French Jewelry - Everyone has individual preferences regarding the jewelry. French jewelry, however, is particularly popular. Known for its exquisite curves, unique artistry and attention to detail, the jewels of France is a luxury all over the world.
The history of French jewelry
From the manufacture of jewelry is one of the oldest professions in the world, the French have been perfecting their craft for over a thousand years. In medieval times, French royalty wore jewelry as a status symbol. In fact, when farmers and commoners tried to use the jewelry itself, several laws were passed that forbade them to use some pieces of luxury. These were known as sumptuary laws, which basically meant that the French nobility wanted the privilege of wearing jewelry to be completely alone.
With ordinary citizens left out of the market, jewelry manufacturing in France had held for centuries. However, in the 19th century, Napoleon changed all that. As part of its new French Empire, Napoleon was focused on the creation of a tribunal to draw up, fantasy. Display of wealth and prestige became the norm, and the manufacture of jewelry was recovered soon. The French jewelry market was back in full swing!
Since then, France has created the entire name in the jewelry industry worldwide. Not only has created several unique styles, but their jewelry companies are among the best in the world.
Art Nouveau
France is the cradle of Art Nouveau movement. In jewelry, art nouveau means that parts are organic lines, elegant, often leading to majestic forms, such as birds or flowers. Unfortunately, this style eventually became so popular that his pieces were mass produced, making it look cheap. However, some purists still go and admire the Art Nouveau jewelry of today, inspired by artists such as René Lalique.
Art Deco
Is supposed to represent modernity and functionality, Art Deco emerged in France around the same time as the art nouveau. His influence on French jewelry was negligible, and eventually came to be seen as representing a "false" the form of luxury. Like the art nouveau, which fell out of fashion, although it has undergone several brief resurgence during the last century.
Modern French Jewelry
Before the Second World War, dominated European art and jewelry in the world. In the decades following the war, however, the French were gradually replaced by American culture. As such gems, the French lost some of its prestige between 1940 and 1970. Since then, seem to have made a comeback.
Led by newcomers like Lorenz Baumer, who sees her jewelry as "an experience" French modern jewelry is presented in exhibitions around the world. Incorporating many unique styles and focuses on color and creativity.
French jewelry firms
In addition to the famous art movements, France is home to some of the best jewelry designers in the world. Famous for their pins, necklaces and watches, Cartier SA was formed in 1847 in Paris. Other companies, including Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, are also world renowned. In the past, customers of these companies jewelry included kings, queens, and Hollywood celebrities. Today is one of the most prestigious jewelry companies in the world with over 200 stores worldwide.
French jewelry prices
This prestige has a price. To wear the same jewelry as royalty, should also have as much money as they do. Consequently, the French jewelry can be some of the most expensive in the world. As with anything, prices vary according to the subject cut, clarity, color and design. However, like most strong brands, which often pay more for the name, then you make the quality of the actual product.
Jewelry mysterious French - the Hope Diamond
You can not have a discussion in French jewelry, not to mention the famous Hope Diamond. Originally called "Le Bleu de France," the Hope Diamond is known for both its size and supposed curse. A 45.52-carat diamond weighs approximately 9.10 grams.
However, the Hope Diamond was supposedly carved from a mysterious stone, the larger called "The Blue French", which was 67 carats. That stone belonged to several members of the French royal family, like King Louis XIV and Louis XV. However, there was a period in history where the huge diamond disappeared. While "The French Blue 'was not found again, the Hope Diamond is strongly believed that half of this famous piece.
After being transferred between several states and individuals, the end of the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian, where he is currently on display.
Was there ever any truth to the curse of the Hope Diamond? Despite rumors of numerous publications and the curse that seems to be completely false. A newspaper article, for example, said the owner of the Hope Diamond was tragically killed in a mysterious shipwreck. Further investigation, however, revealed that someone of the same name, had died, not the real owner. Over the years, the supposed curse is built on stories like this, each of them is less certain than the last.
The Taj Mahal diamond necklace
Another famous French jewelry piece is the Taj Mahal diamond necklace. Originally given to the wife of Shah Jahan Mogul of India in the 17th century, this exquisite diamond necklace by Cartier was redesigned into a beautiful diamond necklace. The piece became especially popular after the actor Richard Burton gave to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, for his birthday party for forty years, after which he became known as the Taylor-Burton diamond. When asked about the gift made, Burton said she wanted to buy the actual Taj Mahal, but it would have been too costly to transport. Today, the work belongs to the famous Frenchman Robert Mouawad.
French jewelry has come a long way since medieval times. Despite being eliminated at various points in history, the French designers have always found ways to innovate and expand. Finally, all this hard work has given the nation a recognizable name, powerful in the jewelry industry. With numerous awards, prestigious companies, and creative designers, France is without doubt one of the best jewelry producing countries in the world.
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