Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Renoir Jewelry Styles - Nature in Metal

I have spoken about the famous copper designer Jerry Fels who founded the  Renoir  line of copper jewelry before.  In my opinion, he is second only to the master Rebajes who preceded him.

Renoir copper designs are well known for styles which had a huge influence from nature.  Many styles of leaves and flowers and animals ended up as Renoir creations.

Early Renoir pieces - those made between 1948 and 1951 bear the signature "hand Made, Renoir of California."  Pieces made after this were marked simply "Renoir.":

In the spring of 1952, The Renoir of California line was expanded when Fels introduced the Matisse Ltd line . These are some of my personal favorites from the Renoir lines. They combine the traditional copper with hand fired enamel for some spectacular looks.

Renoir jewelry is very collectible, in part because of their beauty, but in large part because of the quality.  The pieces that I have in my collection look as good as they must have when they were made.

As was common during the mid 19th century, many Renoir pieces had names attached to them.  (Sarah Coventry is another jewelry design which used this technique extensively.)

Here are a few of my favorite Renoir and Matisse Renoir designs.  All are available from my Vintage Jewelry Lane website in the copper category.

 

Matisse Renoir white and tan copper leaf Pin - Book Piece Called "Leaf"


Renoir Gathered Genuine Copper Earrings


Matisse Renoir copper and  enamel pin and earrings set called "Leaflet"


Renoir mid century copper brooch called "Tulip."


One of my Favorites - Matisse necklace and earrings set in sea foam and copper, called "California Dreaming."  Very collectible set.

If you would like more information on Renoir designs, my favorite reference book is called Copper Art Jewelry, A different Lustre" by Matthew L.Burkholz and Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan.  It is available from Amazon and other leading book retailers.

Do you have a favorite copper jewelry designer, or do you also love Renoir pieces?  I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below.

1 comment:

  1. We know that copper is the one of the best element for create jewelry.

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