon her experience as a designer and gouacheuse in several Maisons on the Place Vendôme. She will show her tools and will show you one of her sketchbooks. 

You will then have the opportunity to handle the different types of materials used over the centuries and to leaf through several illustrated catalogues of gouachés, recently published by the Maisons in order to present their high jewelry collections.

Studio Brédillard - Hatot Design of a pendant with chain

Studio Brédillard - Hatot
Design of a pendant with chain
Gouache on board
circa 1911
Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Culture Fund
Photo Benjamin Chelly

Studio Brédillard - Hatot Design of a neoclassical-style keychain

Studio Brédillard - Hatot
Design of a neoclassical-style keychain
Gouache on plastic material, mounted on brown board
circa 1911
Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Culture Fund
Photo Benjamin Chelly

René Lalique (1860-1945) Drawing of a “Hortensias” tiara. Pencil, ink and gouache on vegetal paper B F K – Rives, circa 1900, Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry Culture Fund.

Sit back and relax

  • This course is taught by a jewelry art historian and a designer.
  • This course is given in English with Japanese simultaneous interpretations for all sessions.
  • You are welcomed by your teachers before the class starts: a chance to meet each other and share experiences.
  • Coffee, tea, and pastries are offered upon your arrival.
  • You don’t need to bring any specific material.
  • A certificate is given at the end of the class.
  • Participate in the courses “The Gouaché in High Jewelry 1: The Light”, and “The Gouaché in High Jewelry 2: The Color’, to initiate yourself into jewelry design practices, and to deepen your understanding of its importance in the creative process.

Notes

  • Please refrain from booking the same lecture more than once or booking multiple lectures that are held during the same time slot.
  • Applying by a person, who is not the attendee, is possible, but we ask that the attendee's e-mail address should be registered at the time of application.
  • For each lecture that has reached its maximum capacity, we offer an availability inquiry service (in case of cancellation). This service is available on the details page of the lecture.
  • Cancellations received at least 7 days prior to the lecture will be fully refunded. Please contact us via email contact form in the L'ECOLE website.