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.

Jewelry Find of the Week - Matisse Renoir California Dreaming Set

Renoir was a California Jewelry Company who manufactured between 1946 and 1964. They specialized in solid copper jewelry featuring the Arts and Crafts style. Their pieces are distinctive with superior designs and of very high quality. Matisse was a subsidiary company which was establised in 1952 - often using copper with colorful enamel. Matisse Renoir pieces are highly collectible and much sought after.

I have recently aquired a wonderful Matisse Renoir Demi parure from the series called "California Dreaming." The name is so apt. Imagine yourself sunning on a beach in Surfside with fluffy power puff clouds floating overhead as the sun beats down on the surf and sand. The fine grains of the sand around you glisten in the morning sun and pick up the colors which abound.

This visual image describes my set beautifully. All of the pieces feature tiny bits of fused glass and enamel in a power pink color baked onto a copper background. The necklace is 16" long tip to tip and 7/8" wide and the earrings are 1" wide and have clip backs.

These are book pieces featured in the Book "Copper Art Jewelry," by Matthew L. Burkholz and Linda Lichtenberg Kaplan. The book makes note of the fact that very few of these sets remain in good condition, since they were not as durable as the kiln-hardened enamel work for which Matisse Renoir is so famous.

My set is in wonderful condition and would make a great addition to your Matisse Renoir copper collection. The California Dreaming Set is available from my Vintage Jewelry Lane set for $179.99. You can view close up pictures and more details of the set on the site.

The Healing Powers of Jewelry - Copper and Arthritis

I have a fascination for all things metaphysical. I read my horoscope, enjoy a tarot reading, meditate every day. Some of my interests are for fun, and some are part of my spirituality.

I have a strong conviction that the mind is capable of healing all sorts of diseases and ailments. I have used various healing techiques with success on more than one occasion in my life. So, when I started my jewelry blog, it was natural for me to start researching the healing qualities associated with various gemstones and jewelry.

Copper has long been associated with various healing qualities, particularly in the treatment of arthritis. The legends of using copper as a form of pain relief dates back some 10,000 years. Copper is a wonderful conductor of electricity and heat, so many believe in copper's power to heal the mind and body, based on these energy conducting properties. The metal also lends itself to spectacular jewelry design techniques such as this stuning Mohawk Trail Native American copper bracelet design.

During the 1970s, the use of copper as a healing agent began to increase in the US. In addition to the relief of pain from arthritis, copper is also thought to promote the smooth function of the glands, to alleviate cramps, reduce inflammation, aid in blood circulation, and to ensure that the joints remain in good condition.

Notable early designers of vintage copper jewelry are Rebajes, Matisse and Renoir. Both have resource books devoted to their designs. One particular book on my wish list at Amazon.com is Copper Art Jewelry: A Different Luster.

My website Vintage Jewelry Lane has a whole page devoted to vintage copper jewelry. My latest acquisition is this lovely copper leaf set by Matisse. This pretty set is an outstanding example of the enamel on copper jewelry produced during the 1960s. It is a book piece featured in both Copper Art Jewelry and Julia Carroll's book Collecting Cosutme Jewelry 101. All pieces are signed and it is in wonderful condition with very little wear. You can add this to your vintage jewelry copper collection for $110.00.