Belle Epoque

Much like jewelry of the Georgian era, Victorian era jewelry is inspired by nature in its designs. In most cases early Victorian era designs are delicately and intricately etched into gold. Items like Lockets and brooches become very popular during the era.  Colored gemstones and diamonds are some of the most popular forms of jewelry worn by Royals and a those select people with an eye for fine detail. During...

David Webb, jewelry creator and designer of David Webb rings, bracelets and necklaces was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1925. He lived in a boarding house with his mother. The boarding house, known as the Carolina Bed & Breakfast, was run by his mother during the Great Depression. At the age of 17, David Webb moved to New York and in 1945, together with his partner Nina Silberstein, opened...

Jean Schlumberger, born into a family textile manufacturing family on January 24, 1907, loved the art of drawing. Dissuaded from this love of drawing, his family sent him to Berlin in 1930 to pursue a career in banking. The next year, defiant Schlumberger moved to Paris to “develop his artistic creativity”. Schlumberger enlisted in the French army during World War II, in England's army under General Charles de Gaulle and in...

Rene Bolvin, goldsmith and engraver, started his firm in 1890 after buying out several workshops such as Soufflot or Marret. In 1893, Bolvin married Jeanne Poiret, sister of famous fashion designer Paul Poiret, at which time they acquired several more workshops. Together they moved to 38 rue de Turbigo in Paris. Their first clients were Mellerio and Boucheron. By 1905, Boivin no longer needed to produce work for other firms....