Rare René Lalique Art Nouveau Pearl and Enamel Ring, ca. 1900

This beautiful Art Nouveau ring features two greenish window-enamelled leafs and a freshwater pearl button in the center, accented with several smaller diamonds. When held up to the light, the enamels appear as translucent windows stretched between the gold outlines of the design. This delicate enamelling technique, described as ‘plique-à-jour’ was known to Medieval and Renaissance goldsmiths, and underwent a revival in late 19th-century jewellery, for which Lalique is most famous for.

René Lalique (1860 - 1945) is one of the most well-known artists of his time and is a cornerstone of the Art Nouveau period. He started his apprenticeship at an early age with the jeweller Louis Aucoc, and continued to work as a freelancer for Boucheron and Cartier, after which he starts his own company in 1885. Ever since he becomes famous throughout France and the world for his beautiful work and also exhibits at the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1900. Lalique never used very valuable gemstones, but always focused on the very fine craftsmanship and the art, featuring nature and floral motifs. In 1911 he moves from jewellery design into producing glass objects such as vases, tableware and perfume bottles. In the 1920s he adapts to the Art Deco movement and starts taking on high-profiled interior design commissions, such as the Pullman Express train, Champs Elysées fountains or designing for the Japanese Royal family. Today his jewellery works are featured in various museums throughout the world and all his jewellery pieces are highly sought after.

Ring size 6.5 (US), makers marks, French hallmarks