aris, Vienna and New York in the years around 1900: Luxury and the joy of life was the ideal during the decades at the turn of the century. Whether in Europe or in the USA, the people revelled in wealth and splendour. Large precious stones reached capitals all over the world and were transformed by goldsmiths into jewellery of ease and elegance. Large gems, often diamonds, in exquisitely made fittings are a shining celebration of light and beauty.
All worries and fears about the future of society seemed forgotten for the moment. Both the middle class and the aristocracy celebrated a seemingly endless party in this Belle Époque, the “beautiful era” or “Gilded Age”, as it is nicknamed in the US. At the Moulin Rouge of Paris, the most beautiful dancers put a spell on their audience. Enamoured couples from the best of society met at the Ferris wheel in Vienna’s Prater. In London’s West End, Oscar Wilde’s latest theatre pieces offered occasions for celebration, while in New York, fabulously wealthy industry magnates threw parties at their lavish city palaces around Central Park where champagne flowed like water.
Jewellery of this era conveys this joy of life even today. Their forms often reflect the rediscovered international classicism of Napoleon, in which elegance and splendour had been the determining preferences. Greek meander, simple geometric shapes and delicate leaf ornaments replaced the renaissance and medieval forms of the former generation.
A special feature of many pieces of jewellery of the time is their versatility. The many parties and events required ladies to constantly look for a fitting set of jewellery. Large hair ornaments fascinate in that they are also worn as brooches and many brooches in turn can be worn as pendants. Let your curiosity dream of the surprises waiting for you here.
