Lot Essay
In their time, Peter Carl Faberg and Rene Lalique each demonstrated a unique vision that was much imitated, or sought to be. The attempts of others, who did not share the acute innate talent, to copy, usually just missed the mark. Even Cartier's attempts to reproduce the enamels of Faberg, for which they ordered colours from a Russian workshop, were sublime, but could not quite match the master's work.
Joel Rosenthal, referred to as JAR, is arguably the most gifted creator of the present generation. In spite of his extreme discretion, taken so far as to only having a small plaque engraved "JAR" announcing the location of his boutique, the elegance, the splendour, of JAR's jewels, even the most delicate, have rendered his attempts to maintain a guarded existence increasingly difficult.
What defines JAR's work are his superior craftsmanship, evocative of the quality of jewels of the 18th and 19th Centuries; his bold sense of proportion, often resulting in comparatively sculptural creations; and his propensity for incorporating shallow and unusual gemstones into his pieces. The creator's attention to detail is overwhelming. The self-imposed reflection involved in the creation of a jewel leads to years of meticulous work for just one jewel to be produced.
A visit to JAR reveals a beautiful ruby of circular shape, an unusual form for such a stone. Most would envision it set within a cluster. Only the magic and vision of JAR could create a pav-set hoop spelling the word "cerise" in scrolling script. Truly inspired, superbly executed jewels seem ever rarer today. An opportunity to feast one's eyes on the gem-laden violets of JAR's springtime in this collection should not be foregone.....
Joel Rosenthal, referred to as JAR, is arguably the most gifted creator of the present generation. In spite of his extreme discretion, taken so far as to only having a small plaque engraved "JAR" announcing the location of his boutique, the elegance, the splendour, of JAR's jewels, even the most delicate, have rendered his attempts to maintain a guarded existence increasingly difficult.
What defines JAR's work are his superior craftsmanship, evocative of the quality of jewels of the 18th and 19th Centuries; his bold sense of proportion, often resulting in comparatively sculptural creations; and his propensity for incorporating shallow and unusual gemstones into his pieces. The creator's attention to detail is overwhelming. The self-imposed reflection involved in the creation of a jewel leads to years of meticulous work for just one jewel to be produced.
A visit to JAR reveals a beautiful ruby of circular shape, an unusual form for such a stone. Most would envision it set within a cluster. Only the magic and vision of JAR could create a pav-set hoop spelling the word "cerise" in scrolling script. Truly inspired, superbly executed jewels seem ever rarer today. An opportunity to feast one's eyes on the gem-laden violets of JAR's springtime in this collection should not be foregone.....